Should you choose a $1,000 deductible for car insurance?

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A deductible is the amount you agree to pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Selecting the appropriate deductible for your car insurance policy is an important decision that influences both your premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim. 

Opting for a higher deductible, such as $1,000, can lead to lower premium payments, but it could result in paying more out of pocket than you expect. It’s essential to assess your financial situation, driving habits, and risk tolerance to determine if a $1,000 deductible aligns with your needs.

How does a $1,000 deductible impact my car insurance rates?

Your car insurance premiums are directly affected by the chosen deductible amount. A higher deductible typically results in lower monthly or annual premium payments. That’s because you’re assuming more financial responsibility in the event of a claim, thus reducing the insurer’s risk. Conversely, a lower deductible means higher premiums, as the insurer covers a more significant portion of potential claims.

The amount of savings varies based on factors including your location, driving history, vehicle type, and the insurer you choose. However, it’s common to see a substantial difference compared to lower deductible options. This difference can save hundreds of dollars annually – if you don’t need to file a claim.

What is a car insurance deductible?

A car insurance deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your policy kicks in following a covered claim. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and your vehicle sustains $5,000 in damage from an accident, you would pay the first $1,000, and your insurance company would cover the remaining $4,000. 

Which types of car insurance policies offer a $1,000 deductible?

The various coverages in your car insurance policy may be subject to a deductible. You’ll likely have to pay a deductible for your comprehensive and collision insurance, your personal injury protection (PIP), and your uninsured motorist property damage coverage (if you have these).

For liability coverage, medical payments coverage, and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, you may not have to pay a deductible.

How much does car insurance cost with a $500 vs a $1,000 deductible?

Below are two tables comparing the annual premiums for full coverage car insurance with a $500 deductible to the same coverage with a $1,000 deductible.

Full coverage car insurance cost with a $500 deductible

Full coverage car insurance cost with a $1,000 deductible

Is a $1,000 deductible right for you?

Whether a $1,000 deductible is right for you depends on your financial circumstances and risk tolerance.

• Who should choose a $1,000 deductible:
  • Individuals with substantial emergency savings
  • Safe drivers with a clean record
  • Those who drive less frequently
  • People looking to minimize their monthly insurance costs

• Who shouldn’t choose a $1,000 deductible:
  • Individuals with limited savings or who cannot access $1,000 on short notice
  • People who may be prone to accidents or traffic violations, like newer or inexperienced drivers
  • People who drive frequently 

Pros and cons of a $1,000 Deductible

Pros:

• Lower premiums: Higher deductibles generally result in reduced premium costs.
• Long-term savings: If you rarely file claims, the cumulative premium savings can outweigh the higher out-of-pocket expense.

Cons:

• Increased out-of-pocket costs: You’ll need to pay more upfront when filing a claim.
• Financial risk: Accidents could lead to financial hardship if you can’t cover the higher deductible.

How to change your car insurance deductible

1. Review your current policy: Understand your existing coverage and deductible amounts.
2. Assess your financial situation: Ensure you can afford the new deductible in case of a claim.
3. Contact your insurer: Reach out to your insurance provider to discuss adjusting your deductible.
4. Obtain premium quotes: Request premium estimates for different deductible options to evaluate potential savings.
5. Confirm the change: Once you’ve decided, authorize the deductible change and ensure you receive updated policy documents reflecting the adjustment.

Tips for saving on car insurance without raising your deductible

​​While raising your deductible may help you save a little, you might save even more by doing any of the following:

• Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations.
• Bundle insurance policies: Combine car insurance with home or renters insurance.
• Take advantage of discounts: Inquire about discounts for safe driving, good grades, or vehicle safety features.
• Shop around for quotes: Compare rates from multiple insurance providers.
• Improve your credit score: In many states, your credit history can affect your car insurance rates.

Zack Sigel

 

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Zack Sigel is a writer and editor based in New York City. He has been managing editor at Policygenius and M1 Finance, where he led teams specialized in writing about business and finance, and he has also written about music and culture for Hyperallergic, VH1, Complex, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. Zack has a bachelor's degree from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.