Insured vs Self-Insured Loss Calculator

What this page estimates

This Insured vs Self-Insured Loss Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for insured vs self-insured loss. Insurance is most valuable for catastrophic, low-frequency events; self-insurance often wins for high-frequency, low-severity losses. This calculator compares total cost of insurance (premium plus deductible payments) against the expected cost of self-insuring those same losses over a multi-year horizon — letting risk managers and property owners choose appropriately. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.

Calculation approach

The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.

Example workflow

For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.

Practical checks

• Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
• Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
• Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.