What is a Double Deductible?

Choosing Your Deductibles

So, we have heard of ‘regular’ deductibles, now what is a Double Deductible in regard to your Auto Insurance policy? First, let’s dive into the basics of full coverage and deductibles to get a better understanding. 

Full coverage consists of Comprehensive and Collision coverage. Comprehensive (Other than Collision) will cover things like theft, fire, vandalism, and glass breakage. Collision will cover an impact with another vehicle or object.

A lower deductible will result in a higher car insurance rate, whereas a higher deductible will result in a lower car insurance rate. This means, the more you are responsible for paying out of pocket in the event of a claim, the cheaper Insurance rates you will be offered.

Usually, the standard deductible options are $100, $250, $500, and $1,000, which can impact your premium payment. Some companies offer a lower glass deductible such as $50, or $100 glass because windshield replacements may not cost as much as your deductible if you have a higher deductible selected.

When Do I Pay My Deductible?

Scenario 1 – If you are found At Fault in an Accident, but there is no damage to your vehicle you will not be subject to a deductible. Your Insurance company will pay out to the other party involved in the accident, up to your liability limits. This means if you carry a liability limit of 50/100/50, your insurance will pay $50,000 per person BI, up to $100,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage to their vehicle. 

Scenario 2– If you are found At Fault in an Accident, and there is damage to your vehicle, then you need to pay your deductible. If you file a claim after an accident, that falls under Collision. You would pay your Collision deductible to the insurance company before they pay out for either the cost to repair/fix your vehicle, or the cost to replace it if totaled.

In some instances, if the Insurance adjuster decides to total the vehicle, you do not need to come up with the deductible out of pocket, they can subtract that from the payout price of the vehicle. For example, your vehicle is totaled and it is worth $15,000. They may write you a check for $14,000 (if you had a $1000 deductible).

Scenario 3– The other party/person is found At Fault in an accident, their liability limits will pay out for your bodily injury expenses and property damage to your vehicle. You are not subject to a deductible in this scenario because the other person’s Insurance will cover that cost whether or not you carry full coverage on your insurance policy or just liability.

Now, What is a Double Deductible?

In short, a double deductible means you will pay your deductible twice if you are subject to it. If one of the scenarios listed above requires you to pay your deductible, instead of paying $1000 deductible, you would pay $2000 or 2X your deductible.

• A double deductible means you pay twice your normal deductible amount for certain claims.
• It’s like having two deductibles stacked on top of each other.

When does it apply?

• First 30 days: Some policies have a double deductible for claims during the first month.
• Specific claim types: Certain events like vandalism, hail damage, or single-vehicle accidents might trigger it.
• Young drivers: Some insurers apply it to drivers under a certain age (e.g., 25).
• At-fault accidents: Some policies double the deductible if you’re deemed at fault.

Comparison:

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Tips:

• Read your policy carefully: Understand exactly when the double deductible applies.
• Choose wisely: Consider your risk tolerance and budget, including the potential for a premium payment before opting for higher deductibles, such as a double deductible, in your auto insurance policy.
• Maintain a good driving record: This helps avoid some double deductible situations.
• Negotiate with your insurer: They might be flexible depending on your circumstances.
• Have an emergency fund: Be prepared for higher upfront costs if needed.

Remember: A double deductible can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before choosing it.

Why would you want this double deductible? If you consider yourself a safe driver with no accidents or violations, this may be a cheaper option for you. You are saying you will pay 2X your deductible if you are required, which means the Insurance rates will be cheaper in this case.

Pros and Cons of a Double Deductible

When considering the option of a double deductible for your auto insurance policy, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully. A double deductible typically means that the policyholder agrees to pay twice the usual deductible amount in the event of a claim. This option can affect both your premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements. Below, we explore the pros and cons of opting for a double deductible, followed by a supporting table to visually summarize these points.

Pros:

1. Lower Premiums: Opting for a higher deductible, including a double deductible, can significantly lower your insurance premiums, thereby reducing your premium payment. This is because you’re assuming more of the financial risk yourself, reducing the potential payout from the insurer in the event of a claim.
2. Reduced Small Claims: With a higher deductible, policyholders are less likely to file small claims, preserving their no-claims bonus and preventing premium increases over minor incidents.
3. Better for Rarely Used Policies: For vehicles or properties that are rarely used or at lower risk of claims, a double deductible can make financial sense, minimizing annual costs for insurance that is seldom needed.

Cons:

1. Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs: In the event of a claim, you’re responsible for a larger portion of the repair or replacement costs. This could be financially burdensome if you’re not prepared for the sudden expense.
2. Risk of Financial Strain: If saving on premiums doesn’t translate to available cash when needed, the higher deductible can create a financial strain at the worst possible time—during a loss or damage event.
3. Not Suitable for High-Risk Items: For high-value or high-risk items, properties, or vehicles, a double deductible could mean a prohibitively high cost in the event of a claim, outweighing the savings on premiums.

What is a Double Deductible – In Summary

If you are a safe driver and chances are you will not be found At Fault in an accident, then the other person’s insurance would end up paying your damages anyways, so why not opt for the double deductible if it can save you? This option may not be in the best interest of everyone, so talk with your Insurance provider for greater insight if you are on the fence about this option.

Frequently Asked Questions about Double Deductibles

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Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Marlon Moss