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What is home insurance excess?

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In short: The amount you pay towards each claim before the insurer pays the rest. Standard excess applies to most claims; subsidence and escape of water often have higher compulsory excesses.

Last reviewed:

Reviewed by Kaiser Khan

Voluntary excess is what you choose on top of compulsory excess to lower premium.

Higher excess saves premium but increases your cost when claiming small losses.

Compare total cost including excess when shopping quotes.

Primary source: abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/home-insurance

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