Most policies have two separate excess amounts: a ‘compulsory excess’, which is determined by the insurance provider and can’t be modified or removed; and a ‘voluntary excess’, which is set by the policyholder and can often be adjusted upwards in order to reduce the annual premium. However, agreeing to a very high voluntary excess doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’ll be offered the best car insurance quotes, and it’s still important to shop around by comparing quotes from a wide range of different providers. It’s also important to ensure the excess you opt for won’t be beyond your budget in the event of an accident.