What is a home insurance deductible, and how does it work?

At Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, we often receive questions about home insurance deductibles. It’s a topic that can be confusing, but we’re here to clarify things. So, let’s dive in and demystify the world of deductibles, giving you the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to your home insurance policy.

What is a deductible?

A home insurance deductible is the initial amount you need to pay out of your own pocket when you make a claim on your homeowner’s insurance. Most policies offer deductibles in $500 increments, meaning you could choose to pay a $500, $1000, or even $2000 deductible. The more you’re willing to pay upfront, the lower your premium payments will be. Conversely, a lower deductible means higher premiums.

Therefore, if you have a $1000 deductible, you will pay less premium than you would if you had a $500 deductible. If you are more likely to file a claim, you may want to go with the lower deductible. If you are less likely to file a homeowner claim, you could take the money you saved in premiums and put it back to save toward the deductible if you must file a claim.

How does the deductible work?

Here’s how it works: when you file a claim on your home insurance policy, a claims adjuster and a contractor will assess the damage. Once they’ve determined the repair cost, you’ll need to pay the deductible (the amount you agreed to) before your home insurance kicks in. For example, if the repair cost for your roof is $7500 and your deductible is $500, your insurance company will pay $7000, and you’ll pay $500.

If the deductible is $1000 but your damages aren’t $1000 or less, you would be responsible for the full amount of the claim.

For more information about Home Insurance in Minnesota

Call Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC in Cloquet, MN, at (218) 499-8636 to learn more about home insurance deductibles, costs, and claims processes.