Can I reduce my compulsory excess?

Not directly, as the insurer sets it. Different insurers may apply different compulsory excesses for your circumstances, so it is worth checking the excess on each quote.

Does a higher voluntary excess always save money?

It usually lowers the premium, but by how much varies. Weigh it against the larger amount you would pay yourself when making a claim.

Do I pay the excess for a non-fault claim?

You may have to pay it at first, but if your insurer recovers its costs from the at-fault party, your excess is normally refunded to you.

Claims

What is the difference between voluntary and compulsory excess?

Compulsory excess is set by your insurer; voluntary excess is an extra amount you choose. Learn how the two combine when you make a claim.

Compulsory excess is the amount your insurer requires you to pay towards a claim. Voluntary excess is an extra amount you choose to add on top. When you claim, the two are combined.

How the two excesses work together

Your excess is what you contribute towards any claim before the insurer pays the rest. There are two parts:

Compulsory excess: fixed by the insurer, based on factors such as your age, vehicle and experience
Voluntary excess: an amount you choose to add, which can lower your premium

When you claim, both are added together. So if you have a compulsory excess and have also chosen a voluntary excess, you pay the total of the two before the insurer pays the rest.

Choosing a voluntary excess

Setting a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but only choose an amount you could comfortably afford if you needed to claim. A higher excess also means smaller claims may not be worth making.

Other excesses to look out for

Some policies have separate excesses for particular types of claim, such as windscreen damage or theft, or an extra excess for younger drivers. Check the policy schedule so you know what you would pay in each case.

The same rules apply to other vehicles

Van, taxi and motorbike policies use compulsory and voluntary excesses in the same way. See our van insurance, taxi insurance and motorbike insurance pages for more.

About Kompare

Kompare doesn't currently offer quotes for standard car insurance. This guide is kept as general information.