How to avoid paying car insurance deductible

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  • What is an auto insurance deductible?
  • What types of car insurance deductibles are there?
  • What car insurance coverage types do not require a deductible?
  • What is the average car insurance deductible?
  • Factors to consider when choosing a car insurance deductible
  • When are you not required to pay your car insurance deductible?
  • Frequently asked questions

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On This Page

  • What is an auto insurance deductible?
  • What types of car insurance deductibles are there?
  • What car insurance coverage types do not require a deductible?
  • What is the average car insurance deductible?
  • Factors to consider when choosing a car insurance deductible
  • When are you not required to pay your car insurance deductible?
  • Frequently asked questions

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How to avoid paying car insurance deductible

PhotoAlto/Ale Ventura/Getty Images

9 minute read Published October 13, 2022

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Mandy Sleight

Written by Mandy SleightArrow RightInsurance Contributor

Mandy Sleight has been a licensed insurance agent since 2005. She has three years of experience writing for insurance websites such as Bankrate, MoneyGeek and The Simple Dollar. Mandy writes about auto, homeowners, renters, life insurance, disability and supplemental insurance products.

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Mariah Posey

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Mariah Posey is an auto and homeowners insurance writer and editor for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by keeping the reader at the forefront of her mind in her work.

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Mark Friedlander

Reviewed by Mark FriedlanderArrow RightDirector of corporate communications, Insurance Information Institute

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How can I get around paying my deductible?

The only time you may be able to avoid paying your deductible is if another party is at fault. When another driver is responsible for the damage, you would submit a claim to their insurance, also known as a third-party claim.

What does it mean if I have a $500 deductible?

After you pay the car deductible amount, your insurer will cover the remaining cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Example: You have a $500 deductible and $3,000 in damage from a covered accident. Your insurer will pay $2,500 to repair your car, and you'll be responsible for the remaining $500.

What does it mean when you have a $1000 deductible?

A health insurance deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. For example, if you have a $1000 deductible, and you need a $1000 MRI procedure and a $2000 surgery, you will pay $1000 out-of-pocket for the MRI, and then $0 for the surgery.