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Auto Deductibles, Explained

Brandon Polerecki, Risk Ready Insurance
February 28, 2026
Auto Insurance

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. It's also one of the few levers you fully control on your auto policy.

The 24-Month Rule

Take the premium savings from raising your deductible by $500. If you'd recover that savings within 24 months of claim-free driving, the higher deductible usually wins.

When to keep a low deductible

  • You don't have $1,000+ in accessible savings
  • You drive a high-mileage commute
  • You've had a claim in the last 3 years

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