I see where you're coming from, but I think it really depends on your personal situation and comfort level. I'm usually pretty careful behind the wheel (knock on wood), so I opted for a higher deductible to lower my monthly payments. It worked out fine for years... until last winter when I skidded on some ice and tapped a curb pretty hard. Even though the damage wasn't huge, it still cost me almost as much as my deductible to fix.
After that experience, I started setting aside a small emergency fund specifically for car repairs—just like you mentioned. Honestly, it's been reassuring knowing I've got cash ready if something happens again. But I still keep comprehensive coverage because Illinois weather can be unpredictable, and deer seem to love jumping out at the worst possible moment.
Bottom line: there isn't really a one-size-fits-all answer here. It's about balancing risk tolerance with your budget and driving habits.
Totally agree about the deer—I swear they're everywhere once you leave the city limits. I've had comprehensive coverage save me more than once. Keeping a small emergency stash is smart too, definitely helps ease the stress when something unexpected pops up.
"Keeping a small emergency stash is smart too, definitely helps ease the stress when something unexpected pops up."
Yeah, having a little emergency fund saved me big-time last winter. Hit a nasty pothole just outside Springfield—blew out my tire and bent the rim. Insurance didn't cover it since it wasn't an accident or deer-related (go figure). Anyone else had issues with coverage gaps like that? Makes me wonder if comprehensive is always worth it, or if it's better to just stash more cash aside for these random surprises...
