Motor insurance

How Insurance Excess Works in South Africa

Understand why an excess exists, what can affect it, and the questions worth asking before you buy cover.

In brief: An insurance excess is the amount you may need to contribute when a valid claim is settled. Different excesses can apply depending on the loss, driver, vehicle, claim type and terms of the policy.

Education only•Published: 19 August 2026•Materially updated: 19 August 2026•Written by: Author pending verification•Reviewed by: Reviewer pending verification

An excess is not always one fixed amount

Policies can include a standard excess alongside additional excesses for younger drivers, certain theft claims, glass, hail, special vehicles or other circumstances. Always check the schedule rather than relying on a headline amount.

A lower premium can mean a higher contribution

The premium and excess may be linked, but a lower monthly price should not be considered in isolation. Consider whether the excess remains manageable at the time you need to claim.

Ask about the claims journey

Before selecting cover, ask when an excess is payable, whether it can be waived in certain circumstances and what documentation the insurer will request after a loss.

A sensible next step

If you are reviewing a quote or existing cover, prepare the schedule and questions for an authorised adviser. Do not submit sensitive information through this first-contact website form.

Request an insurance review

Answer library

Common follow-up questions

Browse the full FAQ

Do I always pay an excess when claiming?

Not necessarily. Whether an excess applies depends on the claim type and policy terms. Some losses may have different or no excesses, but you should confirm this in the wording and schedule.

Can a broker help me understand an excess?

A suitably authorised broker can help explain the excesses listed in a policy proposal or schedule. They cannot remove the need to read and accept the policy terms.

Get help

Need to discuss the insurance question behind the guide?

Start with a short, secure enquiry. You can tell us what you need help with, how you prefer to be contacted and when to call.

Request a callback