The South African car insurance market has some unique challenges. For the most part, South Africans have the choice of buying car insurance or not, so that translates into a majority of the countrys drivers operating uninsured vehicles. South Africa is also a very risky place to drive. It often leads the world in the number of traffic injuries and deaths each year.
Risky drivers and uninsured motorists are causing the cost of insurance to rise for everyone.
Comprehensive Cover provides the highest level of protection, and, so, is the most expensive. Its cover includes protection provided by the two lesser types of cover, Third Party and Third Party Fire and Theft. These cover you if you damage other peoples property in an accident or if someone is injured in an accident that is your fault (Third Party) and in the event your car is damaged by fire, theft or attempted theft (Third Party Fire and Theft). Comprehensive cover adds to this by covering damage to your vehicle, limited medical expenses and replacement of broken glass.
This may not mean much to you right now. But when you realize that each time you get behind the wheel, you take the risk of damage to your car, to yourself, and to other people and property into your own hands, driving without insurance is really a frightening idea. Can you afford to repair or replace your car if you are in an accident? If you cause an accident, can you afford to repair or replace someone elses car or property? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? If you cant afford to pay for these things out of your pocket, you need insurance.
Now that youre aware of your need for insurance, take some time to learn about the options you have to lower your premiums.
Your driving record is a major factor. Any violations that appear on your record will be a red flag to the insurance company, suggesting that you are a higher risk; therefore your premiums will be higher. In subsequent years, your premiums may decline if your driving record improves. Drivers with clean driving records may receive a discount for each year in which they do not file a claim.
The next driving factor is the type of vehicle youre insuring. High performance vehicles are considered higher risk. High-dollar models are also more expensive to insure because they are more costly to replace or repair.
Reduce your premiums by increasing your safety measures. Add gear locks or global tracking systems that exceed your policys minimum and ask for a discount.
As you begin to research your insurance options, youll find comparing quotes and policies easiest online. You can even get a discount for buying your policy online. Keep in mind as youre shopping that the cheapest insurance is not always the best choice. Your goal is to find the insurance that meets your needs at a price you can afford. - 16492
Risky drivers and uninsured motorists are causing the cost of insurance to rise for everyone.
Comprehensive Cover provides the highest level of protection, and, so, is the most expensive. Its cover includes protection provided by the two lesser types of cover, Third Party and Third Party Fire and Theft. These cover you if you damage other peoples property in an accident or if someone is injured in an accident that is your fault (Third Party) and in the event your car is damaged by fire, theft or attempted theft (Third Party Fire and Theft). Comprehensive cover adds to this by covering damage to your vehicle, limited medical expenses and replacement of broken glass.
This may not mean much to you right now. But when you realize that each time you get behind the wheel, you take the risk of damage to your car, to yourself, and to other people and property into your own hands, driving without insurance is really a frightening idea. Can you afford to repair or replace your car if you are in an accident? If you cause an accident, can you afford to repair or replace someone elses car or property? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? If you cant afford to pay for these things out of your pocket, you need insurance.
Now that youre aware of your need for insurance, take some time to learn about the options you have to lower your premiums.
Your driving record is a major factor. Any violations that appear on your record will be a red flag to the insurance company, suggesting that you are a higher risk; therefore your premiums will be higher. In subsequent years, your premiums may decline if your driving record improves. Drivers with clean driving records may receive a discount for each year in which they do not file a claim.
The next driving factor is the type of vehicle youre insuring. High performance vehicles are considered higher risk. High-dollar models are also more expensive to insure because they are more costly to replace or repair.
Reduce your premiums by increasing your safety measures. Add gear locks or global tracking systems that exceed your policys minimum and ask for a discount.
As you begin to research your insurance options, youll find comparing quotes and policies easiest online. You can even get a discount for buying your policy online. Keep in mind as youre shopping that the cheapest insurance is not always the best choice. Your goal is to find the insurance that meets your needs at a price you can afford. - 16492
About the Author:
Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.
