Car Insurance Deductible FAQs

What Is The Deductible In Insurance?

A deductible in insurance is the amount of money that a policyholder is responsible for paying out of pocket before the insurance company begins to pay for any covered losses or damages. Deductibles are a way for insurance companies to share the cost of a claim with their policyholders.

For example, if you have a car insurance policy with a $500 deductible and you get into an accident that causes $3,000 worth of damage to your car, you would be responsible for paying the first $500 of the repair costs, while your insurance company would pay the remaining $2,500.

Deductibles can vary depending on the type of insurance policy and the insurance company. In general, higher deductibles result in lower insurance premiums, while lower deductibles result in higher premiums. It’s important to understand your policy’s deductible so you know what your financial responsibility will be in the event of a claim.

How Does The Deductible Work For Car Insurance?

In Canada, car insurance policies typically include a deductible, which is the amount that a policyholder must pay out of pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in to cover the remaining costs of a claim. The deductible applies to most types of car insurance claims, including collision, comprehensive, and specified perils coverage.

Here’s how the deductible works for car insurance in Canada:

1. You get into an accident or your car is damaged by a covered peril.
2. You file a claim with your insurance company.
3. You pay the deductible amount out of pocket.
4. Your insurance company covers the remaining cost of the claim up to the limit of your coverage.

What Is A Good Car Insurance Deductible?

The choice of car insurance deductible depends on various factors, including your driving history, the value of your car, and your financial situation. While a high deductible can lead to lower monthly premiums, it can also be difficult to pay in the event of an accident. On the other hand, a lower deductible can result in higher monthly premiums, but it may be more manageable to pay out of pocket in the event of a claim.

Here is a general guideline on good car insurance deductibles by province:

1. Ontario: A typical deductible for car insurance in Ontario is around $500. However, some drivers may choose to go for a higher deductible to lower their monthly premiums.
2. Quebec: The standard deductible for car insurance in Quebec is usually between $250 and $500, but it can vary depending on your coverage and insurance company.
3. British Columbia: The average deductible for car insurance in British Columbia is around $300, but drivers can opt for a higher or lower deductible depending on their preferences.
4. Alberta: The standard deductible for car insurance in Alberta is typically around $500, but it can vary depending on the insurance company and the driver’s coverage.
5. Manitoba: Car insurance policies in Manitoba do not have a deductible for basic coverage, but optional coverage may have a deductible that ranges from $100 to $500.
6. Saskatchewan: The standard deductible for car insurance in Saskatchewan is around $700, but drivers can choose to increase or decrease their deductible to adjust their monthly premiums.

These are general guidelines, and deductible amounts can vary depending on the specific policy and insurance company. You should consult with your insurance provider to determine the best deductible for your needs and budget.

What Happens If I Can’t Afford My Insurance Deductible?

If you can’t afford to pay your insurance deductible, it can be difficult to get your insurance company to cover the cost of a claim. Here are some things that can happen:

1. You may need to pay out of pocket: If you can’t afford your deductible, you may need to pay for the repair or replacement costs yourself, which can be difficult if the costs are high.
2. Your insurance claim may be delayed: If you can’t afford your deductible, your insurance company may delay your claim until you can pay the deductible amount.
3. Your insurance company may reduce the amount of coverage: If you can’t afford your deductible, your insurance company may reduce the amount of coverage you have or increase your premiums.
4. You may be able to negotiate with your insurance company: In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with your insurance company to reduce or waive your deductible, particularly if you have a good driving record and have been a loyal customer for a long time.
5. You may need to seek assistance: If you are facing financial hardship, you may be able to seek assistance from a charitable organization or government program to help cover the cost of your deductible.

Having car insurance is required by law in most places, and not paying your deductible can result in your insurance policy being cancelled or your driving privileges being suspended. It’s always best to talk to your insurance provider if you are having trouble paying your deductible, as they may be able to offer you some options to help you manage the cost.

Can I Get An Insurance Policy Without An Insurance Deductible?

In Ontario, it’s unlikely that you can get an insurance policy without a deductible. Deductibles are a standard feature of most insurance policies, and they serve as a way for the insurance company to share the risk of a claim with the policyholder.

While it may be possible to find a policy with a very low deductible, it’s unlikely that you will find one with no deductible at all. Insurance companies are in the business of managing risk, and without a deductible, they would be responsible for paying out even the smallest claims, which could be costly.

That being said, some insurance companies may offer policies with a waived deductible for certain types of claims, such as windshield damage or theft. Additionally, some insurance companies may allow you to choose a higher premium in exchange for a lower deductible, which could be a good option if you are willing to pay a bit more for peace of mind.

It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare policies from different insurance providers to find the best coverage and deductible options for your needs and budget.

Do You Have To Pay The Deductible If You Are Not At Fault?

If you are not at fault in an accident, you may not have to pay the deductible for the repairs to your vehicle. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will cover the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle, and you should not have to pay any deductible.

However, if you have collision coverage on your insurance policy, you may choose to go through your own insurance company to get your car repaired, even if you are not at fault. In this case, you may have to pay your deductible, but your insurance company will try to recover the cost of the repairs from the at-fault driver’s insurance company through a process called subrogation.

Insurance rules and regulations can vary by jurisdiction and policy, so it’s always a good idea to review your policy documents and talk to your insurance provider to understand how deductibles work in your specific situation. Additionally, if you are in an accident, it’s a good idea to exchange insurance information with the other driver and to document the damage with photos and notes, to help ensure that the insurance process goes smoothly.

Does A Not At Fault Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?

In general, a not-at-fault claim should not raise your insurance rates. This is because the at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically responsible for paying for the damages, and your insurance company should not hold the accident against you or raise your rates as a result.

However, there are some situations where a not-at-fault claim could impact your insurance rates. For example, if you have a history of making a high number of claims, even if they are not your fault, your insurance company may view you as a higher risk and increase your rates accordingly. Similarly, if the cost of the damages is very high, your insurance company may decide to increase your rates to cover the added risk.

It’s also worth noting that insurance companies may use different methods to calculate rates, and some may consider not-at-fault claims when determining rates. To ensure that you understand how your insurance rates are calculated, it’s always a good idea to review your policy documents and to talk to your insurance provider about any concerns you may have.

In general, however, a single not-at-fault claim should not significantly impact your insurance rates, and you should not be penalized for something that was not your fault.