Yeah, it's always tricky finding that sweet spot. I've seen a lot of people regret going too high on their deductible after an accident... mailbox stories included, haha. Honestly, if you're someone who rarely needs repairs and can comfortably stash some emergency funds aside, a higher deductible might save you money in the long run. But if you're in an area with heavy traffic or harsh weather (hailstorms anyone?), a lower deductible might be worth the peace of mind. I usually tell folks to think about their driving habits and how easily they can handle an unexpected expense. No perfect answer, unfortunately—just gotta weigh your comfort level against your wallet.
"Honestly, if you're someone who rarely needs repairs and can comfortably stash some emergency funds aside, a higher deductible might save you money in the long run."
Pretty much my approach. I commute daily but thankfully haven't had any major issues (knock on wood...). I'd rather pocket the savings each month and just grit my teeth if something happens. Then again, my neighbor's car looks like a golf ball from all the hail we get, so maybe I'm just tempting fate here, lol.
I'm pretty much in the same boat, but from the opposite angle—I drive a lot and have had my share of close calls (maybe more than I'd like to admit, lol). Still, I stick with a higher deductible because the monthly savings really add up. Did the math last year and realized that even with one minor incident every couple years, I'm still coming out ahead. Just gotta keep reminding myself to stash away those savings instead of blowing them on random stuff... easier said than done sometimes.
Interesting take—I can definitely see the appeal of lower monthly payments. But have you considered the stress factor when something actually happens? I used to have a high deductible too, until a minor accident during a road trip turned into a major headache because I hadn't quite saved enough yet. Sure, the math might work out over time, but sometimes peace of mind feels worth the extra monthly cost... at least for me.
"Sure, the math might work out over time, but sometimes peace of mind feels worth the extra monthly cost... at least for me."
Haha, been there—nothing ruins a good road trip playlist faster than crunching numbers after a fender-bender. Curious though, does anyone else factor in trip frequency or distance when picking deductibles?
