What is a collision deductible?
The collision deductible is the amount you are responsible for out of pocket when you file a collision claim.
When purchasing collision coverage, you’ll be asked to choose a deductible. Car insurance deductibles are usually between $250 and $1,000.
Let’s say you file an accident claim for $1,500 damage to your car. and your collision deductible is $500. Your insurer will pay $1,000. You’ll pay the additional $500.
The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance premiums will be. Increasing your collision deductible from $200 to $500 can trim collision coverage costs by 15 to 30%. A hike to $1,000 can save you 40% or more, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group based in New York.
When choosing a collision deductible, ensure you can afford to pay it if you must file a claim. Consumer advocates typically recommend a $500 collision deductible unless you have enough savings.
Deductibles are per incident, so you must pay the deductible every time you file a collision claim.
Is collision coverage required?
Unlike liability insurance, no state requires buying collision or comprehensive coverage.
If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender typically requires you to purchase both coverages.
The cost of collision coverage is determined by factors that include the make and model of your car, your driving record and the deductible you choose. Collision coverage on a high-end car will cost much more than an economy vehicle since it costs more to repair.
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you are:
- At fault in an accident
- Not at fault in the accident, but the other driver is an uninsured motorist
- Involved in an accident and fault is disputed
- The victim of a hit-and-run
Collision coverage also allows you to get your insurance company involved on your behalf, even when you are not at fault. If you file a claim for damage and pay your collision deductible, the insurance company will seek restitution from the at-fault party, including your deductible, in a subrogation process.
Collision coverage claims and your car insurance rates
A collision claim may increase your rates. Since collision claims are often for at-fault accidents, you can expect an increase on your next renewal. If the claim were not for an at-fault accident, the rate increase would depend on the company’s guidelines and the type of claim.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.