ALA Insurance Brokers

ALA Insurance Brokers: GAP insurance and complementary car cover

ALA Insurance Brokers is a UK insurance broker focused on motor-related products. Its main offering is GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance, cover that financially protects the policyholder in the event of total loss of the vehicle, covering the difference between what the comprehensive insurer pays out and the purchase price or outstanding finance. The company offers several types of this policy and presents them with a best price guarantee against comparable online quotes.

Types of GAP insurance

The broker's catalogue distinguishes several products according to the method of purchase and the type of vehicle:

• Return to Invoice Plus and Back to Invoice GAP Insurance
• Vehicle Replacement GAP Insurance
• Contract Hire Plus GAP Insurance
• Agreed Value GAP Insurance
• Van & Commercial Vehicle GAP Insurance
• Fleet GAP Insurance
• Motorhome GAP Insurance
• Taxi GAP Insurance

The cover is aimed at both new and used cars, whether bought outright, financed or leased, and includes taxis, standard delivery vehicles and driving school vehicles. The firm states that policies allow transfers and cancellations at no cost, as well as a contribution towards car hire after a total loss.

Shortfall calculator and transparent purchasing

The website includes a GAP shortfall calculator that, based on the original purchase price and years of ownership, illustratively shows how much might be left uncovered by the comprehensive insurer. The example provided on the page itself assumes 55% depreciation over three years and warns that it is not a vehicle valuation or an estimate of the insurer's settlement. The company also publishes a guide on how GAP works, its exclusions and the circumstances in which it may be useful, and offers quotes filtered by manufacturer.

Used vehicle warranties

Alongside GAP, ALA offers a used car warranty designed to cover repairs for sudden mechanical or electrical failures once the manufacturer's warranty has expired. The Extended Warranty is structured in three levels of cover; the Platinum level includes wear and tear protection and covers vehicles up to 150,000 miles or 16 years old. The firm highlights that it requires no pre-inspection, applies no excess and adds free breakdown cover with every warranty. There is also a specific version for electric vehicles and another for vans.

Breakdown cover and complementary insurance

ALA's Breakdown Cover offers roadside assistance and, depending on the level chosen, recovery to the nearest garage or to the chosen destination, with onward travel options and European cover. It is organised into four levels, with prices from £45, and the company states it has a network of over 3,000 assistance vehicles and permanent telephone support.

The rest of the offering includes Keycare, insurance that covers the cost of replacing locks, keys and locksmith services for lost or stolen home and car keys, with a claim limit of up to £1,500, no excess and a 24/7 emergency line and global cover; a smart fob or standard fob depending on the option. There are also car excess insurance, short-term motor insurance, scratch and dent insurance, tyre and alloy wheel insurance, cycle insurance and pothole insurance.

Regulatory backing and ratings

The broker states that its products are insured and protected by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and that it works with insurers such as Hiscox and Financial & Legal. Among the arguments it uses to present itself are a 99% claims pay-out rate, a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, £500 excess cover and savings of up to 75% compared to dealerships. The company says its policies have been recommended by media such as The Car Expert, Honest John and What Car?.

Customer service

The firm provides telephone support and offers the possibility to request a callback or retrieve a previous quote. It has a general email address and a specific one for complaints, and its opening hours are Monday to Friday morning and afternoon, and Saturday morning, remaining closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

Location and contact

Phone: 01653 916304 · Email: info@ala.co.uk