Ever fumbled for your phone that slipped into that annoying gap between your car seat and center console? That moment of panic while driving is not just frustrating—it’s dangerous. This common problem inspired the creation of the Drop Stop, a simple yet ingenious solution that has prevented countless distractions on the road since its launch.
What is the Drop Stop Car Seat Gap Filler?
The Drop Stop is a patented car seat gap filler designed to block the space between your vehicle’s seats and center console. Made from high-grade neoprene encased in polyester, this flexible sleeve-like device slides into place to prevent phones, keys, change, and other items from falling into the dreaded “car seat gap of doom.”
Originally featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, the product secured a deal with Lori Greiner, who helped transform this simple idea into a multi-million dollar success story. The Drop Stop has since become the #1 bestseller in Automotive Seat Cover Accessories on Amazon with over 68,000 verified customer reviews.
The Inventors Behind Drop Stop and Their Shark Tank Journey
Drop Stop was created by entrepreneurs Marc Newburger and Jeffrey Simon after Marc nearly had an accident while reaching for his phone that had fallen between his car seat and center console. This near-miss inspired them to solve a problem faced by virtually every driver.
In 2013, they appeared on Shark Tank seeking $300,000 for 15% of their company. Their passionate pitch and already-proven sales record impressed Lori Greiner, who offered them a deal of $300,000 for 20% equity. With Lori’s help, Drop Stop expanded its retail presence and marketing reach, growing from a $1.3 million company to reportedly over $24 million in sales after the Shark Tank appearance.
Why Do You Need a Car Seat Gap Filler?
According to driving safety statistics, 80% of all accidents occur when drivers take their eyes off the road for just three seconds or less. Distracted driving has become the #1 cause of accidents and road fatalities.
When your phone, keys, or other items fall into the seat gap, the natural instinct is to reach down to retrieve them—taking your attention away from driving. Beyond the safety concerns, retrieving items from this narrow space is frustrating and sometimes impossible without stopping and adjusting your seat.
Items that commonly disappear into seat gaps include:
- Smartphones
- Keys
- Credit cards and IDs
- Coins and change
- Jewelry and watches
- Food items and candy
- Pens and small accessories
What Comes in the Drop Stop Package?
Each Drop Stop package includes:
- 2 Drop Stop gap fillers (one for driver side, one for passenger side)
- 1 Slide Free Pad (dashboard non-slip mat)
- 1 LED Credit Card Light
- Instruction manual
The Slide Free Pad is a sticky, washable mat that prevents items from sliding across your dashboard or console. The slim LED Credit Card Light provides illumination when you need to search for items in dark areas of your vehicle.
How Does the Drop Stop Work?
Step 1: Positioning the Drop Stop Correctly
The Drop Stop is designed to align with the seat gap, with the built-in slot facing toward the seat belt catch. Position it at the front of the gap, ensuring the wider part covers the area where the gap typically starts.
Step 2: Securing to the Seat Belt Catch
Slide the built-in slot in the Drop Stop over the seat belt catch. This anchor point ensures the Drop Stop stays in place and moves with your seat when adjusted.
Step 3: Adjusting for Different Gap Sizes
The neoprene material allows the Drop Stop to compress or expand, accommodating various gap sizes. Once positioned, the flexible material will naturally fill the available space between your seat and console.
Step 4: Testing the Installation
After installation, verify the Drop Stop is securely in place by adjusting your seat forward and backward. The gap filler should move with the seat without coming loose. Test the effectiveness by placing a small item (like a coin) near the gap to ensure it doesn’t fall through.
Is the Drop Stop Compatible with Your Vehicle?
Drop Stop claims to fit “any vehicle that has the configuration of a seat and center console with a gap in between.” This universal design works with:
- Passenger cars (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks)
- SUVs and crossovers
- Pickup trucks
- Minivans
- Most commercial vehicles
During testing, I found the Drop Stop performed well in various vehicles including a 2025 Dodge Ram, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Civic. The adaptable neoprene material effectively fills gaps of different sizes without issue.
What Makes the Drop Stop Different from Generic Gap Fillers?
Unlike cheaper foam or plastic alternatives, the Drop Stop features:
- Patented design that attaches to the seat belt catch
- High-grade neoprene that won’t degrade over time
- Ability to move with the seat during adjustments
- Complete coverage around and behind the seat belt catch
- Universal black color that blends with virtually any interior
- Lifetime durability without falling apart
Generic gap fillers typically lack the seat belt attachment feature, which means they often slip out of place when adjusting the seat. They also tend to use lower-quality materials that compress or deteriorate over time.
How Effective is the Drop Stop at Preventing Items from Falling?
During my testing across multiple vehicles, the Drop Stop provided 100% prevention of items falling into the seat gap, including:
- Smartphones of various sizes
- Key fobs and key rings
- Credit cards and business cards
- Loose change (even small coins like dimes)
- Food items like fries and candy
- Pens and small accessories
The product’s effectiveness comes from its complete coverage of the gap area and its ability to compress when items press against it while maintaining its position.
How Durable is the Drop Stop Over Time?
After three months of daily use including frequent seat adjustments, the Drop Stop showed minimal signs of wear. The high-grade neoprene material maintains its shape and flexibility even with constant compression and movement.
According to long-term users, many report their Drop Stops functioning perfectly after 3-5 years of continuous use. The manufacturer claims the product “will never fall apart and lasts a lifetime,” which seems credible based on the material quality and construction.
The polyester outer layer prevents fraying and maintains the product’s appearance over time, while the inner neoprene provides the necessary flexibility and cushioning.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Drop Stop?
Pros:
- Effectively prevents items from falling into seat gaps
- Easy installation takes less than 2 minutes per side
- Moves with the seat during adjustments
- Universal fit works in most vehicles
- Durable construction lasts for years
- Includes useful bonus items (Slide Free Pad and LED light)
- Black color blends with most car interiors
Cons:
- Fabric material can collect dust and crumbs over time
- $24.99 price point is higher than some non-branded alternatives
- May require occasional readjustment in vehicles with unusual gap configurations
- Some users report difficulty cleaning the neoprene material
Is the Slide Free Pad Actually Useful?
The included Slide Free Pad provides surprising utility beyond just being a bonus item. This sticky, washable mat effectively prevents phones, sunglasses, and other items from sliding off the dashboard or console during turns or sudden stops.
In testing, the pad held items securely in place during sharp turns and quick stops. The material leaves no residue on surfaces or items placed on it, and when it collects dust and loses stickiness, a simple rinse with water restores its grip.
While not the primary selling point of the Drop Stop package, the Slide Free Pad delivers practical value, especially for drivers who prefer not to use bulkier phone mounts but want to keep their device visible for navigation.
How Functional is the Included Light Feature?
The LED Credit Card Light included with the Drop Stop is surprisingly bright for its compact size. The slim design allows it to fit in a wallet or glove compartment, making it readily available when needed.
During testing, the light provided sufficient illumination to search for items that might have fallen into hard-to-see areas of the vehicle. The battery life is decent for occasional use, though it’s not intended as a primary flashlight.
While not a critical component of the gap filler functionality, the light represents a thoughtful addition to the package that enhances the overall value proposition.
Does the Drop Stop Affect Seat Comfort or Movement?
One of the Drop Stop’s key advantages is its minimal impact on seat function and comfort. Once installed, most users report they don’t even notice it’s there.
During testing in vehicles with both manual and power seats, the Drop Stop:
- Did not interfere with seat adjustment mechanisms
- Maintained its position during seat movement
- Created no noticeable change in seat cushion comfort
- Did not affect seat belt function or accessibility
The slim profile and flexible material make the Drop Stop virtually undetectable from a comfort perspective while maintaining its gap-blocking functionality.
How Easy is it to Clean and Maintain the Drop Stop?
The neoprene and polyester construction of the Drop Stop makes it relatively low-maintenance, though the fabric surface does collect dust and small debris over time.
For basic cleaning:
- Remove the Drop Stop from the vehicle
- Wipe with a damp cloth to remove surface dust and debris
- For deeper cleaning, hand wash with mild soap and water
- Air dry completely before reinstalling
Some users report using a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust without removing the Drop Stop from the vehicle. The manufacturer does not recommend machine washing as it may affect the product’s shape and durability.
What Do Actual Users Say About the Drop Stop?
With over 68,000 reviews on Amazon averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars, customer feedback on the Drop Stop is overwhelmingly positive. Analyzing verified purchase reviews reveals consistent themes:
Common praise:
- “Works perfectly with power seats” (Michele Collis)
- “Easy to install, took less than 10 minutes total” (Benjamin)
- “High-quality material that blends with all interiors” (Amazon Customer)
- “Life-saving feature preventing phone drops” (Angela Galarza)
- “Well worth the investment” (Amy M)
Common criticisms:
- “Attracts dust and requires occasional cleaning” (T)
- “Slightly higher price point than expected” (rare mention)
The product seems particularly appreciated by users with newer vehicles who want to maintain their interior’s pristine condition by preventing items from falling into hard-to-reach areas.
How Does the Drop Stop Compare to Other Gap Fillers on the Market?
| Feature | Drop Stop | Generic Foam Inserts | Plastic Gap Fillers | Leather Gap Fillers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Average) | $24.99 (set of 2) | $10-15 (set of 2) | $15-20 (set of 2) | $25-35 (set of 2) |
| Seat Belt Attachment | Yes | No | Rarely | No |
| Moves with Seat | Yes | No | No | Partially |
| Material | Neoprene/Polyester | Foam | Plastic | PU Leather/Foam |
| Durability | Years | Months | 1-2 Years | 1-2 Years |
| Installation Time | 2 Minutes | 1 Minute | 3-5 Minutes | 2 Minutes |
| Bonus Items | Yes (2) | Rarely | Sometimes | Rarely |
The Drop Stop’s patented seat belt catch attachment and high-quality materials set it apart from most alternatives, particularly regarding staying in place during seat adjustments. While foam inserts may be cheaper initially, they typically require more frequent replacement due to compression and deterioration.
Is the Drop Stop Worth the Price?
At $24.99 for a set of two Drop Stops (plus the bonus items), the product represents good value when considering:
- The cost of items that might fall and be damaged or lost permanently
- The potential safety benefit of reduced distraction while driving
- The durability providing years of use without replacement
- The inclusion of two additional items (Slide Free Pad and LED light)
When calculated as cost-per-year over an estimated 5-year lifespan, the Drop Stop costs about $2.50 per year per vehicle side. Compared to cheaper alternatives that might need replacement every 6-12 months, the lifetime value proposition becomes clear.
Where Can You Purchase an Authentic Drop Stop?
Authentic Drop Stop gap fillers are available from:
- The official Drop Stop website
- Amazon (official Drop Stop Store)
- Major automotive retailers
- As Seen on TV sections in retail stores
To avoid counterfeits (which have become increasingly common), verify:
- The product is sold by the official Drop Stop Store on Amazon
- Packaging includes the Shark Tank logo and official branding
- The complete set includes both the Slide Free Pad and LED Credit Card Light
- The Drop Stop has the patented slot that fits over the seat belt catch
Authentic products come with proper instructions and the complete set of accessories advertised.
People Also Ask:
Can the Drop Stop be transferred between different vehicles?
Yes, the Drop Stop can be easily removed and reinstalled in different vehicles. The neoprene material retains its shape and function even after multiple installations. Many users report transferring their Drop Stops from old vehicles to new ones without any loss of effectiveness.
How does the Drop Stop perform in vehicles with unusually shaped or sized gaps?
While the Drop Stop works with most standard gap configurations, vehicles with extremely wide gaps (over 2 inches) or unusual shapes may experience varied results. For most non-standard gaps, the flexible neoprene still provides significant coverage, though it may not achieve the 100% blockage seen in standard configurations.
Does the Drop Stop interfere with seat heating/cooling functions?
During testing in vehicles with heated and ventilated seats, the Drop Stop showed no impact on these systems’ performance. The slim profile and placement in the gap area does not block heating/cooling vents or interfere with the distribution of air through the seat.
How has the Drop Stop product evolved since its Shark Tank appearance?
Since appearing on Shark Tank, the Drop Stop has maintained its core design while making subtle improvements to the material quality and durability. The packaging and branding have been enhanced, and the bonus items (particularly the LED light) have been upgraded. The fundamental patented design that made it successful remains unchanged, demonstrating the soundness of the original concept.