Car Insurance Excesses

Our quick guide to excesses.

What is an excess?

A Car Insurance Excess is the first part of each and every claim that you are required to pay.

There are three types of car insurance excess that may apply to your car policy.

Compulsory excess

This is an excess that the insurance company insists you pay. This is usually due to your age, type of car or lifestyle factors. Most car insurance policies include a compulsory excess.

Voluntary excess

This is a level of excess that you can choose. A larger excess will reduce your premium where as a smaller excess reduces the amount you have to pay out if you have an accident which can't be fully recovered by your insurance company.

Excesses that apply to sections of your policy

Some parts of your policy carry different excesses e.g. windscreen claims often carry a different excess and many reputable insurers don't charge an excess for windscreen repairs.