What Is a Homeowners Insurance Deductible?

If you’ve never had insurance before, one of the terms you may not be familiar with is the "deductible." The home insurance deductible will become important if you ever need to file a claim, so knowing what it is and how it works is important. The professionals at Keltner Insurance servicing Memphis, TN can help answer your questions about deductibles. We can also help you understand how your deductible works, how it affects your premium, and other important information. 

All About Home Insurance Deductibles

The deductible is an amount that you must pay when you file an insurance claim. The deductible isn’t a fee, but a contribution that is applied toward the repairs to your home.

Amount

Deductibles can range in price from $250 to $2,000 or more. Many homeowners choose a policy with a $500 or $1,000 deductible. If you don’t know how much your deductible is, you can ask your insurance agent or look this up in your home insurance policy. 

How It’s Paid

The deductible is usually paid straight to the contractor doing work on your house. You may either cut a check for the deductible while your home insurance company pays the contractor the remaining balance, or your home insurance company may send you the money for the repairs (minus the deductible), and then you must pay the contractor the full amount. 

How You Can Change It

If you need to change your home insurance deductible, talk to your insurance agent. Your insurance agent can help you make this change. 

How the Deductible Affects the Premium

Often, lower deductibles lead to higher premiums. If you want to reduce your home insurance premium, ask your insurance agent if you can raise your deductible. 

Need More Information? Call Today

If you need more information about how insurance deductibles work, contact your insurance agent at Keltner Insurance servicing Memphis, TN. We’re here to help you understand your policy and make changes if needed.