When Is My Car Insurance Deductible Due?
After an accident, it’s common to have questions about how your car insurance deductible works—especially when it’s time to pay. At Kunes Auto Body, we’re here to guide you through every step of the repair process, including understanding how your auto insurance policy defines the deductible, when your deductible is due, and how it affects your total out-of-pocket cost.
What Is Car Insurance Deductible?
Your auto insurance deductible is the portion of your repair cost that you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The amount is set by your policy—commonly $250, $500, or $1,000—and applies to collision or comprehensive claims. After you pay the deductible, the insurance carrier covers the remaining repair costs.
When filing an insurance claim, the deductible amount has significant financial implications. It is important to consider your individual circumstances and potential unexpected expenses when selecting your deductible.
If you’re unsure about your deductible amount, contact your insurance agent or review your policy documents.
How Do Car Insurance Deductibles Work?
A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket for damages to your vehicle before your insurance kicks in. When you purchase car insurance, you choose a deductible amount, which can range from $100 to $1,000 or more. The deductible applies per accident, rather than once a year. When you file a claim, you pay your deductible first, and then your insurance provider covers the remaining cost of repairs or replacement.
When Is the Deductible Due?
At Kunes Auto Body, your deductible is due at vehicle pickup—after repairs are complete and your vehicle is ready to return to the road.
This means:
- You won’t need to pay your collision repair deductible upfront
- Your insurance company will pay us directly for the approved repair amount minus your deductible
- You’ll pay the deductible balance when you pick up your vehicle, which includes any out of pocket expenses you may have incurred
This process ensures transparency and gives you time to prepare for the payment while your vehicle is being repaired.
Deductible Amount and Premiums
The deductible amount you choose affects your car insurance premiums. A lower deductible means you’ll pay more in premiums, while a higher deductible means you’ll pay less in premiums. It’s essential to consider your financial situation and choose a deductible amount that balances your premium costs with your coverage needs. You may also want to research and compare insurance quotes to see how different deductibles and coverages impact your rate.
Collision Coverage Deductible Payment Example
Let’s say your repair total is $3,500 and your insurance deductible is $500. When it comes to car repairs, your insurance company will send us a payment of $3,000, and your responsibility is to cover the $500 deductible at the time of pickup.
If your insurer issues the full payment to you directly, you’ll be responsible for forwarding that to us and still paying the deductible portion.
Insurance Deductibles and Liability
Not all car insurance claims have deductibles. Liability coverage, which pays for damages to other people’s property, typically doesn’t have a deductible. However, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, which cover damages to your vehicle, usually have deductibles. If you’re involved in an accident and the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance will cover your damages, and you won’t have to pay a deductible.
What If My Deductible Is Waived?
Some policies offer waived deductibles under specific conditions—such as if another driver is fully at fault and their insurer accepts responsibility. Insurance companies play a crucial role in this process by determining eligibility for a waived deductible. If you believe your deductible should be waived:
- Contact your insurance company to confirm eligibility
- Request documentation verifying the waived deductible
- Provide that verification to Kunes Auto Body before your pickup date
Without official confirmation, we are required to collect the deductible according to your policy terms.
Can I Recover My Deductible?
If you’re not at fault in an accident, you may be able to recover your deductible through a process called subrogation. Subrogation is when your insurance company works to recover costs from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the claim is settled and you’re not at fault, you may be able to get your deductible back. Your insurance company will pay for damages minus your deductible, and then work to recover the deductible amount from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The deductible recovery process can take several months, but your insurance provider can guide you through the process.
Kunes Auto Body Deductible Policy: What You Need to Know
- We do not collect your deductible until repairs are completed
- Your deductible is due when your vehicle is ready for pickup
- We’ll explain your deductible clearly during the estimate process
- We’re happy to work with your insurance provider on timing or questions
- If payment arrangements are needed, talk to our team in advance—we’re here to help
- Personal injury protection is one of the coverage types that can have a deductible associated with it
Our goal is to make your collision deductible payment process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Need Help Understanding Your Deductible?
We know insurance can be confusing. If you’re unsure about:
- When to pay your insurance deductible
- How much your deductible is
- Whether it’s been waived or applied
- How the insurance check minus deductible works
- If your uninsured motorist property damage coverage has a deductible associated with it
Our team is here to walk you through it.
Contact Kunes Auto Body to File a Claim for Deductible Support
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to call. Our team is happy to provide auto body deductible guidance, clarify repair costs, or contact your insurance company on your behalf.
Reach out today or stop by our shop to get started on your repairs—and get the deductible answers you need.
Kunes Auto Body – Expert Repairs. Clear Answers. No Surprises.