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Washington State Guide

Washington GAP Insurance Refund: Your Rights Under RCW 48.160

Last reviewed: August 2026

Quick answer: Washington law (RCW ch. 48.160) requires a refund of the unearned portion of your GAP coverage after the free-look period — but you must submit a written request within 90 days of the event terminating the finance agreement.

⚠ Washington requires you to request your refund within 90 days — act promptly.

If you don't submit the request in time, you may lose your right to a refund even though the unearned portion exists.

New to GAP refunds? Learn how a gap insurance refund works, and see how long does a gap insurance refund take in your state.

The statute

RCW ch. 48.160

Refund of the unearned portion after the free-look period, upon a written request within 90 days of the event terminating the finance agreement.

The 90-day deadline

Washington requires a written request within 90 days of the event terminating the finance agreement (payoff, sale, refinance, or total loss). Act promptly — the window is short.

The refund of the unearned portion is available after the free-look period, but only if you submit a written request within that 90-day window.

Refund trigger events

  • Early payoff / prepayment
  • Refinance
  • Sale or trade-in
  • Total loss
  • Repossession (early termination)
  • Voluntary cancellation (written request)

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If your refund is denied or ignored

Lender, finance company, or insurer won't refund

File a complaint with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner at insurance.wa.gov. If your lender is a national bank, complaints go to the federal CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

And if we prepared and submitted your claim, our Service-Fee Refund Guarantee applies: a formal denial or no response after our full follow-up process means your $79 comes back.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Washington GAP refund automatic?

No. Under RCW ch. 48.160, you must submit a written request within 90 days of the event terminating the finance agreement.

What if I miss the 90-day window?

If you don't submit the request in time, you may lose your right to a refund even though the unearned portion exists.

Ready to check your Washington refund?

Our free calculator applies Washington rules to your contract details and estimates your refund in about two minutes.

Important Notice

This page is general information about Washington law, not legal advice. GapInsuranceRefunds.com is a document-preparation and claim-assistance service, not a law firm. Refund amounts depend on your contract terms, dates, and individual circumstances. Primary authority: RCW ch. 48.160.

See how your state compares: GAP refund laws in all 50 states.