Your Insurance Deductible and How It Works

Perhaps one of the most important details to understand about your home, auto or business insurance policy is your deductible limits. While most people are familiar with the fact that their policies have a deductible associated with them, they are not always aware of what exactly it is, what the dollar amount of their deductibles are, how that designated amount affects their premium, and the role it plays in indemnifying them should a catastrophic incident occur.


What is a Deductible?

Simply put, a deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying out of your own pocket for a claim. For example, if you have an insured loss of $5,000 but a deductible of $500, your insurance carrier would send you a check for $4,500.


Its important to know what your deductibles are, should an incident occur where you need to file a claim. Check out a copy of your policy for those details or call your insurance agent to get the insight on what your deductible limits are for each of the policies you hold.


How Your Deductible Can Save You Money

Did you know that raising or lowering the deductible on your home or auto coverage can make a difference in the overall cost of your policy? Increasing the deductible on your auto policy can decrease your collision and comprehensive coverage premium costs. Likewise, raising the deductible on your homeowner’s policy can reduce the cost of your policy.


Your insurance agent can discuss the best options for a deductible to fit your coverage needs and budget.


Specific Deductibles for Specific Disasters

A handful of disasters like wind, hurricanes, and hail sometimes have a separate deductible depending on where you are located. Otherwise, they are usually covered, subject to a standard homeowner’s insurance deductible.


Flood and earthquake policies are purchased separately and have their own unique deductible rules.


Your insurance agency can guide you on how each of these deductibles work, to ensure that you have an understanding of what you need and how you can put it to use if a catastrophic loss occurs.


No matter the insurance policy, whether you invest in business insurance, commercial insurance, or home insurance, your policy deductibles will vary on a variety of factors. With J. Hoffman Insurance, we value transparency and communicating how each factor may impact your deductibles. Our insurance firm serves Middletown, Warwick, and Goshen, NY, and is here to provide the coverage you need.  If you have any questions or would like a quote on your home, auto or business insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (845) 239-4787 or by email at vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com.


December 19, 2025
Running a successful business requires more than strong sales and day-to-day operations. It takes thoughtful planning, risk awareness, and financial discipline. Two of the most important professional relationships a business owner can have are with their insurance advisor and their Certified Public Accountant (CPA). When these two roles work together, the result is stronger protection, smarter financial decisions, and long-term stability. Here are five key ways business insurance and working with a CPA are closely connected—and why aligning the two matters. 1. Risk Management and Financial Planning Business insurance is designed to protect your company from unexpected risks such as lawsuits, property damage, accidents, or liability claims. A CPA, on the other hand, helps you plan financially for both known and unknown risks. Together, they form the foundation of a strong risk management strategy. Insurance transfers risk, while a CPA helps you understand how those risks impact your balance sheet, cash reserves, and overall financial health. When both are aligned, your business is better positioned to withstand disruptions and recover quickly when the unexpected happens. 2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Many businesses operate in industries that require specific types of insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, or commercial auto insurance. Failing to carry the proper coverage can lead to fines, penalties, or even business shutdowns. At the same time, CPAs help ensure compliance with tax laws, payroll regulations, and financial reporting requirements. Insurance and accounting compliance often overlap—especially when it comes to payroll, employee classifications, and industry regulations. Working with both professionals ensures your business remains compliant on all fronts. 3. Tax Deductibility of Insurance Premiums One often overlooked benefit of business insurance is that many premiums may be tax-deductible. Policies such as general liability, professional liability, property insurance, and workers’ compensation are commonly considered legitimate business expenses. A CPA plays a critical role in making sure these premiums are properly categorized and documented, helping maximize allowable deductions while staying within IRS guidelines. When your CPA understands your insurance program, you’re more likely to capture every tax advantage available to your business. 4. Cash Flow and Budgeting Insurance premiums are a recurring expense and can have a meaningful impact on cash flow, especially for growing businesses. A CPA helps forecast expenses, plan for renewals, and ensure insurance costs fit within your broader financial strategy. By coordinating insurance coverage with budgeting and financial projections, businesses can strike the right balance between adequate protection and affordability. This collaboration helps avoid being underinsured—or overspending on coverage that doesn’t align with actual risk exposure. 5. Business Continuity and Succession Planning No business owner likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but planning for them is essential. Insurance products such as business interruption coverage, key person insurance, and buy-sell funding play a major role in keeping a business running during a crisis. CPAs incorporate these protections into long-term financial planning and succession strategies. Whether it’s preparing for the loss of a key employee, an extended shutdown, or an ownership transition, insurance and accounting together help ensure the business can survive and thrive beyond any single event. Bringing It All Together Business insurance and CPA services are not separate silos—they are complementary tools that work best when aligned. Insurance protects what you’ve built, while a CPA helps you grow and sustain it financially. When these professionals collaborate, business owners gain clearer insight, stronger protection, and greater confidence in the future. If you want your business to be resilient, compliant, and financially sound, make sure your insurance strategy and your CPA are working together—not independently. For a review of your business’ insurance coverage, contact Vicki Hoffman, J. Hoffman Insurance, at 845-239-4787 or vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com . Want to learn more about how working with a CPA can benefit your business? Contact John Pacos, CPA at 845-694-5703 or john@jpacoscpa.com .
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