Deductible After a Crash: What You Have to Pay

Clearsurance.com recently released a guide to deductibles in which they addressed the issue of a deductible after hitting a car.

In this guide, they reported that a deductible is not necessary for insurance to cover damage to a third-party vehicle when the policyholder causes a crash.

How Deductibles Work

Deductibles are the policyholder’s responsibility. They apply to first-party coverages. If a policyholder has comprehensive and collision insurance, that policy will protect their vehicle, and they will need to choose a deductible.

The higher the deductible, the more risk the policyholder assumes and the less risk the insurance provider has to cover. As a result, policyholders pay lower rates when their deductible is higher. 

When a person hits another car, they will likely damage both the other car and the car they were driving. The deductible would apply to the collision policy that protects their own car. 

If someone has a $500 deductible and their car costs $5,000 to repair, the insurance provider will cover $4,500, and the policyholder will be responsible for the other $500.

Deductibles Do Not Apply to Liability Insurance

There is no deductible with a liability insurance policy. 

Some individuals carry only liability insurance coverage. So if they hit another vehicle, they are responsible for paying for the damage done to another vehicle. An insurance policy makes that possible. 

Even if someone has full coverage, their deductible would not apply to the other party’s damages. 

Crashes Impact Premiums Regardless of Deductibles

A person who files an insurance claim can expect their insurance premiums to increase.

If they file a liability claim, their premiums will likely increase for about three years. If they file a claim for first-party damage, they’ll pay a deductible, and their premiums will likely increase for three years.

While a deductible amount affects premiums, it won’t prevent premium increases following a crash. 

Deductibles When Someone Else Causes a Crash

Policyholders may wonder if they have to pay a deductible when someone else causes a crash. In this situation, according to Clearsurance.com, the policyholder should not have to pay a deductible.

However, if the at-fault party does not carry enough insurance, the victim party will have to file a claim with their own insurer. 

Uninsured property damage coverage may have a deductible, but it’s set by the state and is usually between $200 and $500. 

But if a driver doesn’t have uninsured and underinsured coverage, they may need to file a collision insurance claim, for which they’ll be responsible for paying a deductible.

Glass Coverage and Deductibles

Each state has different laws regarding glass coverage, and a couple require insurance providers to waive the deductible for glass coverage. Some insurance providers offer deductible-free glass coverage, as well.

However, most people have to file a first-party claim with collision or comprehensive insurance, depending on the cause of the damage, and they’ll be responsible for their regular deductible. 

Without a waived deductible for glass, it’s a more cost-effective option to pay for glass repair and replacement out of pocket. 

Choosing the Right Deductible

To determine the right deductible, a driver must determine how much money they’re able and willing to pay if they cause a crash.

Even if a $1,000 deductible helps someone save money on their monthly premiums, if they don’t have the resources to pay that deductible, the savings aren’t worth the risk.

If a driver can’t afford to get their vehicle repaired because they chose a high deductible, they could be stuck with a non-functional vehicle, making it harder to make a living and maintain independence.

Read Clearsurance.com’s entire article here: Do I pay a deductible if I hit a car?