The car insurers in South Africa are always designing insurance coverages to meet the needs of the different types of drivers, from the urban ones to the off-road ones.
If you don’t have insurance, take stock of your situation. Can you afford to repair or replace your car in the event of an accident? Can you afford to repair or replace someone else’s car or property in the event of an accident that is your fault? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? Owning and driving a car is risky business - that’s why you need car insurance.Most South Africans should have Comprehensive Cover. In reality, 65 percent of auto owners in South Africa do not have any coverage. This is a shocking number especially in light of the rising rates of fatalities and injuries on South Africa’s roads.
Third Party Fire and Theft Cover are other options available, which will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by fire or attempts to steal it. Third Party Only will cover you if an accident that is your fault damages other people’s property.
South Africa is home to a large motorcycle community, so it follows that insurers offer products designed especially for these drivers. Motorcycle cover provides the peace of mind that your motorcycle will be covered if it is stolen or damaged or if you damage someone else’s property in a motorcycle accident.
Because the great outdoors is such a large part of South African living, several products have been developed for the risks associated with outdoor travel. For off-road enthusiasts, there is Off-Road Comprehensive cover designed to cover the risks in this unique and unpredictable driving environment.
When you have not looked at insurance premiums before you may be surprised at how expensive they are. There are factors that determine the rates that you do not have control over and some that you do have control over.
Your age and driving record are important factors even if you cannot do anything much about them. Time is an important factor; you will pay more if you’re very young or have no history of driving. You will also pay more if you’ve had many accidents. On the other hand, if you’ve driven safely for a while, you will pay lower premiums.
The value of your vehicle is another important consideration. Expensive vehicles are more expensive to insure, as are high performance vehicles.
Some companies have minimum safety requirements, but will discount your premiums if you exceed these minimums. Also consider where you keep your vehicle. If your car is parked in a high-crime area or even on the street overnight, you’ll pay for that risk.Another way to reduce your premiums is to increase your safety measures.
Be sure to research different kinds of insurance and how they relate to your situation. Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it is right for you. Be sure to select the policy that meets your needs and is at a price you can afford.
Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.
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