Photo by theengineofdemocracy Car insurers are constantly designing products for South Africa’s unique driving environments. All drivers, from the urban to the off-road, can find suitable insurance coverage to meet their specific needs.
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. 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.
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.
Motorcycling is a widely accepted form of both transportation and sport. From America, to South Africa, communities of avid motorcyclists can be found. And just as in the operation of a car, a motorcyclist needs insurance to protect themselves against loss or damage as well. Thankfully there are policies designed specifically for this growing need.
South Africans love to spend time outdoors, and insurance companies have developed policies that specifically deal with the hazards of traveling around the countryside. Off-Road Comprehensive cover deals with the risks of off-road driving.
Several factors drive these rates, and you have a certain amount of control on how they affect your premium. If you’re considering car insurance for the fist time, you may be surprised by how expensive premiums can be .
Younger drivers are considered a higher risk, and therefore pay higher premiums. If you have no driving history, or if your history includes accidents or dangerous driving habits, your premiums will be higher. But, as you age and build a better driving history, your premiums will reflect the lower risk.The first factor, one you can’t really do anything about, is your age and driving record. Fortunately, the passage of time has a great effect on this factor.
If you are purchasing a new vehicle, the vehicle you are purchasing will effect your car insurance and the premiums. If you buy or own a vehicle that is expensive you will find that insurance will be more, sometimes this is due to the simple risk of theft.
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.
As you shop, remember that the cheapest insurance is not always the best. Make sure the policy you choose meets your needs at a price you can afford.Take the time to research the different types of insurance and how they apply to your situation.
Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.
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