Notifications
Clear all

HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON THE RIGHT DEDUCTIBLE FOR YOUR INSURANCE?

854 Posts
726 Users
0 Reactions
35.9 K Views
Posts: 18
(@wafflesmechanic)
Active Member
Joined:

- Totally get where you’re coming from. I drive a pretty pricey sedan, and even though people assume I’d just pay out of pocket, I’m actually super careful with my insurance choices.
- Had a similar moment—thought I’d save by bumping up my deductible, but when a runaway shopping cart left a nasty dent, that “savings” felt pointless.
- Middle ground is smart. You’re right, it’s not about being accident-prone, it’s about not wanting a surprise bill to mess up your month.
- Peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks, especially if your car’s your daily lifeline.


Reply
Posts: 14
(@gandalfc56)
Active Member
Joined:

Middle ground is smart. You’re right, it’s not about being accident-prone, it’s about not wanting a surprise bill to mess up your month.

That’s the part I keep coming back to. I tried running the numbers—like, if I raised my deductible by $500, would the lower premium really offset the risk? Turns out, unless you go years without a claim, it barely breaks even. For me, knowing a random mishap won’t wipe out my savings is worth paying a bit more each month. Maybe not the most “optimizing” move, but it feels practical.


Reply
Posts: 9
(@math139)
Active Member
Joined:

I hear you on the peace of mind thing. I tried the “let’s save money with a high deductible” route once. Felt smart until my kid decided to test gravity with his bike and my car door at the same time. Suddenly, that extra $500 I thought I was saving? Gone in a blink, plus a side of stress.

Honestly, I’d rather pay a bit more each month and not have to sweat it when life throws a curveball. Maybe it’s not the most mathematically perfect choice, but I sleep better knowing one dumb accident won’t drain my emergency fund. Some folks love to gamble with those numbers, but for me, it’s just not worth the headache.


Reply
mvortex85
Posts: 17
(@mvortex85)
Active Member
Joined:

Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve run the numbers a bunch of times, and honestly, the “savings” with a high deductible usually disappear the first time something goes sideways. For me, it comes down to:

- How much cash I actually have on hand if something happens (spoiler: not as much as I’d like).
- The odds of needing to file a claim—kids and parking lots are a dangerous combo.
- The stress factor. I’d rather pay a bit more monthly than scramble for a big chunk all at once.

I know some folks swear by high deductibles, but with a family car, it just feels like tempting fate.


Reply
astronomer69
Posts: 18
(@astronomer69)
Eminent Member
Joined:

Yeah, I see your point. With kids and daily commutes, stuff just happens—doesn’t matter how careful you are. I tried the high deductible route once thinking I’d pocket the savings, but the first fender bender wiped out any benefit and then some. Honestly, unless you’ve got a solid emergency fund sitting around, it’s just extra stress.

For me, a lower deductible is worth the peace of mind. The premium difference isn’t huge in my case, and I’d rather budget for a steady monthly payment than risk scrambling for a thousand bucks after an accident. Maybe if I was driving an old beater solo, I’d roll the dice... but with family? Not worth it.

Some people love to gamble with this stuff, but in real life, things go sideways fast—especially when you’re juggling work, school runs, and all that. Just not interested in adding more chaos to my plate.


Reply
Page 169 / 171
Share:
Scroll to Top