Motor excess insurance

How does motor excess insurance work?

When buying motor insurance, you’re typically liable for a fixed amount that you’ll need to pay out if you make a claim. This is known as an excess and usually comes in the form of a compulsory and voluntary excess.

So if, for example, your excess is £400 and there’s £1,000 worth of damage done to your vehicle, the insurer will keep £400 and will pay you £600. Any further costs to fix any damage would need to be covered by the driver or named driver on the policy.

If the claim is deemed to be someone else’s fault, this excess may be waived. This isn’t always the case, so it’s worth checking your policy’s terms and conditions.

What isn't covered?

Your claim won't usually be covered for any of the following reasons:

• Using your car as a taxi, minicab or limousine or as part of a driving school
• Any off-road events such as track days
• Any incidents that happened before the policy was taken out
• Any claims relating to damage to your windscreen or glass
• Damage to your car during a service or repair
• Intentional damage by you or a named driver

As an example, let's say you have a motor excess insurance policy in place with £350 cover. If your vehicle is involved in an accident and the claim on your standard motor insurance does not reach or exceed £350 you won't be able to claim the excess back under the motor excess insurance policy.

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim on your motor excess insurance, the claim on your standard motor insurance must:

• Be settled by your Insurer and the excess deducted before a payment can be made under Questor’s excess insurance.
• Be greater than the excess to obtain a reimbursement under the excess policy.

You'll need to provide evidence that your motor insurance claim has been approved and that the excess has been deducted from your claim. This can be done by providing a letter from your insurer.

You’ll need your certificate number and claim scheme code. These are shown on the certificate you receive as part of your motor excess insurance.

Questor’s sister company Orchard Administration will handle your claim on behalf of the Questor. Orchard have an online claim portal which makes it simple to submit and monitor your claim. Successful claims pay out the same day once agreed.