An excess is the part of an insured claim you pay yourself. A voluntary excess normally adds to the compulsory amount set by the insurer; it does not replace it.
Add the applicable amounts
For a fictional claim with a £200 compulsory excess and £150 voluntary excess, the combined contribution is £350. If the covered repair costs £1,400 and those are the only applicable excesses, the insurer's contribution would be £1,050.
This is an arithmetic example, not a quote. Different claims or drivers can have different excesses. Check the schedule and policy wording rather than assuming a single amount applies everywhere.
A lower premium can mean a higher contribution
Choosing a higher voluntary excess may reduce the premium, but increases what you pay towards an applicable claim. Look at the premium and total excess together, including whether you could meet that contribution if a claim occurred.
Questions to ask the insurer
Use your actual policy documents to answer these questions. If an amount or exception is unclear, ask the insurer to identify the relevant wording.
- What compulsory and voluntary excesses apply?
- Are there separate amounts for glass, theft or particular drivers?
- When would I need to pay the excess?
- How would a recovery from another party affect my payment?
Sources and scope
Prepared by Umofi. Sources checked on 17 September 2026. General information, not a personal recommendation. Check the current source and the firm’s written terms before acting.