Finding the right car insurance at the right price is not impossible, even in South Africa. Be sure you know your cover options and how you can save on car insurance premiums.
You can choose from three basic types of car insurance cover: Third Party, Third Party Fire and Theft and Comprehensive. Third Party is the minimum cover and pays for damage to other people’s property caused by an accident that is your fault. Third Party Fire and Theft adds to the minimum by including cover for damage caused by theft, attempted theft and fire. Comprehensive Cover includes all of this and pays to cover damage to your own vehicle in an accident that is your fault.
Comprehensive Cover is the most expensive, but it provides the most benefits, and is really the type of insurance most South Africans should have to completely cover their risks. Now that you know what you can buy, let’s examine ways to get that cover at the best price. Here are ten ways you can reduce your insurance premiums. They may not all work for you, but everyone can find something that will work.
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. First, shop around and compare quotes. You can find substantial savings just by taking this step to educate yourself about your options.
If you can afford it, raise your excess amounts to save money in the long run. Just be sure you can pay the excess when you file a claim.Each policy comes with an minimum excess amount. This is the amount you will be responsible to pay in the event you file a claim.
You may gain lower premium with yyour current insurance company by being a safe driver. Each year that passes in which you don’t file a claim you may also be eligible to get better rates with another company.
High performance and expensive car models cost more to insure due to their increased risk profile and expensive replacement parts. Be sure to include your insurance premiums in your car shopping budget. Always consider your insurance costs when you’re shopping for a vehicle.
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 that are allowed to drive your car will effect your premiums. So when shopping for insurance, it is best to keep the people on the policy as low as possible. The reasoning for this is that the less people that drive the car will make it a lower risk for accidents or things happening.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Many insurance companies are flexible about their premiums and will be willing to work with you in order to earn your business.
Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.
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