Reducing Your Excess to Zero: How the Benefit Really Works

Nobody likes surprises — especially when it comes to accident costs. One of the biggest frustrations for South African drivers is the excess they need to pay when claiming. That’s why Prime created the Reducing Excess Benefit: a unique feature that lowers your excess while under cover until it reaches zero as long as you remain claim free.

This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a benefit designed to reward safe driving, loyalty, and responsibility. Here’s how it really works — and why it matters for your monthly premiums too.

What Is Excess?

Excess is the portion of money you contribute out of pocket when making a claim. For example, if your car is damaged in an accident, your insurer covers most of the repair bill, but you’ll still need to pay a portion — the excess.

For many drivers, this cost can be stressful, especially if the accident wasn’t their fault. Prime’s Reducing Excess Benefit is built to ease your stress.

How Excess Affects Monthly Premiums

Excess and premiums work hand in hand:

• Higher excess = lower premium. If you’re willing to cover more out of pocket when claiming, your monthly cost is usually lower.
• Lower excess = higher premium. If you want minimal out-of-pocket costs during claims, you’ll usually pay more each month.

The challenge for most drivers is finding the right balance. Too high an excess can leave you in financial trouble when you claim, while too high a premium may stretch your monthly budget.

This is where Prime’s Reducing Excess Benefit stands out — it balances both by allowing you to keep monthly premiums affordable while staying covered and claim free reduces your excess each month.

How Prime’s Reducing Excess Benefit Works

At Prime, we believe in rewarding good driving and loyalty. Here’s how the Reduce to Zero Excess Benefit works:

1. Start with a Standard Excess that suits you.
   1. Like most insurance policies, you begin with an initial excess amount that applies to claims.
2. Automatic Reduction Over Time
   1. For every claim-free month that you pay your premium, your Standard excess decreases automatically. This means the longer you drive safely, the less you’ll need to pay if you ever need to claim.
3. Reach Zero Excess
   1. Stay claim-free long enough and keep your premiums up to date, and your Standard excess could eventually reduce to zero. That’s right — no excess to pay at all in the event of an accident.

The longer your under cover and drive safely with Prime, the less you pay — until your excess could be completely eliminated, providing you remain claim free*.

Why It Matters for Drivers

The Reducing Excess Benefit isn’t just a nice-to-have feature; it’s a game-changer for South African drivers:

• Financial Relief – Accidents are stressful enough without the added worry of high out-of-pocket costs. This benefit reduces that financial burden.
• Reward for Safe Driving – Responsible behaviour on the road directly benefits your wallet.
• Peace of Mind – Knowing you won’t always have to budget for excess gives you confidence and security.
• Long-Term Value – The longer you stay with Prime and maintain a claim-free record, the more valuable this benefit becomes.

Prime’s Difference

At Prime, we focus on balance — affordable premiums paired with benefits like the Reducing Excess Benefit, the Prime Protect App, and always-on accident detection.

This means you’re not just insured — you’re supported every step of the way. With Prime, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your cover works with you, not against you.

Conclusion

Excess doesn’t have to be a financial headache. With Prime’s Reducing Excess Benefit, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — affordable monthly premiums today and reduced excess tomorrow. Stay safe, stay loyal, and you could eventually bring your excess all the way down to zero.

At Prime.co.za, we’re making insurance simpler, smarter, and more rewarding for South African drivers. Because peace of mind should never come with hidden surprises.

Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional or financial advice. Prime’s Reducing Excess Benefit is subject to specific terms and conditions. Always read your policy schedule and wording for full details.