Do I Have to Pay My Insurance Excess? | WAMS Wigan Accident Management Services

Everything UK Drivers Need to Know

Do You Always Have to Pay Your Insurance Excess?

One of the first questions people ask after being involved in a road traffic accident is:

"Do I have to pay my insurance excess?"

The simple answer is:

Not always.

Whether you need to pay your excess depends on who caused the accident, how your claim is

handled, and which repairer you choose.

At WAMS (Wigan Accident Management Services), we help drivers across Wigan, Leigh,

Standish, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Orrell, Skelmersdale, Chorley, St Helens, Warrington and

the North West understand their options—and in many cases we can save customers

hundreds of pounds through our unique excess contribution scheme.

What Is An Insurance Excess?

Your insurance excess is the amount you agree to contribute towards a claim.

There are normally two parts:

Compulsory Excess

This is set by your insurer and cannot usually be changed.

Voluntary Excess

This is the additional amount you choose when purchasing your insurance to reduce your

annual premium.

For example:

• Compulsory Excess: £300

• Voluntary Excess: £250

Total Excess = £550

Traditionally, you would be expected to pay this amount before your insurer authorises repairs.

Do I Pay My Excess After A Non-Fault Accident?

Usually no.

If another driver was responsible and liability is accepted, your excess should normally be

recoverable from the at-fault insurer.

At WAMS we deal directly with insurers, engineers and third parties, helping to recover

uninsured losses wherever possible and making the claims process as straightforward as

possible.

What Happens If The Accident Was My Fault?

This is where many drivers believe they have no choice but to pay their full excess.

However...

That isn't always the case.

Unlike many repairers who simply ask you to pay your excess in full, WAMS offers something

different.

The WAMS Difference – We Help Cover Your Insurance Excess

At WAMS we understand that finding several hundred pounds unexpectedly can place

significant pressure on family finances.

That's why, when we carry out qualifying at-fault insurance repairs, we can often:

Fully cover your policy excess

or

Make a substantial contribution towards your excess

This can save many of our customers hundreds of pounds when making an insurance claim.

It's one of the reasons so many motorists across Wigan choose WAMS instead of accepting the

first repair option offered by their insurer.

Why Do We Do This?

We believe excellent customer service should extend beyond repairing your vehicle.

Helping customers reduce the financial impact of an accident means they can get back on the

road with less stress and less expense.

Our aim is simple:

• Reduce your out-of-pocket costs

• Manage your claim professionally

• Deliver high-quality repairs

• Return your vehicle looking like new

What Else Does WAMS Help With?

When you choose WAMS, you're choosing far more than a bodyshop.

Our experienced accident management team can assist with:

• Insurance-approved vehicle repairs

• Fault and non-fault accident management

• Collection and delivery

• Vehicle recovery

• Secure vehicle storage

• Engineering reports

• Courtesy vehicles (subject to availability)

• Total loss valuations

• Insurer negotiations

• Repair progress updates

• Claim support from start to finish

Our experienced team deals with insurers every day, allowing you to concentrate on getting

your life back to normal.

Can I Choose My Own Repairer?

Absolutely.

Many drivers mistakenly believe they must use the garage suggested by their insurance

company.

In reality, you are often entitled to choose your own repairer.

Choosing a trusted independent repair specialist like WAMS allows you to receive a more

personal service from local experts who work on your behalf—not your insurer's.

Why Local Drivers Choose WAMS

Motorists throughout:

• Wigan

• Standish

• Ashton-in-Makerfield

• Orrell

• Hindley

• Leigh

• Golborne

• Skelmersdale

• St Helens

• Warrington

• Chorley

continue to choose WAMS because we combine expert accident repairs with genuine customer

care.

Our reputation has been built on honest advice, quality workmanship and helping customers

save money wherever possible—including through our excess contribution scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can WAMS pay my entire excess?

Depending on the repair and your policy, we may be able to cover all or a significant proportion

of your insurance excess. Contact us for a free assessment.

Does this apply to every insurance policy?

Every claim is different. We'll explain exactly what assistance is available before any work

begins.

Will my repairs still meet insurance standards?

Yes. Our repairs follow recognised industry repair methods using quality parts and materials.

Is there any obligation if I ask for advice?

No. We're happy to discuss your options without obligation.

Need Help After An Accident?

Whether your accident was your fault or someone else's, WAMS is here to help.

If you're worried about paying a large insurance excess, speak to our friendly team before

authorising repairs elsewhere.

You may be surprised how much you could save.

Contact WAMS today for free advice and discover how our excess contribution scheme

could put hundreds of pounds back in your pocket while your vehicle is repaired by trusted local accident repair specialists.