Do you always have to pay car deductible?

Asked by: Arlie Mayert  |  Last update: June 26, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (22 votes)

What Coverage Requires Deductibles? Liability insurance may not require deductibles, but other kinds of car insurance do, according to Esurance. Uninsured motorist coverage may require a deductible, but comprehensive and collision insurance nearly always do.

Do you always have to pay car insurance deductible?

Not every type of car insurance coverage uses a deductible. A higher car deductible can lower your insurance premium. You pick your deductible when buying insurance. You'll owe your deductible before your coverage kicks in.

How to get car insurance deductible waived?

Fault determination: Most insurers require you to be not at fault for the accident. Some auto companies may require you to be 100 percent fault-free to have the deductible waived, while others may waive a percent of your deductible based on your percentage of fault.

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.

Car Insurance Deductible- Why Do I Have To Pay My Deductible If The Accident Wasn't My Fault?

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Do you have to pay deductible if not your fault?

If your coverage includes a Direct Compensation and Property Damage (DCPD) deductible, you must still pay the DCPD deductible even if you are not at fault.

How much should my deductible be for car insurance?

Most drivers choose a $500 auto insurance deductible, but policies with higher deductibles cost less. Choosing a plan with a higher deductible to get a lower insurance rate means higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.

Do you have to pay a deductible if someone hits your parked car?

With both collision and uninsured motorist property damage coverage, you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance provider will help pay for the damage. Your coverage will also be subject to your policy limits, which is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for a covered claim.

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.

Do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me in Geico?

Generally, when you have Geico collision coverage, an adjuster provides an estimate of damages. This allows the policyholder to go to a body shop, give it the insurer's estimate, and get the car repaired. The policyholder usually needs to pay a deductible.

Is waiving deductibles illegal?

Deductibles. It is illegal for a contractor to pay, waive, or discount your insurance deductible. It is insurance fraud if homeowners don't pay their deductible. Some contractors offer waived or discounted deductibles as a selling point to their customers.

Is a $0 deductible good for car insurance?

Your car insurance company pays for the full cost of your medical bills and auto repairs if you have a zero-deductible plan. While you will pay a high premium for this type of coverage, you avoid the possibility of an unexpected cost if you do have an accident.

Which is better, a collision or an uninsured motorist?

Deductible Comparison: UMPD generally has a lower deductible compared to collision coverage. This can be beneficial in reducing immediate out-of-pocket costs. Broader Coverage: UMPD can cover not just your vehicle but also other property, such as a fence or a garage, if damaged by an uninsured driver.

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.

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.

Do you pay a deductible if you don't fix your car?

To repair your vehicle you pay your portion (deductible) to the repair shop and your carrier pays the rest. Unless you're trying to get your vehicle fixed/repaired, you don't have to pay a deductible.

Can my deductible be 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.

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.

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.

Should I pay the deductible if not at fault?

Do I Have to Pay My Deductible if I'm Not at Fault? If you get into an accident and it's not your fault, the other driver's insurance company should pay for the damages, and you may not have to pay your deductible.

What to do if someone claims you hit their car?

What to Do If Someone Falsely Claims You Hit Their Car
  1. Evaluate the Situation.
  2. Speak to the Other Party Politely.
  3. Take Photos and Videos.
  4. Gather Witnesses.
  5. Check for Nearby Cameras.
  6. Report the Incident.
  7. Explain Your Side Clearly.
  8. When to Consult an Attorney.

What is the average deductible for car insurance?

Average Car Insurance Deductibles

Generally, drivers tend to have average deductibles of $500. Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles.

Do you have to pay your deductible if you're 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 I pay my deductible to the Body Shop?

You typically pay your car insurance deductible after your car is fixed. Depending on your insurer and the situation, your insurer may pay the repair shop directly, minus your deductible — if that's the case, you'll need to pay the repair shop your deductible.

What is too high of a 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.