How does a $500 deductible work?

Asked by: Miss Iva Crona  |  Last update: January 4, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (3 votes)

A car insurance deductible is what you have to pay out of pocket to cover damages from an accident before the insurance company covers anything. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you'll have to pay that $500 out of pocket before your insurer will put a dime toward damages.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1 000?

Depends. You should set your deductible to the highest amount you could comfortably afford to pay out of pocket in the case of an accident. So if you can come up with $1000 easily enough, then you can raise your deductible from 500 to $1000 to save some money.

Do I pay the deductible before or after repairs?

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 does it mean if your deductible is $500?

Deductibles in car insurance

Let's say the collision coverage on your car insurance policy has a $500 deductible. You damage your car in a covered accident. It costs $3,000 to repair. You'd pay $500 toward repairs, and your insurer would cover the remaining $2,500.

How much is insurance with a $500 deductible?

Key takeaways. The average cost of car insurance with $500 deductibles for both collision and comprehensive insurance is $2,638 per year. An auto insurance deductible is the out-of-pocket cost a driver agrees to pay before insurance kicks in on a covered accident or incident.

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How much do I pay if I have a deductible?

For example, if you have a health insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible and you receive a medical bill for $2,000, you would be responsible for paying the first $1,000 and your insurance would cover the remaining $1,000.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

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.

Does insurance pay 100% after deductible?

You pay the coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe. If you've paid your deductible: you pay 20% of $100, or $20. The insurance company pays the rest. If you haven't paid your deductible yet: you pay the full allowed amount, $100 (or the remaining balance until you have paid your yearly deductible, whichever is less).

What does $500 deductible with full glass mean?

For instance, if you're considering full glass coverage with a $500 deductible and an additional cost of $5-$10 per month on your premiums, it means that before your insurer covers any repair or replacements due to glass damages on your vehicle's windshield, sunroof, or even side windows during an accident or other ...

How to get a new roof without paying deductible?

No matter what a roofer tells you you must pay your deductible. There is no way around it and insurance will consider it insurance fraud if they do. Many homeowners try to find a way around this but there is no way around it. You can also verify this directly with your insurance provider or an attorney.

Does your deductible go towards your bill?

The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself. A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you've paid your deductible.

What if you can't pay the deductible?

Your insurance won't be very helpful if you cannot pay for your deductible. Ideally, says The Balance, your deductible should be an amount you can easily pay out of pocket when an accident happens. That amount will vary based on your budget and how much cash you have available at any given time.

Is everything free after deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay for coverage services before your health plan kicks in. After you meet your deductible, you pay a percentage of health care expenses known as coinsurance. It's like when friends in a carpool cover a portion of the gas, and you, the driver, also pay a portion.

Do you pay your deductible before or after repairs?

Policyholders will generally pay the deductible before comprehensive coverage kicks in. Liability insurance. Liability coverage, which is required in California, doesn't involve deductibles but covers damages the policyholder causes to other vehicles, drivers, or property.

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.

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.

Is a $500 deductible high?

A higher deductible means a reduced cost in your insurance premium. For example, say your policy has a line of $5,000 in coverage. A low deductible of $500 means your insurance company is covering you for $4,500. A higher deductible of $1,000 means your company would then be covering you for only $4,000.

Do I pay my deductible to the Body Shop?

Typically, the insurance company will pay the body shop directly, meaning you are only responsible for the deductible when you go to pick your ride up. Every plan is different, though, so it's best to ask your insurance company for specifics when you're making your claim.

Do I have to pay a deductible if a rock hits your windshield?

Windshield replacement and glass damage are covered under comprehensive insurance, so you will need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying.

How do I meet my deductible fast?

How to Meet Your Deductible
  1. Order a 90-day supply of your prescription medicine. Spend a bit of extra money now to meet your deductible and ensure you have enough medication to start the new year off right.
  2. See an out-of-network doctor. ...
  3. Pursue alternative treatment. ...
  4. Get your eyes examined.

What happens if I don't meet my deductible?

What happens if you don't meet your deductible? If you do not meet the deductible in your plan, your insurance will not pay for your medical expenses—specifically those that are subject to the deductible—until this deductible is reached.

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.

How to avoid paying deductible?

You can avoid paying your car insurance deductible for vehicle repairs by not filing a claim at all or by getting the mechanic to waive the deductible, which is possible but highly unlikely. In some cases, your insurer may also waive your comprehensive deductible for glass damage specifically.

Can the color of your car affect your insurance premium?

Does car color affect insurance rates? The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates.

Why do I pay deductible if I got hit?

A car insurance coverage deductible is the money you pay toward an accident or a claim. Certain coverages require you to pay a deductible out of pocket. There may be deductibles for coverages such as comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist property damage, and personal injury protection.