An excess is the portion of a claim that you’re responsible for paying. It’s either deducted from your settlement or collected from you if we arrange a repair or replacement. You can find out what excesses you’ll need to pay by logging in to make a claim and selecting your policy in the “Check my cover” section. Your excesses are also listed in your policy documents. 

There are three types of excess: 

• Compulsory excess – A fixed amount that applies to most claims, based on the type of damage. If your claim includes both Buildings and Contents, a compulsory excess will apply to each. 
• Special excess – A higher excess that applies to specific events like flood, escape of water, subsidence, landslip, or heave. If both Buildings and Contents are affected, only one special excess applies. 
• Voluntary excess – An extra amount you choose when buying your policy to lower your premium. If your claim includes both Buildings and Contents, the voluntary excess applies to each.
  • Exception: voluntary excesses do not apply to Flood Re claims. 

You can find your excess amounts in your Policy Schedule or by logging in and selecting your policy in the “Check my cover” section. 

Examples: 

Example 1 – Claim for one type of damage 
Romesh claims for accidental damage to his buildings. 

• Compulsory excess: £249 
• Voluntary excess: £150 
  Total excess: £399 

Example 2 – Claim affecting both Buildings and Contents 
Sam’s theft claim involves damage to both buildings and contents. 

• Buildings excess: £249 compulsory + £150 voluntary 
• Contents excess: £149 compulsory + £50 voluntary 
  Total excess: £598 

Example 3 – Escape of water affecting both Buildings and Contents 
Frankie’s claim is for escape of water. 

Voluntary excesses: £100 for Buildings + £100 for Contents 
Total excess: £700 

Special excess: £500 (applies once)