Where to find your figures
Use two quotes with the same vehicle, drivers, coverage type, limits, and term. Annualize comparable 6-month quotes by doubling each term premium, with the assumption that the pricing repeats.
Auto insurance U.S. insurance
How long would a higher deductible take to pay off?
Compare two auto quotes to see how many months of premium savings would cover a higher deductible. Add a covered loss to compare one-year costs.
Auto Insurance Deductible Break-Even Calculator
Enter figures from your policy, quote, or benefits summary.
Worked example
See what the numbers mean
An extra $500 deductible and $200 in yearly premium savings break even after 30 months for one qualifying claim.
Auto Insurance Deductible Break-Even Calculator · deductiblebreakeven.com
The break-even time assumes one claim large enough to use the higher deductible and unchanged premiums. The separate one-year comparison assumes the loss is covered under both quotes. Future surcharges and recovered deductibles are outside the model.
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Behind the estimate
Method & sources
How the math works
Divide the added deductible by the annual premium savings and multiply by 12. For the optional one-year scenario, add each annual premium to the smaller of the entered loss and its deductible.
Worked example
An extra $500 deductible and $200 in yearly premium savings break even after 30 months for one qualifying claim.
What this estimate covers
The break-even time assumes one claim large enough to use the higher deductible and unchanged premiums. The separate one-year comparison assumes the loss is covered under both quotes. Future surcharges and recovered deductibles are outside the model.
Source notes
Consumer guidance reviewed .
- California Department of Insurance · Automobile insurance guide
Deductible and premium trade-offs, same-coverage comparisons, and possible installment fees.
Before you decide
Common questions
What happens if a repair costs less than the higher deductible?
Your modeled share for each quote is the smaller of the covered loss and that quote’s deductible. Enter the loss in the one-year scenario to compare it directly.
What if the higher deductible barely lowers my premium?
A small premium saving takes longer to offset the added deductible. If the quote offers zero savings or costs more per year, there is no break-even under the one-claim model.
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