Get ready to secure the financing for your new car: Auto-Owners does offer gap insurance for leased vehicles and car loans!

The exact cost of gap insurance from Auto-Owners can vary, but you’re almost always better off buying gap insurance from an insurance company rather than through your dealership. Car dealers will typically add the cost of gap insurance to your financing, which means it will also accrue interest. Meanwhile, the average cost of gap insurance from a licensed provider is only $20 to $40 per month.

Cars lose a lot of value in their first year, creating a period when your loan balance will be higher than the actual cash value of your car—which could mean bad news if your car is totaled. While you won’t need it forever, gap insurance will protect your finances for the first few years.

While it may be convenient to purchase gap insurance for a new car from your current provider, you may want to compare other offers, first. Shopping around for new car insurance is always a good idea when you change your car, since you may be able to find a cheaper rate for your new vehicle with a different company.

MORE: How to cancel gap insurance and get a refund