Posts Tagged ‘vechiles’

Compare Insurance

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Insurance is a confusing business. Odd terminology, fine print and high pressure tactics may keep you from really researching and comparing your options. While quick insurance shopping may get you a policy, it probably wont get you the right insurance policy.

There are many types of insurance out there and countless policies offered for each insurance type. Educating yourself about how the insurance system works should be your first step before choosing a policy.

It may surprise you to know that 65% of South Africans have no auto insurance at all. When we take the incidents of accidents and road injuries, this shocks us.

Auto cover comes in three forms. Third party is the minimum coverage and protects you if you injure someone or damage someone else’s property in an auto accident. Third Party Fire and Theft includes cover provided under Third Party and adds protection for damage caused by fire, theft or attempted theft. Comprehensive coverage adds to this by providing protection for your vehicle in an accident that is your fault.

Judge against policies and quotes since auto cover premiums can be costly. Bargain with the insurance corporations for a better price and consider raised and high excesses security actions to lessen your premiums further.

Term life insurance is the most ideal coverage for a certain amount of time or can be based on your credit. Term life is best for families that owe a lot of debt that will be paid before the policy expires.

Whole life insurance is insurance that remains in effect throughout your entire life as long as you pay the premiums. There is no need to renew it and the premiums remain exactly the same year after year. Whenever you pass away, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum.

Universal life insurance cover is structured the same way as whole life in that it is permanent insurance with level premiums. In addition, it adds provides financial products such as a savings plan, investments and the ability to add a person to the policy. It is the most expensive life insurance option due to its flexibility.

If is a good idea to review your life insurance needs on a regular basis to make sure you are not over- or underinsured.

Your options for homeowners insurance have expanded thanks to the National Credit Act. Previously, borrowers had to purchase their cover from the bank that financed their loan. Now, you can shop and choose the cover that fits your needs and budget. You’ll be required to cede the policy to your lender so that your policy can pay your bank directly.

When shopping for insurance, remember the old adage that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best. For example, a bicycle costs less than a car but it will not serve the same transportation needs. Hence, you need to find an affordable insurance policy that meets your particular coverage concerns.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.

Types of Car Insurance

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Approximately 65 percent of South African drivers do not have auto insurance cover. That is an alarming statistics for the 35 percent of those who do. So, what is keeping that 65 percent from making the responsible decision and purchasing at least the minimum cover?

We will start with a look at the different types of insurance. There are three basic types of insurance in South Africa.

The minimum cover is Third Party. This covers your liability (costs) if you damage someone elses personal property in an car accident. This includes other cars or structural property that may also be damaged.

You can add a minimum value by purchasing a Third Party Fire and Theft cover. That will cover the cost in the event of your car being damaged by or incase of theft.

Comprehensive cover is the one that is recommended for most South Africans. And the aAdvantage of comprehensive motor insurance is that it is unique as it covers the most South Africans including Third Party Fire and Theft. It also extends to cover the damages to your own or someone else’s car when you are driving it.

Drivers working in South Africa can obtain vehicle insurance options that can address the unique needs of operating a vehicle in this area. Such options include motorcycle, off-road, comprehensive cover, and caravan cover.

Because South Africa is a high risk insurance environment, premiums can be high. But you can take some steps to lower your premiums.South Africa is often a world leader in traffic injuries and fatalities and the roads are becoming increasingly dangerous. Car theft and hijackings are also all too common.

Begin by looking around and comparing quotes. It is much easier to research your many options via web. You could also possibly get discounts if you purchase your policy via the web if the company you want to work with enables this.

If you remain accident-free, you can expect to pay lower monthly premiums. If your current insurance provider does not offer discounts for safe driving, it might be time to shop around for better rates.

During the purchase of insurance, you should check the maximum amount that you are going to paid if claimed. If this excess amount is high, then premium will also be high. Selection of maximum amount depends on you. It gives you benefit on long run, if you can afford higher excess amount.

If you own an expensive or high performance vehicle, you will pay more for your premiums. These cars cost more to insure because they are considered a higher risk and are expensive to replace or repair. So when you car shop, keep in mind that your insurance premiums will add to the cost of owning the vehicle you choose.

Because most insurance companies often have minimum security requirements for vehicles that they secure, exceeding the minimums by adding security devices can result in a discounted premium.

Living in high crime areas leaves you at risk for a car theft or high jacking. Considering a possible relocation could bring your premiums down a substantial amount.Parking your car in a safer enviroment such as a locked garage or behind locked gates could also give you a discount.

Most of all, dont be afraid to negotiate. An insurance company that is interested in your business will be willing to work with you in order to earn your business.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.

Finding The Right Car Insurance

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

It’s not impossible for even those in South Africa to find the right car insurance if you understand your cover options and the techniques needed to save on car insurance premiums.

Car insurance comes in three basic types, which are Comprehensive, Third Party, and Third Party Fire and Theft. Third Party pays for damage to other people’s property if you cause the accident. Third Party Fire and Theft also covers damages caused by fires and attempted thefts. Comprehensive Cover also includes damages to your own car in an accident that is caused by you.

While Comprehensive Cover costs the most, it also provides the greatest amount of coverage. Most South Africans should probably get this kind of insurance to cover all of the risks that they face. Now how do you get this insurance at the best price? These are ten tips that can reduce the cost of your insurance. Not all of them will work for you, but at least some of them will be effective for everyone.

First, shop around and compare quotes. You can find substantial savings just by taking this step to educate yourself about your options. It’s easy to do this research online or through a broker. You can also get a discount if you purchase your policy online. Check with individual companies for this option.

Each policy comes with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay if you file a claim. People save money by selecting a higher deductible. Make sure if you ever file a claim you a sure to pay the deductible.

There are benefits to being a safe driver and having a good driving record. If you are safe driver and go a year without claims many insurance companies offer discounts on your premium. If your insurance company does not offer this you might want to look for one that does.

Whenever you are looking at insurance companies always consider the different prices. Higher performance and expensive cars always are a higher cost due to their risk profile and expensive parts. When you are shopping for a car, include the insurance premium in your budget.

Living in high crime areas will increase your rates due to there being a greater possibility of your vehicle being stolen or hijacked. You should greatly consider moving to a better neighborhood, not only to save money on premiums, but for greater personal safety.

Keeping your vehicle off the street at night reduces the risk that it will be stolen or damaged, therefore reducing your premium.You could get a discount if you park your car in a locked garage or behind locked gates overnight.

Most insurance companies will have minimum security requirements for the vehicles it insures. You can add security devices such as gearlocks or global tracking devices that exceed the minimum requirements and receive a discount.

The number of people you let drive your car is also a risk factor. If you keep the number of allowed drivers at a mininmum it helps the insurer calculate your risk factor better in turn lowering your premium.

Do not be timid about bargaining. Several insurance carriers have negotiable rates and will work closely with a potential customer in order to obtain new business.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.

Car Insurance In Review

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

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.

Finding Short Term Car Insurance

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Short-term car insurance will be expensive due to high risks, especially in places such as South Africa. Knowing how to lessen the fees will help lead you down the correct path.

Industry experts cannot ignore that South African roads are increasingly dangerous. The country is often a leader in traffic injuries and fatalities. The privilege of driving is constantly being extended, even to those who are not qualified drivers.First, let’s examine what is driving the costs. Car insurance risk is the major culprit behind higher short-term insurance premiums.

Younger drivers have always been viewed as a higher risk. Drivers aged’-30 historically pay the highest rates.As carmakers continue to upgrade their offerings, prices reflect those gadgets, leather seats, on-board computers and more. As car prices go up, so must the cost to insure them.

Insurers must also consider car theft and hijackings as they calculate their premiums. The latest statistics show a decline in thefts, but the rate of hijackings continues to rise. In the homeowners and household insurance market, the main influencing factor is fraud. Some estimate are that six to 10 percent of short term insurance claims are fraudulent. That amounts to more than R2 billion each year.

It is possible to ensure that these issues do not impact your insurance situation. You may not have any control over other people making fraudulent claims, but there are steps you can take to ensure that they do not affect your insurance premiums. For example, you can offer to take a polygraph test whenever you submit a claim. As a reward for honesty, some insurers will give you significant savings on your premium.

For car insurance, start by increasing you excess as this can lower your premium. Take this into consideration as you gather quotes. Also, be sure you can afford to pay the excess amount you choose in the event of a claim.

Keep a clean driving record. The fewer claims you have, the less risk you represent. If you already have a sketchy driving history, research driving courses offered by automobile manufacturers and the Automobile Association. This can help offset a negative history. This is also an option for good drivers. Most insurers will consider reducing your premiums if you attend and pass one of these recognized courses.

It certainloy never hurts to install security devices. Not only will your rates be reduced, but your belongings will be secured. Devices that discourage car jacking, along with a global tracking system are wise choices to that end. If you can afford to do so, move out of neighborhoods known for elevated crime levels. Your car and homeowners insurance rates will decrease significantly.

The cheapest insurance is not always the best. Be sure the policy you choose provides adequate cover for your needs at a price you can afford.Finally, shop around for the best insurance rates. But be smart.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.

Compare Insurance

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Insurance is a confusing business. Odd terminology, fine print and high pressure tactics may keep you from really researching and comparing your options. While quick insurance shopping may get you a policy, it probably wont get you the right insurance policy.

Each form of insurance, life, auto or homeowners, has several different types and insurance companies offer hundreds of policies for each type. Be sure to begin your search with a knowledge of how the different types work so you can decide which policies to consider for your unique situation.

You may be surprised to learn that 65 percent of South Africans do not have any auto insurance at all. Considering the high risk of injury and death on South African roads, this is a shocking statistic.

Auto cover comes in three forms. Third party is the minimum coverage and protects you if you injure someone or damage someone elses property in an auto accident. Third Party Fire and Theft includes cover provided under Third Party and adds protection for damage caused by fire, theft or attempted theft. Comprehensive coverage adds to this by providing protection for your vehicle in an accident that is your fault.

To ensure that you aren’t paying too much for expensive auto insurance, be sure to compare prices and quotes. To reduce your costs, try negotiating with the insurance companies for a lower rate. Also, think about asking for higher excesses, as well as increasing security measures to further reduce your premiums.

Term life insurance is the least expensive option and provides cover for a specified amount of time or can be linked to specific debt obligations. Term life is beneficial for families that may have a large amount of debt that will be paid off by the end of the policys term.

Whole life insurance is permanent insurance that remains in effect as long as the premiums are up to date. The policy does not need to be renewed and the premiums remain the same throughout the life of the policy. It provides your beneficiaries a lump sum at your death regardless of when that occurs.

Universal life insurance cover is structured the same way as whole life in that it is permanent insurance with level premiums. In addition, it adds provides financial products such as a savings plan, investments and the ability to add a person to the policy. It is the most expensive life insurance option due to its flexibility.

Your life changes and it is always beneficial to check on the current status of your life insurance to make sure it is still meeting your needs.

In the past, when obtaining a mortgage loan, borrower’s were often locked in and required to purchase their insurance from the company specified by their lender. Now, thanks to the National Credit Act, consumers have freedom of choice, and can pick the coverage and provider that best meets their insurance needs. In most cases, lender’s still require that payment of insurance premiums be bundled with the mortgage payment.

No matter what type of insurance youre looking for, always remember that the cheapest policy is not always the best. A bicycle is cheaper than a car, but it cannot meet your transportation needs in the same way. You goal is to find an insurance policy that meets your coverage needs affordably.

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Car Inusrance in SA

Friday, April 24th, 2009

The South African car insurance market has some unique challenges. For the most part, South Africans have the choice of buying car insurance or not, so that translates into a majority of the countrys drivers operating uninsured vehicles. South Africa is also a very risky place to drive. It often leads the world in the number of traffic injuries and deaths each year.

Risky drivers and uninsured motorists are causing the cost of insurance to rise for everyone.

Comprehensive Cover provides the highest level of protection, and, so, is the most expensive. Its cover includes protection provided by the two lesser types of cover, Third Party and Third Party Fire and Theft. These cover you if you damage other peoples property in an accident or if someone is injured in an accident that is your fault (Third Party) and in the event your car is damaged by fire, theft or attempted theft (Third Party Fire and Theft). Comprehensive cover adds to this by covering damage to your vehicle, limited medical expenses and replacement of broken glass.

This may not mean much to you right now. But when you realize that each time you get behind the wheel, you take the risk of damage to your car, to yourself, and to other people and property into your own hands, driving without insurance is really a frightening idea. Can you afford to repair or replace your car if you are in an accident? If you cause an accident, can you afford to repair or replace someone elses car or property? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? If you cant afford to pay for these things out of your pocket, you need insurance.

Now that you understand about the necessities of insurance, get details about the different options available, so you could lower your premiums.

Your driving record is a major factor. Any violations that appear on your record will be a red flag to the insurance company, suggesting that you are a higher risk; therefore your premiums will be higher. In subsequent years, your premiums may decline if your driving record improves. Drivers with clean driving records may receive a discount for each year in which they do not file a claim.

When insuring a car, the a major factor is the type of vehicle. Higher risks are assigned to high performance vehicles. Also, insurance for luxury cars will cost more because they are more expensive to repair or replace.

Adopt safety measures like gear locks or global tracking applications and pay less on your premiums. Excel by exceeding your policy demands and claim discounts on your policy.

As you begin to research your insurance options, youll find comparing quotes and policies easiest online. You can even get a discount for buying your policy online. Keep in mind as youre shopping that the cheapest insurance is not always the best choice. Your goal is to find the insurance that meets your needs at a price you can afford.

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