An insurance excess is the amount you may need to pay towards an approved claim, and quotes should clearly show whether it is a basic, voluntary or additional excess. A higher excess can sometimes reduce the premium, while a lower excess may increase it, but the overall value depends on your circumstances and the policy’s cover. Check for different excesses that apply to certain drivers, claims or events, and confirm whether the excess is payable per incident. Ask the insurer to explain any unclear terms before choosing a policy.