Can I get reimbursed for my deductible?

Asked by: Lauretta Feil IV  |  Last update: September 5, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)

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.

Can a deductible be reimbursed?

Your insurance company will pay for your damages, minus your deductible. Don't worry — if the claim is settled and it's determined you weren't at fault for the accident, you'll get your deductible back.

Can I get my insurance deductible back?

The deductible is YOUR portion per policy terms. If they collect it in Sub, than they will likely advance it back to you. It happens all the time, so long as their aren't any limits issues on his end. You can try and pursue it in civil small claims court, but may not be worth your efforts in time and court costs...

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

Generally speaking, yes, a higher deductible is the better choice long term. Especially if you have a good driving history.

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.

What happens if you don't meet your deductible?

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Can a deductible be refunded?

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.

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 deductible waived?

Fault determination: Most insurers require you to be not at fault for the accident. Some auto companies may require you to be 100 percent fault-free to have the deductible waived, while others may waive a percent of your deductible based on your percentage of fault.

What is a disadvantage of having a high deductible?

Cons of High Deductible Healthcare Plans

Individuals who are stretched thin for funds may delay or avoid seeking medical treatment due to the high cost of treatment. For example, someone injured may avoid the emergency room if they know it will result in an expensive bill that will be applied to the plan deductible.

Do you have to pay your deductible if you're not at fault?

If You're Not at Fault

You can wait for the at-fault driver's insurance to pay directly for the damage to your vehicle. While this option means you won't need to pay a deductible, it could take time for the other insurer to approve the claim, assess the damage, and arrange repairs.

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.

Is it illegal to pay out-of-pocket for a car accident?

Strictly speaking, paying out of your pocket for a car accident isn't illegal, but accepting the offer may have unwanted consequences.

What happens when your car is totaled but still drivable?

Some states, including California, require a salvage title for totaled cars legally driven on the road. This entails obtaining approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and adhering to the state's minimum insurance requirements. This is also likely to have a significant impact on insurance premiums.

Is it illegal to cover deductibles?

You'll hear it phrased several ways. The contractor will “absorb”, “waive”, or offer to pay the deductible. The problem is that it's not legal.

Can I make payments on my 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.

What happens when you spend your deductible?

Once a person meets their deductible, they pay coinsurance and copays, which don't count toward the family deductible.

How high is too high deductible?

In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.

Why is it not a great idea to have a high deductible?

Large medical expenses: Since HDHPs generally only cover preventive care, an accident or emergency could result in very high out-of-pocket costs. Future health risks: Because of the costs, you may refrain from visiting a physician, getting treatments, or purchasing prescriptions when they're not covered by your HDHP.

What are the disadvantages of a deductible?

The downsides of a high deductible health plan are:
  • Expensive. The upfront costs can be costly.
  • High Payments. With a high-deductible health plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be higher. ...
  • Avoiding Care. Those high payments for medical care might keep you away from checkups and other preventative measures.

Can I get my deductible reimbursed?

Your deductible is due to the repair shop once repairs are completed. If the other party is found to be at fault for the accident, we'll begin the deductible recovery process to reimburse you for the amount you paid for your loss.

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 my doctor waive my deductible?

Remuneration for referrals [such as routine waiver of copayments and deductibles] is illegal because it can distort medical decision-making, cause overutilization of services or supplies, increase costs to Federal health care programs, and result in unfair competition by shutting out competitors who are unwilling to ...

Is it better to pay out-of-pocket or use health insurance?

People without insurance pay, on average, twice as much for care. This means when you use a network provider you pay less for the same services than someone who doesn't have coverage – even before you meet your deductible.

How can I hit my deductible fast?

How to Meet Your Deductible
  1. Order a 90-day supply of your prescription medicine. Spend a bit of extra money now to meet your deductible and ensure you have enough medication to start the new year off right.
  2. See an out-of-network doctor. ...
  3. Pursue alternative treatment. ...
  4. Get your eyes examined.

Do you pay your deductible if you're not at fault?

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.