The five excesses you might pay
On a single claim, multiple excesses can stack. A 23-year-old whose newly-licensed friend prangs the car will pay basic + voluntary + under-25 + inexperienced — easily R15,000 before insurance pays a cent.
| Excess type | When it applies | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Basic excess | Every claim | R3,500 – R7,500 |
| Voluntary excess | If you chose to lower your premium | R0 – R10,000 |
| Additional under-25 excess | Driver under 25 | R2,500 – R5,000 |
| Inexperienced driver excess | Licence < 2 years | R2,500 – R5,000 |
| Theft/hijack additional excess | Stolen or hijacked vehicle | 10% of claim, min R5,000 |
How to use excess strategically
Voluntary excess is the only one you control. Rule of thumb: set it at the largest amount you could pay tomorrow without borrowing. That maximises your premium discount without putting you in financial trouble at claim time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lower my excess after taking out a policy?→
Yes — most SA insurers allow excess changes at any point. Lowering excess will increase your premium proportionally on the next debit.
Is excess refundable if I'm not at fault?→
Yes. If your insurer successfully recovers from the at-fault driver's insurer, your excess is refunded. This typically takes 60–180 days.
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