We all know that having insurance brings peace of mind but having to pay the excess when you actually need to make a claim can still be a painful, out-of-pocket expense. The Lifestyle Excess Protection policy, underwritten by One Insurance Limited, is designed to solve exactly that problem.
Essentially, this policy reimburses you for the excess you pay when making a claim on your everyday personal insurance policies, even if those policies are held with a completely different provider. Here is a simple breakdown of how it works, what is covered, and the key details you need to know.
How the Cover Works
Instead of covering just one specific item, this policy gives you an aggregate limit (a total pot of money) for the year. There is no limit to the number of claims you can make throughout the policy period, provided the total amount you claim back does not exceed your overall cover limit.
Key Benefits & Included Cover:
- Motor Insurance: Reimburses the excess paid on personal cars, vans, and motorbikes.
- Home Insurance: Covers the excess paid on personal home insurance claims, including Accidental Damage.
- Pet & Travel Insurance: Extends your protection to your pets and your holidays.
- Everyday Motoring Nuisances: The policy also covers the excess paid for windscreen claims and lost or stolen car keys.
Important Details to Keep in Mind
While this policy offers a fantastic safety net, there are a few conditions and exclusions to be aware of:
- Personal Use Only: The policy strictly covers personal insurance. It will not cover vehicles used for hire and reward, or vehicles used in racing, rallies, or competitions of any kind.
- Home Emergency Exclusions: It does not cover any excess payable under a Home Emergency policy (or Home Emergency cover included as standard under a personal policy).
- Reporting Timeframes: You must report your claim to One Call Claims within 90 days of paying your excess to your main insurer.
- UK Residents: You must be a permanent resident of the UK to benefit from this protection.
- Waived Excesses: If your main insurer or an at-fault third party waives or refunds your excess, you cannot claim it again here.
- Cancellations: You receive a 14-day cooling-off period for a full refund, provided no claims have been made. However, if you cancel after 14 days, or if you have already made a claim, no premium refund will be given.
The Policy in Action
Imagine your Lifestyle Excess Protection policy has a cover limit of £1,000 for the year.
During the winter, a bad storm causes damage to your roof. You make a claim on your home insurance and pay your £350 excess. Because it is a valid claim on a personal insurance policy, you contact One Call Claims and are fully reimbursed the £350. This leaves you with £650 of excess protection remaining.
A few months later, your dog becomes unwell, requiring a trip to the vet. You claim on your pet insurance and pay a £100 excess. Once again, your Lifestyle Excess Protection covers this cost, leaving you with £550 in your aggregate limit to cover any further surprises before your policy renews.
If you are reviewing your current outgoings and policies, it might be worth considering if Lifestyle Excess Protection could offer you a little extra financial peace of mind. Feel free to speak with your insurance broker whenever you are ready to discuss adding this safety net to your cover.
What to Do in the Event of a Claim
If you need to claim back an excess, simply call One Call Claims on 0203 738 7300. You will just need to provide proof that you have paid the excess, such as a receipt from a repairer or a final settlement letter from your main insurer.
