What is the collision deductible?

Asked by: Elyse Stehr  |  Last update: August 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (50 votes)

A collision deductible is the amount you've agreed to pay before the insurance company starts paying for damages. You can think of it as how much of the financial risk you're willing to take on if you're in an accident.

What is a good collision deductible?

$500 is the most common 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.

Is it better to have a 500 or 1000 deductible?

Generally speaking, yes, a higher deductible is the better choice long term. Especially if you have a good driving history.

What does 250 deductible collision mean?

If you file a covered claim with your insurance company, then you will pay the $250 deductible and your insurance carrier will pay the remaining $1,750 towards your car repairs. With some exceptions, you will pay a deductible for each loss you file under your auto insurance policy.

Is it better to have collision or comprehensive?

If you live in an area prone to such risks or have an expensive car, comprehensive coverage is a safer bet. If your car is older and its market value is low, skipping comprehensive or collision might save you money. On the other hand, for new or valuable cars, a mix of both could offer peace of mind.

What is Collision Coverage? - GEICO

18 related questions found

When should I drop collision coverage on my car?

If your vehicle is paid off, there are only a few instances that justify dropping collision coverage: Your vehicle's value is less than a few thousand dollars: If your car holds minimal value, collision coverage may not be worth carrying. This is especially true when a large car insurance deductible is involved.

Will my car insurance go up if I make a comprehensive claim?

Comprehensive claims

Depending on your insurance company and your state, your rate may increase for damage-related incidents that were out of your control.

What deductible is too high?

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 $750 deductible for collision?

For example, imagine you have a $750 deductible. If you are in an accident where your collision coverage would apply and the car you were driving suffered damage requiring $3,500 in repairs, you would be responsible for paying $750. Your insurance company would cover the remaining $2,750.

Do I pay a deductible if I hit a car?

Liability coverage, which is required in California, doesn't involve deductibles but covers damages the policyholder causes to other vehicles, drivers, or property.

What if I can't pay my deductible car insurance?

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.

What does collision coverage cover?

Collision coverage

Collision pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with an object (e.g., a telephone pole, a guard rail, a mailbox), or as a result of flipping over. The average cost is about $290 per year. Collision coverage reimburses you for the costs of repairing your car, minus the deductible.

What is a good amount for a deductible?

Standard homeowners insurance deductibles often range from $500 to $2,000, although they can be higher or lower depending on your insurance carrier and budget. With a standard flat deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket typically won't change over time unless you modify your home insurance policy.

Can you cancel car insurance anytime?

Can you cancel car insurance at any time? Policyholders can cancel their auto insurance policy at any time, for any reason. And you never have to wait until the end of your policy period to cancel your policy. Even if your policy only started a few days ago, you may cancel it.

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.

How much should I pay for collision deductible?

How much should your collision deductible be? Collision deductibles vary widely — from as little as $100 to as much as $2,000. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer for how much is the right amount. It depends on your financial situation, driving habits, and what kind of car owner you are.

Will insurance cover if I hit another car?

Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle. It may also help with the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. That means you can use it whether you're at fault or not.

When to drop collision insurance?

One general rule of thumb is to skip collision coverage for vehicles that are more than ten years old. Your collision premiums and your deductible are more than 10 percent of your vehicle's blue book value.

Is a $0 deductible good?

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.

Does insurance pay before the deductible is met?

Many plans pay for certain services, like a checkup or disease management programs, before you've met your deductible. Check your plan details. All Marketplace health plans pay the full cost of certain preventive benefits even before you meet your deductible.

What is the quickest way to meet your deductible?

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.

Is it better to file a comprehensive or collision claim?

If your car is damaged in a road collision with another car or object and you're at fault, only your collision coverage can help pay to repair it. Only comprehensive coverage covers losses caused by contact with animals, civil disturbances, fires, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.

How long do accidents stay on your record?

In the state of California, most vehicle accidents will stay on your record for around 3 years. However, more serious traffic violations will follow you for longer. For example, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years.

What is accident forgiveness?

What is Accident Forgiveness? Available in select states, Accident Forgiveness is an auto insurance coverage option that potentially helps you avoid a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. Others on your policy can also benefit from Accident Forgiveness. But it can only be used once per policy.