Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing. Here’s how I looked at it:
- Pulled up my last 10 years of premiums and claims (not many claims, maybe two).
- Compared the extra cost for a low deductible vs. what I actually paid out of pocket.
- For me, higher deductible saved money in the long run, since I rarely file.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing. If you’re careful and don’t live somewhere with crazy weather or traffic, the “recommended” numbers really can feel off. You’re not alone in questioning it... sometimes the math just doesn’t add up for those default settings.
I get where you're coming from, but I’m the opposite—I go for the lower deductible, even if it costs a bit more. Here’s my logic:
- I drive a lot (commute + kids’ activities), so more chances for something to go sideways.
- My luck with “rarely filing” is... questionable. Last year it was a deer, before that, hail.
- Peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks to me.
It really does feel like a weird bet either way. Sometimes it’s just about what helps you sleep at night, not just the math.
It really does feel like a weird bet either way. Sometimes it’s just about what helps you sleep at night, not just the math.
Totally get that. I lean toward higher deductibles since repairs on my car are pricey anyway, so the premium savings add up. But yeah, every time I see a new scratch in a parking lot, I second-guess myself... Peace of mind is hard to put a price on.
Peace of mind is hard to put a price on.
That’s the tricky part, isn’t it? I’ve gone back and forth myself. I like the idea of saving on premiums, but after a road trip last year where a rock cracked my windshield, I started wondering if the extra savings are worth the stress. Sometimes it feels like you’re just betting against your own luck. Maybe there’s no perfect answer—just what you can live with.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I lean the other way. I’ve always picked the higher deductible just to keep my monthly costs down. Yeah, it stings if something happens, but for me, it’s rare enough that the savings add up over time. Had a fender bender a couple years back and paid out of pocket, but looking at what I’ve saved since then, I still feel ahead. Maybe it’s just my luck—or stubborn optimism.