An insurance excess is the amount you usually pay towards an approved claim before your insurer pays the remaining covered costs. Policies may include a basic excess, plus additional or voluntary excesses for certain drivers, risks or claim types. A higher excess can sometimes reduce your premium, but it means paying more out of pocket if you claim, so choose an amount you could comfortably afford. Check the policy wording for all applicable excesses and ask the insurer how changing the amount may affect your premium and cover.