What is car insurance excess?
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In short: The amount you pay towards a claim before the insurer pays the rest. Compulsory excess is set by the insurer; voluntary excess is what you choose to lower premium — both apply on most claims.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Young drivers often face higher compulsory excess. Windscreen claims may have a separate lower excess.
Set voluntary excess only to a level you could afford immediately after an accident.
See compare car insurance guide when quoting.
Primary source: gov.uk/vehicle-insurance
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