An insurance excess is the amount you may need to pay towards an approved claim, while the insurer covers the remaining eligible cost under the policy. When requesting quotes, ask to see the premium with different compulsory and voluntary excess amounts, as choosing a higher excess may reduce the premium but increase your claim costs. Check whether separate excesses apply for particular events, such as windscreen damage or inexperienced drivers. The insurer will confirm the available options, price and claim conditions for your circumstances.