Is it better to have a higher or lower excess insurance?

Asked by: Preston Pfeffer  |  Last update: September 4, 2023
Score: 5/5 (7 votes)

The higher the amount of excess you can pay, the cheaper your premium will be. It suggests you're less likely to make low-value claims and reduces the amount an insurer will have to pay out should you make a claim. If you increase your excess, you must be sure you are able to pay this should you make a claim.

Should I get high or low excess insurance?

Usually, agreeing to pay a higher excess will get you a cheaper insurance policy. Providers will often offer different price tiers based on the amount of excess you're willing to pay. If you're willing to pay a higher excess, they'll generally lower your quoted premium.

What is a good excess amount?

As a general guide, standard excesses tend to range from around $200 up to $700, but could be higher or lower depending on your circumstances.

What effect will a lower excess have on premium?

A higher excess amount will result in a lower monthly premium, while a lower excess amount will leave you with a higher monthly premium.

How does excess affect insurance?

Adding a voluntary excess can lower the cost of your insurance premium – the amount of money you pay for an insurance policy. This is because the insurer won't have to pay out as much in the event of a claim. Paying a lower premium means that you can save money on your insurance cover.

Excess explained

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Is excess protection worth it?

The higher the level of your voluntary excess, the lower the cost of your plan. This can be a good way to lower the initial cost of your insurance policy, but it is worth remembering that in the case of an accident, you will have to pay this amount in full.

What does high excess mean in insurance?

The higher the amount of excess you can pay, the cheaper your premium will be. It suggests you're less likely to make low-value claims and reduces the amount an insurer will have to pay out should you make a claim.

Is low excess better?

By choosing a higher voluntary excess, you will reduce your premium, but you will also have to pay more if you do make a claim. If you choose a lower voluntary excess, your premium may be higher because your insurer will have to pay more in the event of a claim.

Why is excess important in insurance?

Why do I have an excess? The excess helps keep the cost of handling and meeting insurance claims down and so the premiums everyone pays are cheaper.

How can I reduce my car insurance excess?

You can't change your compulsory excess as it's decided by your insurance provider. They'll set a compulsory excess depending on your age, experience and the car you drive. Voluntary excess in insurance works differently. It's more flexible and allows you to choose how much you're willing to pay, within a range.

What does higher excess mean?

It represents a saving for insurers, as they no longer have to pay out numerous small claims. Often people see a higher excess as one of the most effective ways to save on insurance costs but it may not be the wisest option. The reality is, that when you do make a claim, you will have to pay more towards it.

What does in excess of $1000 mean?

In excess of means more than a particular amount. [formal]

Does excess mean a lot?

Excess is too much of something, like big-time overindulgence. Eating to excess makes your stomach hurt, and spending to excess means you can't pay your credit card bills.

Does bigger car mean higher insurance?

Size of vehicle

The bigger and heavier the construction of a vehicle, the more it may cost to insure because big cars can cause more damage. Additionally, small cars generally pose less of a risk to other vehicles on the road for accidents than standard vehicles might, often resulting in less expensive premiums.

What causes high car insurance premiums?

Some factors that may affect your auto insurance premiums are your car, your driving habits, demographic factors and the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose. These factors may include things such as your age, anti-theft features in your car and your driving record.

Why do lower insurance premiums go with higher deductibles?

You should consider the risk that comes with higher deductibles: the potential for having to pay out of pocket for claims. Your insurer is willing to charge you a lower premium because you have reduced their risk by undertaking it yourself.

What are the benefits of higher excess?

Choosing a higher voluntary excess may help to bring down the cost of your insurance premiums because the insurer won't have to pay out so much in the event of a claim. The total excess you are required to pay is determined by the circumstances of your claim and by your insurer.

Do I get my excess back?

Paying excess for a car accident that isn't your fault

If your insurance company have dealt with the claim, they should claim the excess back for you. If you have a no fault accident, a credit hire company can also make a claim on your behalf.

How does the excess work?

An excess is the amount of money that you will pay towards any claim made on your insurance. Your insurance company then pays the amount over and above the excess for any claim that you make, up to the sum insured or the limit applicable.

What does reduce excess mean?

Excess Reduction means an optional charge which may be offered by Ace Rent A Car to reduce or waive the Excess in the event of an insurance or other claim against damage or theft.

Do you pay excess for accidental damage?

Do you pay excess for accidental damage? Yes, you'll need to pay an excess on any claim you make. This amount will be deducted from the payout you receive.

What is a basic excess?

Basic Excess: paid out of your pocket when you make a non-recoverable claim. You may be able to reduce your Basic Excess or, for a lower premium, increase it. Age or inexperienced driver excess: an additional excess for younger or less experienced drivers.

Is excess the same as deductible?

An excess (also known as a deductible) is an amount the policy holder must pay if they proceed with making an insurance claim on their insurance policy.

What is excess value coverage?

If Excess Value coverage is purchased, the maximum insured value is increased to the new limit purchased. Excess value coverage is not a guaranteed value. The value of the claim is limited to the actual cash value up to the amount purchased. Certain types of vehicles are eligible for Excess Value coverage options.

Should I get personal excess liability?

Personal excess liability insurance can help protect you, your family, and your hard-earned assets. This type of coverage responds when the underlying limits of your other insurance policies, such as home, auto and watercraft, aren't enough to cover the cost of an unexpected lawsuit or accident.