Would you risk a higher deductible to lower your insurance bill?

I used to think a higher deductible made sense since I drive carefully and park away from carts, but kids have a way of finding trouble.

Honestly, I’ve wrestled with this too. I used to be all about the higher deductible, thinking I’d never need it. But after my neighbor’s kid dented my door with a scooter (and nobody owned up), I started questioning if the savings are worth the stress. Sure, you might save a bit month-to-month, but one random incident and suddenly you’re out way more than you saved. Sometimes I think paying extra for a lower deductible is just paying for peace of mind, especially when life throws curveballs - like hood ornaments as goalposts.

I used to swear by higher deductibles too, especially when my car was newer and I babied it. But after a couple of “unlucky” years - one hailstorm, one mystery scratch in a grocery lot - I realized just how fast those savings can disappear. It’s funny, because I’d always figured careful driving was enough, but you really can’t account for everything (kids, rogue shopping carts, the occasional squirrel with a death wish).

What gets me is how unpredictable the little stuff is. One time, I had a basketball hoop fall on my hood during a windstorm. Never would’ve guessed that was even possible. The repair bill made me rethink my whole approach to deductibles.

Curious if anyone’s ever tried switching back and forth? Like, do you go for a lower deductible just when your luck seems bad, or stick with one strategy year after year?

I hear you on the unpredictable stuff - nature and parking lots have a personal vendetta against cars, I swear. I’ve tried both higher and lower deductibles over the years. For my classics, I stick with lower deductibles just for peace of mind. Parts can be pricey or hard to find, so one random incident can get expensive fast. On my daily driver, though, I still gamble with a higher deductible since repairs are usually cheaper and easier to source. Guess it depends on how much risk you’re willing to take... and how attached you are to your paint job!

On my daily driver, though, I still gamble with a higher deductible since repairs are usually cheaper and easier to source.

That’s a pretty common approach. I see a lot of people underestimate how quickly “cheaper” repairs can add up, though. One minor fender bender and suddenly that high deductible doesn’t look so appealing. Have you ever actually had to pay out the higher deductible on your daily, or has it mostly been smooth sailing? Sometimes folks get lucky for years... until they don’t.

- Totally get where you’re coming from.
- I’ve run higher deductibles for years on my commuter, and honestly, it’s been mostly fine - knock on wood.
- The savings on premiums do add up, but yeah, it’s a gamble.
- Had a close call last winter when someone slid into me at a stop sign. Ended up just under my deductible, so I paid out of pocket anyway.
- That’s the catch: sometimes you’re saving, other times you’re just rolling the dice and hoping nothing big happens.
- For folks who are handy or have a good local shop, it can make sense.
- But if you’re not prepared for a surprise bill, it can sting.
- I’d say as long as you’re comfortable with the risk and have a little cushion set aside, it’s not a bad move.
- Just gotta be honest with yourself about your luck and driving habits... and maybe keep a little “oops” fund on the side.