The difference between New Car Replacement and GAP Insurance is this: GAP Insurance only pays the difference between what a person owes on their leasing contract and the vehicle’s actual cash value at the time of the loss. This means that you don’t owe anything for that vehicle but also aren’t left with anything to put towards a new one. A New Car Replacement policy pays the difference between the Actual Cash Value settlement received by the Lessor from the Primary Insurer, and the cost of the same make, model, and trim level vehicle, in the newest model year available. The New Car Replacement policy settlement can then be applied to a new lease or finance contract as a down payment towards the replacement vehicle.