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.
While most South Africans should carry Comprehensive Cover car insurance, 65 percent of South African drivers have no car insurance at all. This is stunning given the high rates of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities in South Africa. If you have no insurance, then you will need to replace or repair your car at your own expense if an accident occurs, and you may have to repair or replace someone else’s car in case of an accident. What happens if your car is hijacked, stolen, or vandalized? You need car insurance to cover the risks of car ownership.
Third Party Only covers you if you are responsible for damage to someone else’s property in an auto accident. 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.
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.
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.
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.
There are numerous ways to save money on your insurance policy without having to cut corners. For instance, many insurance providers offer discounted rates to drivers who’s vehicle safety features surpass the minimum requirements. Another great way to keep your premium low is to consider where your vehicle is parked over night. A vehicle that is parked in a garage is less of a liability than one parked on the street. Keep this in mind when seeking a rate quote.
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.
Tags: auto insurance, automobile insurance, car insurance, cars, finance, insurance, money, motor insurance, motor vehicle insurance, vechiles, vehicle insurance