Can I recover my deductible?

Asked by: Camille Boyle PhD  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (67 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 you get your deductible back?

You're never guaranteed to get your deductible back. There are many reasons why your insurance company may not be able to recover anything from the at-fault party. Consider it gone, and if one day you get it back, it will be a nice surprise.

What to do if my deductible is too high?

Negotiate payment plans with healthcare providers: If you have a high deductible, it can be overwhelming to pay for medical services in a lump sum. Don't be afraid to negotiate payment plans with your healthcare providers. They often have options available to help spread out the costs over a longer period of time.

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.

Does the deductible reset?

A calendar year deductible schedule resets on January 1 of each year. This means that you must pay your deductible again if you have any medical expenses that are covered by your health insurance plan during the calendar year.

How to Recover Insurance Deductibles : Insurance FAQs

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How long does deductible recovery take?

How long does it take? Payment recovery usually takes about six months, but sometimes it happens faster, depending on the circumstances.

Are deductibles refunded?

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. The involved insurance companies determine who's at fault.

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.

How do I get my 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.

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.

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. .

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.

Is a $1500 deductible high?

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

Do I pay my deductible if I am not at fault?

In California, determining fault is crucial in deciding who ultimately pays the deductible. California follows a “fault” insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident pays for the damages through their insurance company.

Can I negotiate 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.

What does $500 deductible with full glass mean?

For instance, if you're considering full glass coverage with a $500 deductible and an additional cost of $5-$10 per month on your premiums, it means that before your insurer covers any repair or replacements due to glass damages on your vehicle's windshield, sunroof, or even side windows during an accident or other ...

How do you recover your deductible?

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 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 ...

What do I do if I can't pay my deductible?

Here are your options when you cannot afford your deductible:
  1. Choose not to file a claim until you have the money.
  2. Check your policy, as you may not have to pay up front.
  3. Work out a deal with your mechanic.
  4. Get a loan.

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.

How to get a new roof without paying deductible?

No matter what a roofer tells you you must pay your deductible. There is no way around it and insurance will consider it insurance fraud if they do. Many homeowners try to find a way around this but there is no way around it. You can also verify this directly with your insurance provider or an attorney.

Can you change your deductible after an accident?

You cannot lower or increase your deductible for the accident that already happened. You could, however, change your deductible for future accidents. Your deductible and any optional coverage included in your policy are always your decision to make.

How do I get rid of my deductible?

How to Avoid Paying Your Car Insurance Deductible
  1. Ask your mechanic to waive it. ...
  2. Get it waived for windshield repair or replacement. ...
  3. Don't file the claim. ...
  4. Purchase a vanishing deductible policy. ...
  5. Drive safely and do not cause accidents.

Do I have to pay my deductible if the accident wasn't my fault progressive?

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. In some states, the driver must also be uninsured for a CDW to apply.

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.