 | Richard Smith has been in the Auto Body Industry for 26 years. He is ASE Certified Master Collision Tech, an I-Car Platinum Tech, and an I-Car Instructor. He and His wife own and operate Sharp's Auto Body & Collision Inc. located at 202 North Elm St. in Pittsburg, Kansas. He is a father of 5 children, Ex Military E-6 Staff SGT. and is active in his home Church. The one thing he enjoys doing is educating the public about the safety and proper repair of automobiles, no matter if it is a vehicle that has been in a collision, a small dent, or a complete restoration. The shop is always equipped with a skilled professional to handle your auto needs. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2010-10-01 11:22:00
What is a deductible?
Answer: A deductible is your liability if you make a claim on your insurance. No matter if it’s a comprehensive claim or a collision claim, the deductible is what you choose to personally pay when you take insurance out on your vehicle with your insurance company. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium is generally what the insurance companies will tell you. However, you can check it out most of the time and it does not save you a lot of money on your premium to justify paying $1,000 or more deductible. $500.00 is the most common.
You also asked, “If I am involved in an accident and it’s the other persons fault, do I have to pay my deductible before my car can be repaired?”
The answer to this question is NO. If you are involved in an accident, and it is ruled the other person’s fault, you do not have to pay your own deductible. Once the “at fault” persons’ insurance company takes responsibility, they then pay for the complete repairs to your vehicle.
When is my deductible due and who do I pay it too?
The deductible is due at the time you pick up your repaired vehicle from the shop. It has to be paid to that shop before your vehicle will be released to you. Generally, most shops will not except a personal check for a deductible and prefer you pay the deductible either by by cash or credit card.
