Why car insurance excess?

Having to pay an excess means anyone making a claim is more likely to be genuine – it’s a way for insurers to protect against fraud and false claims. Choosing to pay a higher voluntary excess can also make your insurance premiums cheaper, as you’ll be footing more of the bill yourself.

Why is my car insurance excess so high?

When an insured driver has a crash with an uninsured driver, someone has to pay out. And that someone is the underwriter of the insured driver. Because of this, premiums get higher for everyone.

Why is there an excess on insurance?

Insurance excess is a pre-agreed amount of money that you need to pay to your insurance provider in the event of a claim, such as a car accident or a flood at home. In many cases, you’ll be asked to pay the excess immediately so that the claim process can begin.

Is it better to have a higher excess on car insurance?

Generally, a higher excess is considered higher risk but it might save you money right now. If you’re an infrequent driver and mostly have your car safely stored then the level of risk may be low and the savings could be great.

How does the excess work on car insurance?

A car insurance excess is the amount you pay (or that is held back by your insurance company) in the event of any claim, regardless of who’s to blame. The excess will vary depending on your car, the age and experience of the drivers on your policy and if you have opted to take protected or guaranteed No Claims Bonus.

Who pays insurance excess?

When you make a claim your insurer will either deduct the applicable excesses from the amount it pays you, or direct you to pay the excesses to it, or to the appointed repairer or supplier. Your insurer may require you to pay the excess in full before it pays your claim or provides any benefits under your policy.

Do I pay excess if not my fault?

When you won’t pay an excess

That’s because your losses aren’t covered and, when someone claims against you, your insurer covers it. If you’re found not to be at fault, your insurer claims the excess back from the at-fault party’s insurer, along with other costs.

Who pays the excess in a car accident?

Most policies require that you pay an excess unless the cost of the excess can be recouped from the other driver who caused the accident. So basically if it wasn’t your fault and you got the driver who was at fault’s details.

What are the disadvantages of insurance companies?

What is compulsory excess car insurance?

A compulsory excess is the sum that your insurer sets and is non-negotiable. This amount depends upon different factors including your age, the type of claim and your car type. The compulsory excess amount is added to the voluntary excess amount to make your total excess should you make a claim.

Is it worth paying voluntary excess?

The voluntary excess is an amount you can opt to pay in addition to the compulsory excess. Choosing to pay a voluntary excess can save you money as most insurers will offer you a cheaper premium for doing so.

How much should my car excess be?

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.

How long does at fault accident affect insurance?

At-fault accidents usually stay on your driving record for between three and five years. As such, you can expect your insurance rates to be affected for at least three years. One way to save on auto insurance is to compare rates and look for a new policy.