If you don’t keep your insurance up to date – or fail to adhere to the policy’s stipulations – your insurer might not honour a claim for damage to, or loss of, your vehicle as a result of an accident . Take these 5 steps to safeguard your cover…
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Taking out car insurance is a vital part of responsible car ownership – and it’s mandatory if you’ve got a vehicle finance agreement with a bank.
It’s entirely likely that you would have read your insurance policy’s terms and conditions carefully when you bought your vehicle (or perhaps switched to another insurer), but since then some things about your life (such as the manner in which you use the vehicle, who gets to drive it most of the time) and your general circumstances (such as where you live and park your car overnight) may have changed.
It’s essential that you notify your insurance company of such changes and, as a general rule, be mindful to not do things that may cause your car insurance claim(s) to be rejected out of hand.
Suffice it to say, a rejected car insurance claim can seriously affect your budget – leaving you with some hefty unexpected costs. Budget Insurance recommends following these top tips to ensure you’re that you’re covered in the event that you need to submit a claim.
1. Prevention is better than cure
Make a start by maintaining your car regularly. Here are some things that you can do yourself or that can easily be ascertained/remedied with the help of a mechanic:
- Check your tyres often. Ensure they’re inflated to the correct pressure (a fuel station attendant can help you) and replace them if worn beyond the legal tread-depth limit.
- Top up your brake fluid and ensure that your car’s brake discs (and/or -drums) and -pads (and/or -shoes) are in good working order.
- Maintain the recommended levels of engine oil and -coolant.
2. Honesty is the best policy
When you insure a car , share the correct information about your insurance history; these include previous car accidents and traffic law convictions, as well as any no-claims certificates that may have been issued to you. You really don’t want a past accident, which you failed to mention, to be the cause of a rejected claim.
3. Don’t drink and drive
If you cause an accident while under the influence of alcohol, you are the guilty party, no matter what the other circumstances might be. What’s more, in South Africa, there are serious punitive measures for drinking and driving. Don’t do it.
4. Keep your end of the bargain
Pay your monthly premiums. One of the main reasons claims are rejected is due to unpaid premiums or late payments. It’s always better to make payment arrangements you know you’ll be able to stick to. Other important details to keep in mind are changes in bank details and deduction dates. For example, if you usually pay your car insurance mid-month and would like to change that to the last day of the month, inform your insurer well in advance of the new date.
5. Update your insurer as and when things change
Even the best car insurance company in South Africa can’t read your mind. Should anything from regular driver details to where you park your car change, let your insurer know. Maybe you’ve moved to a new place and security measures are not the same, give an update on that too. Here’s a list of other details you should share with your insurance company:
- Who is the primary (main) driver?
- Are there any additional drivers?
- Have you changed your home or work address?
- What do you use the vehicle for (business, leisure or both?)
Now you know how to keep your car insurance in check
So, there you have it, 5 simple things to keep in mind that will ensure your claim is paid. Get a car insurance quote today if you need comprehensive car insurance . Budget Insurance’s team is always ready to help 086 1600 120 .
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