Selecting the Right Deductible
The “Deductible” is the amount of a loss you must pay before the insurance policy begins to pay. Deductibles only apply to coverages protecting your property (vehicles, home, or personal belongings) and not to liability protection. You can select deductibles that range from $50 to $5,000. We generally recommend a $250 deductible for auto comprehensive coverage (which covers damage to your vehicle from fire, theft, vandalism, storm damage, glass breakage, and accidents involving animals); $500 for auto collision coverage; and $500 for coverage on your home and personal belongings. The deductible amount you choose is a personal decision that is affected by the extent of your accumulated assets, your annual income, the amount of savings available to pay unexpected expenses, and your tolerance for risk. The higher deductible you choose, the lower the premium. We recommend choosing the highest deductible you can afford to pay in the event of a loss, allowing you to save as much premium as possible. You will pay the higher deductible only IF a loss occurs. If no losses occur, you save money by paying less in premiums.