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.
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.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.
The most recommended car insurance for South Africans is comprehensive cover, it happens to be the most expensive but it also completely covers their risks. Now that you have been advised on what type of coverage you need, let’s take a look at how to get that coverage at the best price. The following is ten things you can do to reduce your premiums. Every suggestion listed may not work for you, but you will be sure to find something that will help you.
If you are in the market for new insurance, the first thing you need to decide is what you want in your policy. You have decide what are you looking for the policy to cover. How much of deductible do you want, and how many cars are you going to cover. And if you own money on one or all of them, make sure that you have complete coverage. The best thing to do is do some research and then compare companies. That way you can make sure you make the best decision you can for what the cost is and for what you want.
Each policy comes with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay if you file a claim. People save money by selecting a higher deductible. Make sure if you ever file a claim you a sure to pay the deductible.
Safe drivers benefit in the form of lower premiums. Each claim-free year may qualify you for a discount with your current insurer or earn a better rate 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.
If you live in a high crime area, your premiums will reflect that due to the increased risk of your car being stolen or hijacked. Consider moving, not only for better premiums, but for your own personal safety.
You could get a discount if you park your car in a locked garage or behind locked gates overnight. Keeping your vehicle off the street at night reduces the risk that it will be stolen or damaged, therefore reducing your premium.
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.
