Insurance Deductible Break-Even Calculator

Find how many claim-free years it takes for premium savings from a higher deductible to outweigh the extra out-of-pocket cost when you file a claim.

Your numbers

Break-even claim-free years3.33 years
Annual premium savings
$300
Extra cost per claim
$1,000
Cumulative savings if no claims
$0$1K$2K$3K0246810Premium savings · 0: $0.00Premium savings · 1: $300Premium savings · 2: $600Premium savings · 3: $900Premium savings · 4: $1,200Premium savings · 5: $1,500Premium savings · 6: $1,800Premium savings · 7: $2,100Premium savings · 8: $2,400Premium savings · 9: $2,700Premium savings · 10: $3,000Extra deductible risk · 0: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 1: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 2: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 3: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 4: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 5: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 6: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 7: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 8: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 9: $1,000Extra deductible risk · 10: $1,000
  • Premium savings
  • Extra deductible risk

How the insurance deductible break-even calculator works

Break-even years = (higher deductible − lower deductible) ÷ annual premium savings.

Example

Using the default inputs (Low deductible: $500; High deductible: $1,500; Premium with low deductible / yr: $1,800; Premium with high deductible / yr: $1,500), the calculator returns break-even claim-free years of 3.33 years. Change any field above to see your own result and charts update instantly.

Good for these goals

Frequently asked questions

Is a higher deductible smart?

If you have emergency savings to cover it and file claims rarely, the premium savings usually win.

What about small claims?

A higher deductible can discourage small claims that raise future premiums.

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Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not financial, tax or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and simplified assumptions; tax figures reflect 2026 federal rules and may differ from your situation. See our disclaimer. © 2026 FinanzCalc.