Insurance 101: Excess – what does it mean?

Excess is a small part you pay when you make a claim to assume part of the risk. This is an acceptance of the risk on your part.

Your excess is determined by your sum insured and it is included in your policy when you first took out your cover. Most insurance policies have an excess stipulated in the schedule to which you would have given your consent to pay when you signed your policy.

In the event that you make a claim, your excess will be deducted from the sum you are claiming. It means that if your excess is greater than the sum you are claiming, your claim will likely not be accepted.