How is "deductible" defined in auto insurance?

The correct definition of "deductible" in the context of auto insurance is the amount subtracted from a claim payout that the policyholder must pay. This means that when the insured experiences a loss and files a claim, the insurance company will pay for the expenses incurred, but only after the deductible amount has been deducted from the total claim. For instance, if the claim amount is $3,000 and the deductible is $500, the insurer will pay $2,500.

This concept is significant because it helps the insured share the financial burden of a loss with the insurer. The deductible is instrumental in reducing the number of small claims made to insurance companies, which can help keep premiums lower for all policyholders. Understanding deductibles is crucial for policyholders in choosing their insurance coverage and managing their out-of-pocket expenses during a claim.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the meaning of a deductible in auto insurance, which is explicitly associated with the financial responsibility of the insured during the claims process.