Knowledge Base

How to Pick the Right Excess Value for Your Business Insurance

by EasiCover team
Last updated:
April 20, 2026
April 20, 2026

Choosing the right excess value for your business insurance can feel like a balancing act. Go too high, and you might struggle to cover the cost when something goes wrong. Go too low, and you could end up paying more than you need to in insurance costs. Let's break down how to find that sweet spot for your business.

Understanding Excess in Business Insurance

Excess is the amount you agree to pay out of your own pocket when you make a claim. It's a bit like the deductible on your car insurance. The higher the excess, the lower your insurance cost tends to be, and vice versa. But it's not just about saving a few bucks on your insurance cost—it's about making sure you can afford to pay the excess if you need to make a claim.

The Challenges Small Businesses Face

Small businesses often operate on tight budgets, and unexpected expenses can hit hard. Imagine if a storm damages your shopfront, or a thief makes off with your stock. You'd want to make sure your insurance covers the bulk of the repair or replacement costs, but you'd also need to be able to pay the excess to get the ball rolling.

How to Choose the Right Excess

  1. Assess Your Cash Flow: Look at your business's cash reserves. How much could you comfortably pay if you needed to make a claim tomorrow? This figure can guide your choice of excess.
  2. Consider Your Risk Exposure: If your business is in a high-risk area for theft or natural disasters, you might want a lower excess to ensure you can afford to make a claim when needed.
  3. Balance Cost and Coverage: While a higher excess can lower your insurance cost, it shouldn't be so high that it becomes a barrier to making a claim.
  4. Review Regularly: As your business grows and changes, so too might your ability to handle different excess levels. Make it a habit to review your insurance annually.

How Easicover Can Help

Easicover offers a straightforward way to get the right protection for your business. With Easicover's Business Package, you can cover everything from your building and contents to business interruption and public liability. If your business involves digital operations, Easicover's Cyber insurance is also worth considering to protect against online threats. Our self-serve platform makes it easy to get a quote and adjust your excess to suit your needs. You can explore your options and find the right balance without the hassle of traditional brokers.

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