Car insurance deductible calculator
Compare two deductibles: what you save on premiums, what you’d pay at claim time, and how long it takes to come out ahead.
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How deductibles and premiums trade off
Your deductible is the amount you pay toward a covered collision or comprehensive claim before insurance pays the rest. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium, but you pay more when you file a claim. Get quotes for both deductibles from your insurer or agent, then enter them below.
Option B’s deductible should be higher than option A’s.
Your comparison
- Premium savings with option B
- Extra you pay when you file a claim
- Break-even point
- Five-year cost: A / B
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If you couldn’t pay the higher deductible today, a claim could leave you unable to repair or replace your car, even if the math favors option B.
Enter both deductibles and premiums to see results. Five-year cost adds five years of premiums plus one deductible per claim, assuming each claim is larger than the deductible.
Reading the result
- The break-even point is how many years without a claim it takes for premium savings to cover the extra deductible on one claim.
- Only choose a deductible you could pay on short notice. Savings on premiums don’t help if you can’t afford the deductible when you need the car fixed.
- Deductibles usually apply to collision and comprehensive coverage, not to the liability coverage that pays for damage you cause to others.
- If you have a loan or lease, your lender may set a maximum deductible.
About this estimate
This calculator is general education, not insurance, financial, or legal advice. It uses simple math on the numbers you enter and can’t account for everything about your situation. Your policy, your insurer’s rules, and your state’s requirements control what is covered and what it costs.
For advice about your own coverage, talk with a licensed insurance agent. Questions about an insurer or agent can go to your state insurance department.
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