When it comes to auto insurance, deductibles are the amount you pay out-of-pocket towards a claim before your insurance provider covers the remaining costs. Comprehensive and collision coverage are the two most common types of car insurance that include deductibles. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision events like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, while collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle even if you're at fault. While the average deductible is $500, it's possible to find insurance companies that offer a $1000 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average six-month premium for a car insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible | $664 |
Cheapest insurance company with a $1,000 deductible | USAA |
Second cheapest insurance company with a $1,000 deductible | GEICO |
Average monthly premium with a $1,000 deductible | $105 |
Average six-month premium with a $500 deductible | $744 |
Average savings per year with a $1,000 deductible compared to a $500 deductible | $170 |
Range of car insurance deductibles | $100 to $2,000 |
Most common deductible | $500 |
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive deductible vs. collision deductible
A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay towards a claim before your insurance provider covers the rest. Collision and comprehensive insurance are two types of physical damage coverage that protect your vehicle. Collision insurance covers damage to your car when you collide with another car or object, such as a fence or guardrail. Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, covers damage caused by events other than a collision, such as natural disasters, fires, theft, vandalism, or animal damage.
When it comes to deductibles, collision and comprehensive insurance typically have different amounts. For collision insurance, common deductible levels are $100, $200, $500, $1,000, or more. On the other hand, comprehensive insurance deductibles usually start at $100 and can go up to $200, $500, $1,000, or more. The deductible you choose will depend on your preference and financial situation. A lower deductible means you will pay a higher insurance rate, while a higher deductible will result in a lower insurance rate.
It is important to note that collision and comprehensive insurance are optional and not required by state law. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry both types of insurance. Additionally, the cost of collision and comprehensive insurance can vary depending on factors such as the value of your vehicle and the deductible you select.
When choosing your deductible, consider how much you can afford to pay out of pocket if you need to file a claim. A higher deductible will lower your insurance premium, but you will have to pay more if you have an accident. On the other hand, a lower deductible will result in a higher premium but lower out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim. Ultimately, the decision depends on your financial situation and your comfort level with taking on more risk.
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Pros and cons of a $1,000 deductible
A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket towards a claim before your insurance provider covers the rest. Comprehensive and collision insurance are the two most common types of car insurance that include deductibles.
A $1,000 deductible is considered a high deductible, and it will lower your insurance premium. This means you will pay less for your insurance policy overall, but you will pay more if you need to make a claim.
Pros of a $1,000 Deductible
- You will pay a lower premium for your insurance policy, which can save you money overall.
- You will be less likely to make a claim for minor issues, as you will have to pay the first $1,000 of costs yourself.
- If you are a safe driver and do not anticipate needing to make a claim, choosing a high deductible can be a good way to save money on your insurance costs.
Cons of a $1,000 Deductible
- If you do need to make a claim, you will have to pay $1,000 upfront, which can be a significant cost.
- If the cost of repairs is less than $1,000, you will have to pay the full cost yourself, and it may not be worth filing a claim.
- If you do not have savings to cover the cost of the deductible, you may not be able to afford to repair your vehicle after an accident.
- If you have an older car worth less than $5,000, a high deductible may not make sense, as the cost of repairs is unlikely to exceed the deductible amount.
- If you have a history of speeding tickets or accidents, or if you frequently drive in high-risk areas, a lower deductible may be a better option.
Ultimately, the decision to choose a $1,000 deductible depends on your financial situation, your driving history, and your tolerance for risk. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your budget constraints and likelihood of making a claim when making this decision.
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Cheapest insurance companies for $1,000 deductible
A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay towards a claim before your insurance provider covers the rest. Deductibles are offered for different types of coverage, including collision, comprehensive, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
A $1,000 deductible is considered a relatively high deductible. While it means you'll have to pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim, it also results in lower monthly premiums.
According to Insurify, some of the cheapest average monthly quotes for a full-coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible are offered by Certainly, Travelers, and Nationwide. However, The Zebra lists USAA as the cheapest company for a $1,000 deductible, with GEICO as the second cheapest option.
It's important to note that insurance rates are highly individualized, and the cheapest company for you may differ based on factors such as your age, policy type, driving record, and location.
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How to choose the right deductible
Choosing the right deductible for your auto insurance can be tricky, but it's an important decision that can impact the cost of your policy and how much you pay in the event of an accident. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your deductible:
Understand the Relationship Between Deductibles and Premiums:
The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A higher deductible typically leads to a lower insurance premium, while a lower deductible results in a higher premium. This is because you are taking on more financial responsibility with a higher deductible, so the insurance company rewards you with a reduced rate.
Assess Your Financial Situation:
Consider your financial reserves and emergency savings. If you have sufficient savings, you may be comfortable with a higher deductible, as it will lower your monthly costs. On the other hand, if paying a high deductible would be a financial burden, opt for a lower deductible, even if it means paying slightly more for insurance.
Evaluate Your Driving Habits and History:
If you are a safe driver with a clean record, you may be less likely to file claims, making a higher deductible more attractive. Conversely, if you tend to drive aggressively or have a history of accidents, a lower deductible might be preferable, as you are more likely to need to file a claim.
Determine the Value of Your Car:
The value of your vehicle also plays a role in choosing your deductible. If your car is not worth much, a lower deductible is often a better choice. This is because the insurance company will only pay up to the actual cash value of the vehicle if it is totaled, so a higher deductible may not provide much benefit. On the other hand, if you have a more expensive car, a higher deductible can help keep your monthly costs down.
Risk Tolerance:
Choosing a high deductible is essentially a gamble that you won't have an accident. If you are comfortable taking on that risk, a high deductible can save you money. However, if the idea of a large, unexpected bill keeps you up at night, a lower deductible will give you peace of mind, even if it means paying more for insurance.
Compare Quotes:
When deciding on your deductible, be sure to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Get quotes for different deductible amounts and see how they affect the overall cost of the policy. This will help you find the best balance between your deductible and premium.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right deductible. Assess your personal situation and consider the factors outlined above to make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and risk tolerance.
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When do you pay the deductible?
When it comes to auto insurance, you will need to pay your deductible any time you file a claim under a coverage that carries a deductible. This is usually the case for collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection coverages.
The deductible is an agreed-upon amount that you pay out of pocket before your insurance provider covers the remaining costs. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and $3,000 in damage from a covered accident, your insurer will pay $2,500, and you will be responsible for the remaining $500.
It's important to note that your deductible applies per accident, and you will need to pay it every time you file a claim. The cost of repairs may sometimes be less than your deductible, in which case you would not want to file a claim as your insurance premium could increase.
Additionally, there are certain situations where you may not have to pay a deductible, such as when another driver is at fault, when a liability claim is filed against you, or when you have free repairs on glass claims.
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Frequently asked questions
A car insurance deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket towards a claim before your insurance provider covers the rest.
You select your deductible amount when purchasing your auto insurance policy. If you have a claim, the insurance adjuster subtracts the deductible from the claim you receive for damages.
A good deductible for car insurance depends on your budget and insurance needs. A lower deductible usually means a higher insurance premium. The most common deductible amount is $500.
Car insurance deductibles typically range from $100 to $2,000, with $500 being the most common.
When choosing a car insurance deductible, consider your budget constraints and your personal tolerance for risk. If you have a limited budget, a higher deductible might be more desirable to keep your monthly costs low.