Car Insurance Excess Cover (UK)

When you make a car insurance claim, you usually have to pay an excess — the amount you contribute before the insurer pays the rest. Excess cover is a separate type of protection that some drivers use to help cover this cost if they need to claim.

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What you'll need to start a quote

✓Vehicle details (registration or make/model)
✓UK postcode
✓Approx annual mileage
✓Preferred excess level

Who this page is for

This page is for UK drivers who want to:

understand what car insurance excess cover is
see how it differs from standard car insurance
decide whether excess cover is relevant for their situation
compare car insurance options with different excess levels

What is car insurance excess?

The excess is the amount you agree to pay if you make a claim. It usually includes:

a compulsory excess set by the insurer
a voluntary excess chosen by you

Higher excess amounts can sometimes reduce premiums, but they increase what you pay if you claim. If you're looking for ways to reduce overall costs, see our cheap car insurance guide.

What is excess cover?

Excess cover (sometimes called excess protection) is usually a separate policy that may reimburse some or all of your excess after a valid claim.

It is not part of standard car insurance and terms can vary by provider.

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Is excess cover right for everyone?

Excess cover may be considered by drivers who:

have a high voluntary excess
want predictable costs if they need to claim
prefer to manage risk differently

However, it may not suit everyone, and availability and exclusions vary. If you prefer to spread costs over time, check pay monthly options.

Things to check carefully

Before choosing any excess cover, it's important to review:

what excess amounts are covered
claim limits and exclusions
whether it covers all claim types
how claims are made and reimbursed
total cost compared with your excess level

Always read policy details carefully.

FAQs: Car insurance excess cover (UK)

Is excess cover the same as car insurance?

No. Excess cover is usually a separate product from car insurance and has its own terms.

Do I need excess cover?

Not everyone does. It depends on your excess level, budget, and personal preference.

Does excess cover cover every claim?

Not always. Coverage and exclusions vary by provider and policy.

Can I reduce my excess instead?

Sometimes. Choosing a lower voluntary excess may increase premiums but reduce out-of-pocket costs if you claim.

Will excess cover affect my car insurance premium?

Excess cover is separate and does not usually change your insurance premium directly.

What's the fastest way to compare options?

Compare car insurance quotes first and review excess levels before deciding.

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How we created this page (transparency)

This page was created to help UK drivers understand car insurance excess cover and related considerations. It is reviewed and updated to stay accurate and useful.

Important information

MySupermarketCompare is an insurance comparison website. We introduce customers to our quote partner to help them compare insurance options. Information on this page is general and is not financial advice.