What does a percentage deductible imply?

A percentage deductible means that the insured is responsible for a specific percentage of the loss amount, while the insurance company covers the remainder. This type of deductible is frequently used in property insurance policies and is particularly relevant when dealing with high-value items or significant losses, where the deductible is calculated based on the total loss amount rather than a fixed dollar figure.

For example, if a policy has a 10% deductible and the insured suffers a loss of $100,000, they would need to pay $10,000 before the insurance kicks in to cover the rest of the loss. This can help align the interests of the insurer and the insured, as it can discourage small claims and encourage policyholders to be mindful of their property.

Understanding this concept is crucial for evaluating how deductibles can impact both coverage and out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a loss.