How a Disappearing Deductible Works

What Is a Disappearing Deductible?

Also referred to as a diminishing deductible or vanishing deductible, disappearing deductible is an optional car insurance perk designed to help you save money for being a safe driver.
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Reviewed By:
Ben Ewbank
Ben Ewbank,Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing
Ben Ewbank
Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing at The Hartford.
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Updated: 10/03/2025
Read Time: 4 minutes
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Key Takeaways

  • With The Hartford’s disappearing deductible benefit, your collision deductible can decrease over time if you maintain a clean driving record.‡
  • With disappearing deductible on your car insurance policy, if your collision deductible is $1,000, you may only have to pay a $500 deductible instead.
  • There is no one-size-fits-all price when it comes to adding disappearing deductible to your policy, but the potential savings down the road make this benefit worth considering.
Car insurance discounts are not the only ways to save on your auto insurance. Disappearing deductible is one optional benefit available with AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford1 that can save you money.

How Does a Disappearing Deductible Work?

With the disappearing deductible, your collision car insurance deductible can decrease over time if you maintain five years of accident-free driving.‡ For example, let’s say your deductible is $1,000. With disappearing deductible, you may only have to pay $500.
woman understands vanishing deductible

How Much Is Disappearing Deductible Coverage?

Like insurance deductibles, the cost for disappearing deductible is based on many factors and ultimately depends on your insurer and policy. This optional benefit could help you save money on car insurance, especially if you remain claim-free and maintain a clean driving record.‡

Get Disappearing Deductible Coverage From The Hartford

At The Hartford, we help experienced drivers get the coverage they need at a rate they deserve. Whether you’re looking to add disappearing deductible coverage to your policy or you just want to learn more about the benefits, The Hartford is here to help. Get a quote online or call us at 888-546-9099.

Frequently Asked Question About Disappearing Deductibles

A vanishing deductible is just another term for a disappearing deductible. Disappearing deductible is also sometimes referred to as a diminishing deductible.
Because your collision deductible will decrease over time if you remain accident-free, disappearing or vanishing deductibles are typically worth it to save you money down the road.
When you opt in to disappearing deductible coverage and maintain a clean driving record, you can reduce your collision deductible if you ever file an auto insurance claim. For example, if your collision deductible is $1,000, you may only have to pay a $500 deductible instead.
A disappearing deductible rewards safe driving by lowering your collision deductible amount over time, as long as you keep a clean driving record. With AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, if your deductible is at least $500 and you remain accident-free, your deductible can go down.‡
To see if you qualify for a disappearing deductible and other auto benefits, call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.
If eligible, you can opt in to this benefit during the online quote process or by calling The Hartford’s representatives at 888-546-9099. For existing policyholders, call 800-423-6789.
AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford offers exclusive discounts and benefits to help safe drivers save money, like:
 
  • Bundle and Save: Save an average of $813** when you bundle your home and auto insurance with The Hartford.
  • Defensive Driving Discount: You can get a defensive driving discount of up to 5% on your car insurance for the next three years if you finish an approved defensive driving course and send us a copy of the certificate.
  • Safety Features: Do you have anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices? You can access savings if your car has certain safety features.
  • Accident Forgiveness: As long as all drivers on your car insurance policy have a clean driving record and are accident-free for five straight years, accident forgiveness excuses your first accident if you need to file a claim.‡

Related Articles

** Average savings amounts based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford from other carriers between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. Your savings may vary. Average auto insurance savings is $577 and average home insurance savings is $236. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage® is a registered mark of The Hartford.
 
§§ Terms and conditions apply.
 
‡ Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.
 
‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.
 
‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).
 
Additional disclosures below.
AARP® Auto Insurance
Quick Links
FAQs
For AARP® Members
Additional Resources
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. The Hartford does not write new Home business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.