Being involved in a car accident or dealing with unexpected vehicle damage is stressful. Add in the insurance process, repair decisions, and unexpected costs, and it can quickly feel overwhelming.

At Kunes Auto Body, we believe part of great customer service is making sure you’re fully informed. One of the most common questions we get from customers is:

“What is a deductible, and will I have to pay it?”

We’re here to break it all down for you in simple terms so you know what to expect.

A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your auto insurance begins to cover the remaining cost of a repair.

For example, if your deductible is $500 and your repair estimate is $2,000, you would pay the first $500. Your insurance company would cover the remaining $1,500.

Your deductible is determined when you set up your insurance policy and can typically range from $250 to $1,000 or more.

Not all types of coverage require a deductible. Here’s a quick breakdown of when you can expect to pay one:

This coverage applies when your vehicle is damaged in a crash, whether it involves another vehicle or an object like a pole or guardrail. A deductible usually applies when you file a claim under collision coverage.

This protects against non-collision-related damage, such as theft, vandalism, falling objects, hail, fire, or hitting an animal. A deductible generally applies under comprehensive claims as well.

This covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property. If you are at fault in an accident, your liability coverage pays for the other party’s damages. In this case, you typically do not pay a deductible, because this type of coverage does not apply to your own repairs.

If another driver is clearly at fault and their insurance company accepts responsibility, you may not need to pay your deductible at all. Their insurance should pay for all repairs. However, insurance companies may take time to determine fault, and if you go through your own insurance company in the meantime, you might have to pay your deductible up front and be reimbursed later.

This situation is known as subrogation, where your insurance company seeks reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurer.

There are a few ways to find out if you’ll owe a deductible:

1. Review Your Insurance Policy
   Your deductible amounts will be listed in your policy under both “collision” and “comprehensive” coverage sections.
2. Ask Your Insurance Adjuster
   When you file a claim, your adjuster should tell you how much your deductible is and whether it applies to your situation.
3. Talk to the Experts at Kunes Auto Body
   We deal with insurance companies every day. Bring your claim information to us, and we’ll help you understand how your deductible applies and what your total costs might be.

If the cost of your repairs is less than your deductible, your insurance will not pay anything. You would be responsible for the full cost.

For example, if your deductible is $750 and the repair estimate is $600, it would make more sense to pay for the repair out of pocket instead of filing a claim.

This is why getting an estimate before starting the insurance process is always a smart move. At Kunes Auto Body, we offer free estimates so you can make an informed decision.

This decision depends on your budget and risk tolerance:

• A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
• A lower deductible means a higher premium, but less to pay if you need repairs.

If you drive often, park outside, or live in an area with high accident or theft rates, a lower deductible might be a better option for peace of mind.

At Kunes Auto Body, we’re here to take the confusion out of the repair process. Our experienced team works directly with your insurance company, explains your deductible, and walks you through your options — no guesswork, no pressure.
What you can expect when you work with us:

• Free repair estimates
• Help understanding your deductible and insurance claim
• Direct communication with your insurance provider
• Certified technicians and quality OEM parts
• Friendly, honest service every step of the way

Visit your nearest Kunes Auto Body location, give us a call, or start your estimate online. We’re here to help you get back on the road with confidence.