 TITLE: What Happens if You Can’t Pay Your Car Insurance Deductible? CONTENT: If you can't afford your deductible, there is a chance you won't be able to begin repairs right away.\nIf your insurer requires your deductible be paid before they issue the remaining funds for a claim, you will need to find a way to pay it upfront. If you have until repairs are completed to come up with the money, you have some time to figure out where you'll get it. Consider the following options:\n*   **Wait to file your claim.** If you are between paychecks, or have money coming in soon, you could wait to file your insurance claim. This way you'll have money in hand once it comes time to cover the deductible. If the accident was severe, waiting could extend the time you're without a car. If your vehicle was towed or is already at the mechanic, make sure you know how long your car can be stored and what it'll cost you.\n*   **Negotiate with your mechanic.** If your insurer plans to issue you a check for the repairs, you may be able to negotiate with the mechanic and ask them to waive your deductible. In this case, they would just take the funds from the insurance company, effectively giving you a discount for the amount of your deductible.\n*   **Think about whether the repairs are critical.** There are many different types of accidents, and you may not need to fix your car at this moment. If the damage was just cosmetic, and the car is still safe to drive, consider not filing a claim at all. It may be worth the $500 savings (or whatever your deductible amount is) to not file the claim, if you can't afford the expense.\n*   **Tap into your emergency savings.** A severely damaged car could prevent you from, say, getting to work. If this is the case, and you have an emergency fund, now is the time to use it. Accidents are emergencies, and paying your deductible could be the difference between having transportation and not. If you aren't already saving for emergencies, consider starting a rainy day fund that helps you protect against situations like this. Putting even $50 per month in an account can add up over time and give you a cushion should anything like a major car repair come up. END