Voluntary excess calculator
Compare two voluntary excess options on your car insurance — see which saves you money over time and find the break-even number of claims. Enter your own premium quotes at each excess level.
Assumptions and methodology
Calculates total cost as: (annual premium × years) + (voluntary excess × number of claims). Premium saving and break-even are derived from the inputs you provide — no assumed market rates are used.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Setting a voluntary excess higher than you could comfortably pay from savings at short notice.
- ✕Forgetting that the compulsory excess also applies on top of the voluntary excess.
- ✕Making a small claim that barely exceeds your total excess — this affects your claims history.
- ✕Not getting comparison quotes at multiple excess levels before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Voluntary excess is an amount you choose to pay on top of your compulsory excess in exchange for a lower annual premium. Both apply when you make a claim.
Not necessarily. It depends on how often you claim. This calculator finds the break-even point — the number of claims at which the higher excess stops saving you money over your chosen comparison period.
No. This calculator compares two voluntary excess levels. Compulsory excess applies in addition to both and does not change between the options.
The break-even is the number of fault claims per year at which the total cost (premium + excess paid) becomes equal for both options. Above this level, the lower excess option starts to work out cheaper overall.
Typically not without cancelling and restarting. You can usually change your voluntary excess at renewal.
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Disclaimer
This is a simplified estimate based on the assumptions shown above. It isn't a quote, and a real insurer may arrive at a different figure. Use it as a starting point, then check the details with your insurer or adviser.