Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced the higher premium is always the safer bet. Sure, that cracked windshield stings, but if you go years without a claim, you might end up paying way more in premiums than you’d ever shell out for repairs. It’s a gamble either way, but sometimes I think people overestimate how often they’ll actually need to use their coverage. Then again, peace of mind is hard to put a price on...
Picking a deductible really does feel like rolling dice sometimes, but I lean toward playing it safe—especially after what I’ve seen in the classic car world. I get the argument about higher premiums not always being worth it if you’re rarely making claims. On paper, it makes sense to save money upfront and just pay out of pocket if something small happens.
But here’s where I get twitchy: the “what if” factor. With older cars, even a minor fender bender can turn into a wallet-drainer because parts aren’t cheap or easy to find. I’ve watched friends try to save a few bucks on premiums, only to get hit with a freak hailstorm or some distracted driver rear-ending them at a stoplight. Suddenly that high deductible isn’t looking so clever when you’re staring down a $2,000 repair bill for a car that’s already tough to fix.
I’m not saying everyone needs the lowest deductible possible, but I do think people underestimate how fast those costs add up—especially if you’re picky about proper repairs (and let’s be honest, most of us car folks are). Sure, you might go years without a claim, but all it takes is one unlucky day and you’re wishing you’d paid a bit more each month for better coverage.
That said, I totally get the peace of mind angle. For me, knowing I won’t be scrambling for cash if something goes sideways is worth the extra premium. Maybe it’s paranoia from seeing too many restoration horror stories... but I’d rather pay for peace of mind than gamble on luck holding out forever.
It’s one of those things where there’s no perfect answer—just depends how much risk you’re willing to carry. For me, I’d rather err on the side of caution, especially with something as unpredictable as driving these days.
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. I remember my uncle had this old Mustang—he always went for the higher deductible because “nothing ever happens.” Then a deer ran into him, and suddenly he was out way more than he’d saved. Makes me think twice about trying to save a few bucks upfront. Peace of mind really does count for something, especially when cars are unpredictable.
Honestly, that's exactly why I always debate the higher deductible. Statistically, most people won't file a claim every year, but when something does go wrong, it's usually expensive. Do you think it's worth paying extra for a lower deductible if your car's older?
Do you think it's worth paying extra for a lower deductible if your car's older?
Funny thing, I’ve seen folks pay more for a low deductible on cars that were barely worth the cost of their next oil change. I get the peace of mind angle, but with older cars, it’s a bit of a toss-up. If your ride’s value is creeping down every year, there comes a point where the difference in premium just isn’t worth it. I once had a claim where the deductible was almost half the payout—felt like handing someone an umbrella after they’d already walked through the rain.
But then again, if you’re the type who’d rather avoid surprise expenses at all costs, maybe it’s worth it for the predictability. Personally, I lean toward higher deductibles on my old beater—if something major happens, I’m probably not fixing it anyway. It really does feel like gambling, but at least you get to pick your odds... sort of.
