Insurance Deductible Definition

If you want to buy insurance, you will come across the term “deductible”. A deductible is an amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The deductible is usually defined in your insurance policy, and it varies from one policy to another. In this article, we will explore what an insurance deductible is and how it works.

What is an insurance deductible?

An insurance deductible is a fixed dollar amount that you must pay before your insurance company will pay their share. The deductible amount is set by the insurance company and can vary depending on the type of policy you have. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and you make a claim for $2,000, you will be responsible for the first $500, and the insurance company will cover the remaining $1,500.

The deductible applies to each claim you make, so if you have multiple claims in a year, you may have to pay the deductible for each claim.

How does an insurance deductible work?

When you purchase an insurance policy, you will have the option to choose your deductible amount. Typically, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premiums will be. This is because you are taking on more risk, and the insurance company is taking on less risk.

If you have a claim, you will need to pay your deductible before the insurance company will cover the rest of the cost. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and you make a claim for $5,000, you will need to pay $1,000 out of pocket, and the insurance company will cover the remaining $4,000.

Types of insurance deductibles

There are two main types of insurance deductibles:

  • Fixed dollar amount deductible
  • Percentage deductible

Fixed dollar amount deductible

A fixed dollar amount deductible is a set amount that you must pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you will need to pay $500 out of pocket before your insurance company will cover the rest of the cost.

Percentage deductible

A percentage deductible is based on a percentage of the total claim amount. For example, if you have a 10% deductible and you make a claim for $5,000, you will need to pay $500 out of pocket, and the insurance company will cover the remaining $4,500.

FAQ

What is the purpose of an insurance deductible?

The purpose of an insurance deductible is to make the insured party responsible for a portion of the cost of a claim. This helps reduce the overall cost of insurance for everyone by encouraging people to only make claims for larger, more expensive losses.

What is the difference between a deductible and a premium?

A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A premium is the amount of money you pay to the insurance company in exchange for insurance coverage. Typically, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premiums will be.

Can you change your insurance deductible?

Yes, you can usually change your insurance deductible by contacting your insurance company. However, there may be some restrictions or fees for making changes to your policy.

Does my insurance deductible apply to every claim?

Yes, your insurance deductible applies to every claim you make. So, if you have multiple claims in a year, you may have to pay the deductible for each claim.

What is the difference between an insurance deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum?

An insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. An out-of-pocket maximum is the most you will have to pay out of pocket in a given year for covered services. Once you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, your insurance company will cover the rest of the cost.

Conclusion

An insurance deductible is a fixed amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. There are two main types of insurance deductibles – fixed dollar amount and percentage. The purpose of an insurance deductible is to make the insured party responsible for a portion of the cost of a claim. This helps reduce the overall cost of insurance for everyone. If you have any questions about your insurance deductible, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance company.