Insurance can be a tricky business. All the legalese, the unreadable fine print, and questionable tactics can keep you from finding out what your options are. You’ll surely get an insurance policy even if you buy hastily but it won’t probably be the best one.
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.
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 is coming in three varieties, third party is the minimum coverage and guards you if you wound other person or hurt somebody’s belongings in an auto accident. Third party fire and theft will include cover that is provided below third party and will add security for impairment caused by fire, theft or attempted theft. A complete security is also provided to protect your automobile in an accident that is your mistake.
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 offers coverage for a specific time period. Also, this type of insurance can be designated to specific debts incurred. This type of insurance works well for families that have accumulated significant debt that can be paid off by the time the policy expires. This is also the least expensive form of insurance.
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.
No matter what type of insurance you’re 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 cheaply.
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.
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February 23rd, 2010 at 4:08 pm
@Tom,
Yes, I agree with you. I think if one could not take Universal or Whole life insurance then he can switch towards Term life insurance, since if you don’t have enough money and you end up taking the Universal life insurance then its really hard to pay your premiums. There should be easily payable options for yourself as you yourself should not be burdened with the premium amounts.