Deductibles — what they really cost
A deductible is the portion of a covered loss you pay. Many surprises come from how deductibles interact with multiple losses, sub-limits, and partial payouts.
Updated: April 2026
Important: This page is informational only. It does not provide legal advice, claim strategy, or representation.
See the disclaimer.
Per occurrence vs per claim
Policies commonly apply deductibles per occurrence (the event) or per claim. If multiple issues are treated as one occurrence, you may see one deductible; if treated separately, deductibles can stack.
Special deductibles
Some policies have special deductibles for certain categories (e.g., water damage). That can change the net payout even when the claim is otherwise covered.
Why a deductible can make a “small claim” not worth it
Even if the event is covered, the deductible can reduce the payout to near-zero. Many policies are designed to pay for meaningful losses, not routine maintenance.
Next: Read Why partial payouts happen for how deductibles, limits, and depreciation shape final payment amounts.