An excess is the amount you have to pay when you make a claim for each insured incident. You can adjust your standard home excess from between $0 to $5000, and the level you choose will affect your premium – for example, if you choose a higher excess, your premium will be lower. When you make a claim, you might have to pay more than one type of excess, depending on the circumstances. The excesses that could apply to you are shown on your most recent certificate of insurance.