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Language Foundation

voluntary excess

A voluntary excess is an amount that the policyholder chooses to pay towards each insurance claim before the insurer pays, in addition to any compulsory excess.

In plain English

This is a self-selected share of a claim cost. The policyholder agrees to pay that amount on each claim before the insurer contributes. It sits on top of any compulsory excess.

In context

Here, “voluntary excess” labels the amount the policyholder can choose to pay on each claim before the insurer pays, on top of any compulsory excess.

Situation
Reading premium, deductible, excess, copay, limit, and out-of-pocket fields
What it communicates
labels an adjustable excess amount on the quote form

Meaning limits

The term alone does not state how much the chosen amount is, only what kind of amount it is.

Examples

“For each claim, Maya pays the compulsory excess and a £200 voluntary excess before the insurer pays the rest.”

Core meaning

“Their policy includes a £150 voluntary excess on top of the compulsory excess.”

In context

  • excess Broader Term

    A voluntary excess is one kind of excess in insurance.

  • compulsory excess Contrast

    A compulsory excess is required, while a voluntary excess is chosen by the policyholder.