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.
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.
Other options include Third Party Fire and Theft Cover, which pays to replace or repair your vehicle as a result of fire, theft or attempted theft. Third Party Only covers you if you are responsible for damage to someone else’s property in an auto accident.
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 .
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.
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.
Another way to reduce your premiums is to increase your safety measures. 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.
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 content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.
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