What's an excess?

An excess is a pre-agreed amount of money that you need to pay when you make a claim. The amount was confirmed when you took out your policy and is written in the policy documents you received. 

This excess needs to be paid even if you believe you weren't to blame for what happened. However, if we get agreement from the other driver’s insurer that you weren’t to blame, you will be entitled to a refund. If this happens, we will contact you to let you know. 

Compulsory excess
This is the excess set by your insurer. 

Voluntary excess
This is the excess you chose when you bought your policy. 

Young and inexperienced driver's excess
This excess applies to drivers younger than 25, drivers who hold a provisional driving licence or drivers who have less than one year's driving experience. If this applies to you, then there is an additional excess of either: 

• £295 when your vehicle is driven by or is in the charge of anyone who is under 21. 
• £195 when your vehicle is driven by or is in the charge of: 

Any person aged 21 to 24 or any person aged 25 or over who holds a provisional licence or who hasn't held a full UK or European Union/EEA (European Economic Area) driving licence for at least one year. 

The excess you pay is the total of the below added together: 

• The compulsory excess set by us. 
• The voluntary excess you chose when you bought your policy. 
• Any young/inexperienced driver excess (if this applies to you).