An excess is the amount paid to the insurance company when you make an at fault claim. Every insurance company has an amount that their excess costs, and it will be noted on your insurance certificate. If the accident is your fault (usually determined between your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company) you will need to pay an excess before they will repair your car. If the accident is not your fault, then there is a no fault excess, which is no amount. The other “at fault” driver’s insurance company will pay for your car and their car to be repaired. This basic excess will always be charged, along with another excess if you fit the criteria.