A voluntary excess is an amount selected in addition to any compulsory excess. Increasing it can reduce some premiums, but it also increases the amount the policyholder may have to contribute to a claim.

How insurers commonly treat this

• The total potential contribution is the compulsory excess plus the voluntary excess and any other applicable excess.
• The premium saving from a higher voluntary excess can be compared directly with the additional claim contribution.
• Some policies also apply separate young-driver, theft or windscreen excesses.

What the quotation may ask for

Quotation forms use the information supplied to determine which insurers can offer cover and on what terms. Where the available answer does not accurately describe the circumstances, the insurer or comparison provider can clarify how that information is recorded.