Do you always have to pay a deductible?
Asked by: Frida Stiedemann Jr. | Last update: June 7, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)
Do you have to pay a deductible every time?
Deductibles for car insurance require you to pay the deductible amount every time you file a claim. Once you pay the car deductible amount, your insurer will cover the remaining cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Auto insurance policies don't require you meet an annual deductible.
Can you get out of paying your deductible?
You'll owe your deductible before your coverage kicks in. Your deductible may be waived for fixing minor glass damage like chips or cracks in a windshield. Your Comprehensive and Collision Coverages can have different deductible amounts.
Why do I have to pay deductible when it's not my fault?
Generally speaking, you owe the deductible whenever you use your own first party coverage to pay for damage to your car. Has nothing to do with fault, except that the at fault driver (and their insurance) may ultimately cover your damages, which includes your deductible.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Generally speaking, yes, a higher deductible is the better choice long term. Especially if you have a good driving history.
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What happens if my repairs cost less than the deductible?
Note that if the repair costs are less than your comprehensive deductible, you would pay for the repairs yourself because your insurer only covers damage that exceeds your deductible amount.
What is a disadvantage of having a high deductible?
Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans
Individuals who are stretched thin for funds may delay or avoid seeking medical treatment due to the high cost of treatment. For example, someone injured may avoid the emergency room if they know it will result in an expensive bill that will be applied to the plan deductible.
Can you get your deductible waived?
In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.
Is it illegal to not pay your deductible?
If you do not pay your deductible you are committing a crime. Technically, this is a form of insurance fraud. Most homeowners' insurance policies will have a concealment or fraud section.
Is deductible mandatory?
Depending on your policy, and the types of coverages you have, a deductible may be required. With an auto insurance policy, coverages like comprehensive and collision may require a deductible before said coverages apply in the event of a covered incident.
What if I need surgery but can't afford my deductible?
In cases like this, we recommend contacting your insurance, surgeon, or hospital and asking if they can help you with a payment plan. Remember that your surgery provider wants to get paid so they may be very willing to work with you on a payment plan.
What is the downside of having a deductible?
Cons. Higher deductible: If your deductible is higher, it means you are required to pay for your medical care out of pocket up to that amount before your health plan begins to help pay for covered costs. The exception is for preventive care, which is covered at 100% under most health plans when you stay in-network.
Why do doctors bill more than insurance will pay?
It is entirely due to the rates negotiated and contracted by your specific insurance company. The provider MUST bill for the highest contracted dollar ($) amount to receive full reimbursement.
Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault progressive?
If a driver hits you, your collision coverage will still cover the damage to your vehicle, but you won't have to pay your deductible. In some states, the driver must also be uninsured for a CDW to apply.
Do copays count towards deductible?
No. Copays and coinsurance don't count toward your deductible. Only the amount you pay for health care services (like the medical bill you receive) count toward your plan's deductible.
Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault with Allstate?
Will I have to pay my deductible if I'm not at fault? It's possible, but we will do our best to recover the amount paid from the person responsible, including your deductible.
Are deductibles optional?
In some states, policyholders can choose to pay a higher premium in return for a traditional dollar deductible; however, in high-risk coastal areas, insurers may make the percentage deductible mandatory.
What happens if I can't afford to pay my deductible?
If you can't pay your auto or home insurance deductible, you won't be able to file a claim and get your repairs covered.
Is having no deductible a good thing?
Health insurance with zero deductible or a low deductible is best if you expect to need major medical care in the upcoming year. Even though you'll pay more for the plan, it will help you save overall because the full benefits begin right away.
Is waiving a deductible legal?
A provider who routinely discounts or waives a patient's copayment or deductible (collectively referred to as copayment) obligations, for example, can run afoul of the federal antikickback statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b, or be accused of false billing by private insurance carriers not receiving the discount.
Can a deductible be refunded?
Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.
Can a deductible be paid in payments?
With regard to healthcare deductibles, always ask if it's possible to negotiate a payment plan. The healthcare provider cannot legally waive the deductible but they can allow you to pay it over time. The challenge comes in when a procedure involves multiple providers, such as with surgery.
Why is it not a great idea to have a high deductible?
Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.
How high is too high deductible?
In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.
What is a normal deductible for health insurance?
What is a typical deductible? Deductibles can vary significantly from plan to plan. According to a KFF analysis, the 2024 average deductible for individual, employer-provided coverage was $1,787 ($2,575 at small companies vs. $1,538 at large companies).