Can I get my deductible waived?

Asked by: Dr. Devin Stiedemann I  |  Last update: March 30, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (71 votes)

In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.

Can I waive my deductible?

A collision deductible waiver, also known as a CDW, is an optional insurance feature that some auto insurers offer to waive your collision deductible if you have a qualifying claim. If a driver hits you, your collision coverage will still cover the damage to your vehicle, but you won't have to pay your deductible.

How do I get out of paying a deductible?

You can avoid paying your car insurance deductible for vehicle repairs by not filing a claim at all or by getting the mechanic to waive the deductible, which is possible but highly unlikely. In some cases, your insurer may also waive your comprehensive deductible for glass damage specifically.

Is waiving a deductible legal?

It is unlawful for a service provider to engage in a regular practice of waiving, rebating, giving, paying, or offering to waive, rebate, give or pay all or part of a claimant's deductible or claim for casualty, disability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, health insurance or property insurance. (IC 41-348).

Can I get insurance to cover my deductible?

Yes, you can get secondary medical insurance to help cover out-of-pocket costs. This may include a deductible, your copays, and coinsurance payments. This type of plan is often called a "limited benefits" plan or simply "gap insurance."

How to get your insurance deductible waived

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What if I can't afford my health insurance deductible?

Your healthcare provider can't waive or discount your deductible because that would violate the rules of your health plan. But they may be willing to allow you to pay the deductible you owe over time. Be honest and explain your situation upfront to your healthcare provider or hospital billing department.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

Can I negotiate deductible?

With regard to healthcare deductibles, always ask if it's possible to negotiate a payment plan. The healthcare provider cannot legally waive the deductible but they can allow you to pay it over time. The challenge comes in when a procedure involves multiple providers, such as with surgery.

Is deductible mandatory?

Depending on your policy, and the types of coverages you have, a deductible may be required. With an auto insurance policy, coverages like comprehensive and collision may require a deductible before said coverages apply in the event of a covered incident.

Can a provider waive a deductible?

Such rates and fee schedules are the result of extensive negotiations and are based on a number of factors. Despite the existence of such contractual arrangements, healthcare providers sometimes waive patient copays, coinsurance and deductibles (generally referred to as a “waiver” or “waivers” in this article).

Is it illegal to not pay your deductible?

The insurance carrier outlines its responsibilities in the benefits, limits, and exclusion sections. But homeowners also have responsibilities as well. If you do not pay your deductible you are committing a crime. Technically, this is a form of insurance fraud.

Can I lower my deductible?

Many health insurance companies allow you to keep the same health plan and increase or decrease your deductible based on your needs. Changing your deductible can increase or decrease your monthly premium. This is usually a monthly cost. .

Do you actually pay your deductible?

You have to pay a deductible any time you make a claim for your car insurance. The deductible is an agreed-upon amount that you have to pay out of pocket whenever you make an insurance claim before the insurer will cover the cost of damages.

Can you get out of paying your deductible?

Some insurers even offer a disappearing deductible program. It's what it sounds like. If you go a set amount of time without a claim or violation your deductible amount will decrease or be waived.

Can you have a $0 deductible?

A no-deductible health plan, also called a zero-deductible policy, is a health insurance plan that doesn't require participants to meet a minimum out-of-pocket amount before their insurance company begins paying their medical expenses.

Why do I have to pay my deductible if someone hits me?

You must pay your deductible every time you seek compensation from your car insurance company, regardless of how the accident happened. However, if you decide to sue the liable party for damages, your car accident lawyer could include the deductible as part of the settlement you seek from their insurance company.

Can my insurance deductible be waived?

In most situations, for coverages with a deductible, a deductible will apply - but there are some circumstances in which the deductible may be waived. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and make a claim to repair windshield glass damage, then your deductible may be waived.

Do I have to hit my deductible?

A: Unlike auto, renters or homeowner insurance where you don't get services until you pay your deductible, many health plans cover the cost of some benefits before you meet the deductible. For example, your plan may cover the cost of annual physicals and many preventive health screenings before the deductible is met.

What happens if I don't make my deductible?

If you can't afford your deductible, there is a chance you won't be able to begin repairs right away. If your insurer requires your deductible be paid before they issue the remaining funds for a claim, you will need to find a way to pay it upfront.

What if you can't afford your insurance deductible?

Unfortunately, in these cases, you'll need to pay for all repairs out-of-pocket. This is because insurance only pays for damages that are above your deductible.

What is too high of a deductible?

For individuals, a health plan can qualify as high deductible if the deductible is at least $1,350, and the max out-of-pocket cost (the most you'd pay in a year for medical expenses, with insurance covering everything else) is at least $6,750.

Why do doctors bill more than insurance will pay?

It is entirely due to the rates negotiated and contracted by your specific insurance company. The provider MUST bill for the highest contracted dollar ($) amount to receive full reimbursement.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.

What is a good deductible price?

Generally, drivers tend to have average deductibles of $500. Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles.

Do I pay my deductible to the Body Shop?

For example, if your plan has a $500 deductible, you will pay that amount to the body shop, and your insurance will handle the rest.