Inputs
How to use this calculator
- Enter claim amount, repair estimate, and coverage limit.
- Select total loss if the vehicle is written off.
- Choose deductible type, stacking, and event count.
- Enable waivers, credits, or reimbursement options.
- Add sales tax or diminished value, if applicable.
- Review results above and export CSV or PDF.
Formula used
Gross loss = max(claim amount, repair estimate), or ACV − salvage for total loss.
Covered loss = min(gross loss, coverage limit).
Repair reductions = covered loss × (depreciation% + betterment%) for repair settlement.
Deductible before credits uses stacking and event count rules.
Deductible applied = deductible before credits − credits − buyback − waivers.
Out-of-pocket = deductible applied + noncovered + excess costs + DV not covered − reimbursement.
Example data table
| Scenario | Deductible setup | Claim amount | Insurer payout | Out-of-pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard collision | $500 per claim | $2,500 | $2,000 | $500 |
| Stacked events | $500 × 2 events | $2,500 | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Not-at-fault waiver | Waived | $2,500 | $2,500 | $0 |
| Reimbursement rider | $500 reimbursed | $2,500 | $2,000 | $0* |
Choosing the right deductible for your budget
Deductibles shift cost between you and the insurer. A higher deductible lowers expected claim payments and may reduce premium, but it increases cash needed on claim day. A lower deductible smooths cash flow, yet it can raise annual cost. Use the out‑of‑pocket KPI to test what you could pay quickly without borrowing.
Percent versus fixed deductibles in real claims
Fixed deductibles are simple: the same amount applies each event. Percent deductibles scale with a basis, such as covered loss or repair estimate. Percent designs can surprise drivers on large repairs because the deductible grows with the loss. In the calculator, switch the basis to see how the applied deductible changes under identical damages.
Separate deductibles and stacking rules
Many policies use different deductibles for collision, comprehensive, glass, or uninsured motorist property damage. Turning on separate deductibles lets you model those differences, including zero‑glass options. Stacking controls whether you pay one deductible, one per event, or one per coverage. Add events to simulate multiple incidents and observe how repeated deductibles raise the applied total.
Taxes, diminished value, and settlement adjustments
Settlements can include adjustments that reduce what is considered covered. Depreciation and betterment reduce repair settlement value when parts are worn or upgrades add value. Sales tax can be added on taxable portions of repairs, depending on jurisdiction and policy language. Diminished value is modeled as a capped benefit percentage, showing both the covered portion and any remaining DV exposure.
Documenting scenarios for negotiation and planning
Professional decisions rely on comparisons. Run a baseline case, then change one feature at a time: waiver, buyback, reimbursement, or stacking. Track insurer total payout, base payout, and out‑of‑pocket for each scenario. Use the premium curve and waterfall chart to explain tradeoffs, then export CSV or PDF to support discussions with repair shops, adjusters, or clients. Keep notes on assumptions, like limits and tax rates, so later recalculations match your claim file and policy declarations exactly. each time.
FAQs
How should I choose between a $500 and $1,000 deductible?
Compare out-of-pocket against your emergency cash. If $1,000 would force credit use, the lower option may be safer. Then review the premium curve to see whether the annual savings justify the extra claim-time cost.
When do separate deductibles matter most?
They matter when comprehensive, glass, or UMPD deductibles differ from collision. A low glass deductible can make windshield claims affordable, while a higher collision deductible can still keep premiums lower.
What does deductible stacking mean?
Stacking sets whether you pay one deductible, one per event, or one per coverage type. Multi-event inputs show how repeated deductibles can multiply costs after storms, chain collisions, or sequential vandalism.
Why would depreciation or betterment reduce my covered amount?
Insurers may reduce payment for worn parts or increased value from upgrades. Modeling depreciation and betterment helps you estimate the covered-after-reductions amount before the deductible is applied.
How does the deductible reimbursement option change results?
Reimbursement offsets the applied deductible up to your selected limit. It lowers your final out-of-pocket, but the premium estimate adds a small load because the insurer expects higher net payments.
Is diminished value always paid on auto claims?
Not always. Many policies limit or exclude it, and rules vary by jurisdiction and claim type. Use the DV inputs to test best-case coverage percentages and see any remaining DV exposure.