Question about Excess on Car Insurance

DJ_Mike

Okay, I'm in a bit of a muddle about this - I understand that if I claim for repairs on my car insurance to my own car, I pay the excess on my policy, and the insurer pays the rest.

However, what happens with a third party? If they claim through their insurers and it's my fault, do I still have to pay my excess to my insurers for their repairs? Or does excess only apply when I'm claiming for repairs to my own car?

Basically, I have a choice about how much voluntary excess to apply to a new policy, and quite honestly I'm happy to whack it up just to keep the policy a bit lower, accepting that if I *do* have a need to claim for repairs, I'll pay more. Essentially, if I go for £0 voluntary excess, I pay £141.75 more than if I have a £500 voluntary excess - so I'm gambling in a sense on not having an accident and thereby having to claim for damages which would cost me up to £358.25 more than if I'd take the 0-excess policy.

However, if I end up in causing damage to someone else's car and not to my own, but still having to pay an excess on my policy, then I may think twice!

mattymoo

The excess is only payable when you claim for repairs or value (if written off / stolen) of your vehicle.

Some organisations do insure with a TPPD excess. This stands for Third Party Property Damage Excess but it only applies to large commercial concerns and local authorities.

dacouch

mattymoo wrote: »

The excess is only payable when you claim for repairs or value (if written off / stolen) of your vehicle.

Some organisations do insure with a TPPD excess. This stands for Third Party Property Damage Excess but it only applies to large commercial concerns and local authorities.

There is one exception (Unfortunately) http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=24415701&highlight=all+sections+excess#post24415701

mattymoo

Thanks Dacouch. I see XS Direct are Irish. They do like to be different don't they

DJ_Mike

Thanks for the replies - I had a good read of the policy (it's with Elephant) and the only excesses are those for claims on my own car - damage, fire or theft - no excesses on third party vehicles.

So I've gone with the £500 - touch wood, I won't have any accidents!

dacouch

mattymoo wrote: »

Thanks Dacouch. I see XS Direct are Irish. They do like to be different don't they

There does seem to be something about Irish Insurers and Airlines nowdays about offering cheap things but with unusual terms.