Honestly, that’s a pretty common approach, and it makes sense for a lot of folks—especially if you’re not expecting to file claims often. Higher deductibles can definitely help keep those monthly costs manageable. Just remember, if something does happen, the out-of-pocket can be a bit of a shock. But hey, sometimes you’ve gotta prioritize tacos over “what ifs.” It’s all about what works best for your budget right now.
I get the logic behind higher deductibles, but I’ve actually gone the other way after getting burned once. Had a fender bender last year and that “manageable” premium didn’t feel so manageable when I had to cough up a big chunk all at once. For me, paying a bit more each month is worth the peace of mind. Guess it depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with and how often you drive, too.
I get where you’re coming from—seeing that deductible number in black and white after a fender bender can be a reality check. I’ve seen folks regret going for the lowest premium when something actually happens. But then again, I’ve also seen people pay higher premiums for years and never file a claim, which stings in a different way. Out of curiosity, did your insurer offer any perks or accident forgiveness after your claim, or was it just straight back to paying more? Sometimes those little extras make a difference, but not always...
I’ve always wondered if those “extras” like accident forgiveness are really worth it, or if they’re just a way to soften the blow of higher premiums. I mean, sure, it sounds nice on paper—mess up once and they won’t jack up your rates—but how often does that actually come into play for most people? And do you end up paying more over time just to have that safety net?
I’ve been on both sides: paid low premiums with a high deductible when I was younger and broke, then switched to higher premiums as I got older and started worrying more about what could go wrong. Honestly, neither option feels perfect. When I had a minor scrape a few years back, my insurer didn’t offer any perks or forgiveness. Just a rate hike and a reminder that “claims affect your premium.” No surprise there, but it did make me question whether all those years of paying extra for “better coverage” really paid off.
Has anyone actually benefited from those perks in a meaningful way? Or is it mostly just marketing? I get wanting peace of mind, but sometimes I wonder if we’re just paying for the illusion of security. And what about those who never file a claim—should they be rewarded somehow, or is that just the luck of the draw?
It’s tough to know where to draw the line between being cautious and just overpaying out of fear. Maybe it comes down to how much risk you’re willing to stomach... but I can’t help but think insurers have figured out how to make us all second-guess ourselves.
Deductibles and premiums—what's the real deal?
You nailed it—accident forgiveness sounds great, but I’ve always wondered if it’s just a psychological cushion. Here’s how I break it down:
- Accident forgiveness usually costs extra, either as a built-in perk with pricier policies or as an add-on. If you’re a super cautious driver and rarely file claims, you might be paying for something you’ll never use.
- The math gets fuzzy. Say you pay $60/year for forgiveness over 5 years ($300 total). If you have one at-fault accident in that time, maybe you avoid a $400+ annual rate hike for 3 years. In that case, it pays off. But if you never crash? That’s just money gone.
- Insurers definitely bank on most people not needing it. It’s like extended warranties—peace of mind, but not always a good deal.
- I’ve never gotten a “good driver” reward, either. Feels like the system punishes mistakes more than it rewards caution.
Honestly, I lean toward higher deductibles and lower premiums unless my risk profile changes (like a new teen driver or a longer commute). For me, the extras rarely add up unless you’re unlucky enough to need them... which, ironically, is what insurance is all about.
