How to Recover Your Insurance Excess After a Non-Fault Accident

Why you may have to pay an excess

Your excess is set by your own insurance policy. If you claim on that policy, your insurer may collect it or take it off your payment. This can happen while fault and costs are still being sorted out. Protecting your no-claims discount does not usually remove the excess.

Who can help you get your excess back

Your insurer may try to get your excess back for you. Legal-expenses cover may also help. Or you may need to claim it yourself from the person responsible or their insurer. Ask who is handling this, what proof or permission they need and whether there is a deadline.

Evidence to keep

• The part of your policy that shows your excess.
• Settlement, repair invoice or receipt proving it was paid or deducted.
• Letters or emails about who accepted fault, if you have them.
• Your claim number and the other driver’s insurer’s reference.
• A timeline of requests and responses.

Steps to follow when asking for your excess back

1. Ask whether your insurer is already trying to get your excess back.
2. Confirm the amount and provide proof.
3. Ask whether fault has been agreed and the money has been paid back.
4. Ask for a written update and when you should expect to hear more.
5. Use the company’s complaints process if it is not dealing with your request fairly.

If fault is shared or disputed

You may get less money back, wait longer or get nothing if fault is shared or disputed. Do not say fault has been settled if it has not. If you write asking for repayment, explain the facts and include proof. Avoid threats or legal claims you cannot support.