I see your point about peace of mind, but as someone buying insurance for the first time and trying to keep expenses down, I think there's a bit more nuance to it. For example, if you're generally cautious, have a decent emergency fund, and rarely drive in risky conditions, opting for a higher deductible could actually make sense financially. I've been crunching numbers lately, and the savings from a higher deductible can really add up over time, especially if you don't end up filing claims often.
Of course, your desert story does make me pause... unexpected stuff definitely happens. But for now, I'm leaning toward a higher deductible and just setting aside some of the monthly savings into a separate emergency fund. That way, if something does go wrong, I'm covered without paying extra every month for something I might never use. Seems practical enough, at least for my situation.
"I've been crunching numbers lately, and the savings from a higher deductible can really add up over time, especially if you don't end up filing claims often."
Totally agree with this. I've been commuting daily for years now, and honestly, the math checks out. If you're disciplined enough to stash away the difference each month, it can easily offset the occasional claim. Just keep in mind that even cautious drivers can't control everything—like potholes or random debris on highways. Had a windshield crack last year out of nowhere... still glad I went higher deductible though, financially it's been worth it overall.
Yeah, going higher deductible definitely has its perks, especially if you're careful. I've always been the cautious type myself—never speeding, always checking mirrors twice before lane changes... you get the idea. But even then, stuff happens. Couple years ago, I parked at the grocery store, came back out to a huge dent in my door. No note, nothing. That repair bill hurt, and my deductible was pretty high at the time.
Still, even factoring that in, I've saved enough over the years from lower monthly payments to make it worthwhile overall. Just gotta mentally prepare yourself for those random hits. If you can comfortably cover an unexpected expense without panicking, it's probably worth rolling the dice on a higher deductible. But if you're someone who loses sleep worrying about surprise costs (like me sometimes...), might wanna ease back just a bit and find that sweet spot you're comfortable with.
I hear you on the random parking lot dents... had something similar happen at a car show once. Parked my '68 Mustang way out in the back, thinking I'd be safe. Came back to find a nasty scratch down the side—no note, nothing. Luckily, my deductible wasn't too crazy, but it still stung.
Personally, I keep my deductible somewhere in the middle. High enough to keep premiums reasonable, but not so high that a single incident would ruin my month. Classic cars can be unpredictable—parts aren't always cheap or easy to find, so I try to balance savings with peace of mind. Like you said, it's all about finding that sweet spot where you're comfortable.
Totally agree with finding that middle ground. One thing I'd add is to regularly reassess your deductible based on your current financial situation and the car's value. For example, if your classic appreciates significantly, you might want to lower the deductible slightly to protect your investment. Also, consider how easily you can absorb unexpected costs—if a sudden $1,000 repair bill would seriously hurt, maybe drop that deductible a bit. It's all about balancing risk tolerance with realistic budgeting...
