Thursday, December 18, 2008

Car Insurance Reviewed

By Tom Martens

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.

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 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.

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.

When you have not looked at insurance premiums before you may be surprised at how expensive they are. There are factors that determine the rates that you do not have control over and some that you do have control over.

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.

The value of your vehicle is another important consideration. Expensive vehicles are more expensive to insure, as are high performance vehicles.

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.

Take the time to research the different types of insurance and how they apply to your situation. 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. - 16492

About the Author: