Amount of any loss that is not included in the cover provided (e.g. a loss falling below the excess is not a claim). A deductible on the other hand eats into the cover. This difference only really matters where there is an upper limit on the amount of cover such as reinstatements or an annual aggregate. Also, See Also: “Deductible, Excess.”
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Insurance to cover unanticipated or catastrophic losses. Excess coverage can be specific excess, which begins paying when any single claim reaches the preestablished retention, or aggregate excess, which begins paying when the cumulative cost of all claims reaches the preestablished retention.
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UK: The amount deducted from each and every claim and borne by the insured. The excess will eliminate all claims equal to or less than the excess, and will reduce the insurer’s liability for all other claims. The excess may be compulsory or voluntary in which instance the insured’s premium is discounted. The excess is not to be confused with the excess point under layered policies. Deductible is an alternative term for excess, which should be compared with franchise sometimes called a disappearing deductible.
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The amount or proportion of some or all losses arising under an insurance or reinsurance contract that is the insured or reassured must bear. If the loss is less than the amount of the excess then the insured/reassured must meet the cost of it (unless there is other insurance in place to cover the excess). Compare deductible and retention. Excesses may either be compulsory or voluntary. An insured which accepts an increased excess in the form of a voluntary excess will receive a reduction in premium.
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UK: the first part of the cost of a claim which the insured or reinsured has to bear in accordance with the terms of the policy.