What happens if you can't pay your car insurance deductible?

A collision deductible waiver helps drivers save money on their deductible after an accident with an uninsured driver. Collision damage waivers typically apply only to accidents where an identified driver without insurance is completely at fault. A notable exception is California, where collision deductible waivers can be used in hit-and-run accidents. … read full answer

When a Collision Deductible Waiver Is a Good Idea

Collision deductible waivers are similar to uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) insurance, so a waiver is usually redundant if you are already required by your state to have UMPD. In states where UMPD is optional or unavailable, collision deductible waivers can be a great alternative for the same type of coverage. However, keep in mind that you cannot purchase a collision deductible waiver without collision insurance.

Collision Deductible Waiver Cost

The cost of a collision deductible waiver is usually less than $50 for your entire policy term. Although collision deductible waivers can only be used in a limited number of situations, their low cost means they are a good investment if you want to avoid any out-of-pocket expenses in the event that you’re hit by an uninsured motorist.

Finally, it should be noted that collision deductible waivers are different from collision damage waivers, which are sold by rental car companies to cover damage to their vehicles.

You can avoid paying your car insurance deductible for vehicle repairs if the mechanic agrees to waive it, which is possible but highly unlikely. In some cases, your insurer may also waive your comprehensive deductible for glass repair specifically. Otherwise, if you are filing a car insurance claim with a type of coverage that has a deductible, you have to pay it.… read full answer

Types of Car Insurance That Don’t Require a Deductible

Not every insurance claim requires you to pay a deductible. For example, many insurers waive comprehensive deductibles for glass repair, and some states allow drivers to choose a separate $0 glass deductible.

In addition, if you are in an accident and another driver is at-fault, your costs will be covered by their liability insurance, which doesn’t require you to pay anything out of pocket. If you choose to use your collision coverage or personal injury protection insurance to cover immediate costs, you will have to pay your deductible. However, your insurance company will eventually recoup your costs from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

On the other hand, you may have to pay a deductible if you are hit by an uninsured motorist and have to use your uninsured motorist property damage insurance, though it usually depends on your state.

What To Do If You Can’t Afford Your Car Insurance Deductible

If you want to file a claim but cannot pay your deductible, you have a few options. You can set up a payment plan with the mechanic, put the charge on a credit card, take out a loan, or save up until you can afford the deductible. Depending on your state and insurance company, you could have anywhere from 30 days to a few years to file a car insurance claim after an accident.

Because it’s almost impossible to avoid paying your car insurance deductible in situations where it actually applies, it’s important that you pick a deductible amount you can afford. To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to car insurance deductibles.

You can get your car insurance deductible waived if your claim qualifies for a deductible waiver. For example, some companies will waive your glass deductible if your windshield only needs to be repaired and not replaced.

Some states have laws requiring car insurance companies to waive deductibles for glass repairs and replacements, while other states only waive deductibles for repairs. Most states however, have no such laws.… read full answer

While some states waive deductibles for uninsured motorist claims, you will likely still need to pay the deductibles for any comprehensive or collision claims.