10 Vehicle Insurance Tips
1. When purchasing a vehicle make sure you have insured it before you drive it off the dealer floor.
2. Consider the age of the driver as apposed to the performance of the vehicle before purchasing one. If the driver is under the age of 25 and the vehicle is a high performance vehicle, an insurer may not be willing to carry the risk and if they do accept it they may charge a very high premium.
3. When insuring your vehicle discuss all possible scenarios with the insurer. Items such as additional security systems other than the standard factory fitted ones may allow a discount.
4. Make sure you insure your vehicle for the correct use. For example: If I drive my vehicle to the office and back and I do not use it in the execution of my work, I would insure it for private use. However if I use my vehicle to see clients or transport goods etc, I would have to insure it for business use.
5. Always ensure that you note the details of the most regular driver as the driver of the insured vehicle.
6. When insuring your vehicle make sure that you specifically note any additional accessories that you have added to your vehicle. This would include any non standard factory fitted items. For example: Mag rims, Special interior trim, tow bars, window tints or films and even metallic paint.
7. Tips for using Roadside Assistance Cover
- When planning to travel long distances by car, it is advisable to contact your insurer and obtain information on your roadside assistance cover.
- If your policy does not include this kind of cover it is recommended to add it to your policy or purchase independent roadside assistance cover.
- Familiarize yourself with what this cover offers you and how their "claims" procedure works.
- Always ensure that you have the number for the assistance line with you when traveling. Most insurance companies will arrange road side assistance on your behalf if you contact them directly.
- If your vehicle breaks down next to the road or you need some form of assistance, ensure you have as much detail of the problem as possible before contacting them.
- Keep in mind that they need to locate you in order to assist you and they rely very heavily on your directions to do so. Make sure you give them as much information as possible and note landmarks and distinctive places while driving.
- When calling for assistance, make sure you note the individual's name you speak to and insist on a reference/claim number.
- Ask them for an estimated time of arrival and also where they will be dispatching your "assistant" from.
- Ask them who they will be sending and if possible get a description of what they will be traveling in.
- While waiting for help to arrive, stand as far away from the roadside as possible as you may be a hazard to oncoming traffic.
- Try and move the vehicle as far out of the road as is safe and possible. If you are not able to do this, place your emergency (chevron) triangle 5 meters away from your vehicle on the side of the oncoming traffic and switch your hazards and lights on. (a dead battery is better than a dead driver).
8. When insuring your vehicle most insurers require that you have your vehicle inspected at an inspection centre of their choice. Make sure you do this and that you keep a copy of the inspection certificate issued. If not done this may influence a claim.
9. Make sure you read your insurance policy and that you are familiar with the terms and conditions of your cover at all times.
10. Most insurers supply you with "Do not tow" stickers that they require you to place on you vehicle in a visible position. In the event of an accident where you are not able to oversee the arrangements and your vehicle needs to be towed from the scene, only authorized towing companies will be allowed to tow the vehicle.[www.carinsurance.co.za/Car-Insurance-tips/10-Car-Insurance-Tips.html, 2008]
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