A car is much more than a thing that gets you from point A to point B. We South Africans love our 4-wheel babies and the thought of something happening to our vehicles is a nauseating one at the very least… You diligently pay your insurance premium every month, but are you correctly covered?

As soon as we hit the roads, we are faced with multiple obstacles and hazards like distracted drivers, taxi's, potholes. Nevermind the risk against theft or hijackings!

But, this is why we have insurance, right!

Correct, but there are a few things you should know to ensure that you’re paying for the correct cover. It’s time you evaluate your situation. Here are 5 important things you should know about your insurance…

 

  1. What am I covered for?

 

The 3 basic cover options are comprehensive cover, third party, fire & theft cover or third party only cover.

Comprehensive: This type of insurance is Queen of the insurance kingdom. It generally carries a higher premium (monthly payment) but provides you cover for accidents (own cover), theft, hijacking, fire damage, third party damage, etc. This type of cover is required by your finance house should your car be financed.

Third party, fire & theft cover: This type of cover will cover you in the event should you become liable for damaged caused to a 3rd party if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.

Third party only cover: This type of cover will only cover you in the event should you become liable for damaged caused to a 3rd party. Damage to your own vehicle will not be covered.

 

  1. Who is allowed to drive my car?

 

This depends on the type of policy you have. Is it an open driver policy, a nominated driver policy or will only the regular driver be covered?

An open driver policy means that anybody who drives your vehicle with your permission and is in possession of a driver's licence will be covered under your policy. This type of policy usually carries a higher premium due to the higher risk involved.

A nominated driver policy means that only people stipulated on your insurance contract will be allowed to drive your car.

A regular driver policy only means that only the person noted as the regular driver on the policy will be allowed to drive the car to enjoy the cover.

 

  1. Do I have an excess and what is my excess?

 

An excess is a 1st amount payable by you in the event of an accident/ claim. Ensure that you know what your excess is. In most instances, the excess will be a percentage of the claim value or a minimum stipulated value (the higher of the 2 will apply). You should also pay close attention to additional excesses that may apply, this could be an excess applicable for drivers other than the regular driver being involved in an accident, accidents where no 3rd party is involved, etc. Ensure that you know and are comfortable with your excess structure.

 

  1. What other elements could affect my cover and premium?

 

Incorrect, incomplete or misleading information. This could be:

  • the address where the vehicle is kept,
  • whether the vehicle is kept in a locked garage or in the street,
  • whether you use your vehicle for private or business use,
  • how many years you have had uninterrupted cover without any claims
  • who the regular driver is,

It is vitally important that you keep your insurance updated with true and complete information at all times.

 

  1. What is my insurers' contact numbers?

 

Knowing who you are insured with and where to get a hold of them is a given.

You can reach us on 0861 dotsure (3687873) or email us on u2us@dotsure.co.za.

 

We understand that you are a busy human, and let’s face the fat hippo in the room – NO ONE LIKES CALLING IN TO A CALL CENTRE! With us you don’t have to! You have access to our online management portal 24/7. This means that you can update your info (like address, parking, use of the vehicle, etc.). You can add or remove nominated drivers, download your documents or you can even submit or track your claim. 24/7 at your convenience, no call centres!

 

Haven't registered for our online manage portal? What are you waiting for? Convenience at your fingertips. Simply click here.

We value and appreciate honest feedback

Should you have any questions relating to your policy or if you are ever unsure about what your specific plan covers, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us. We’d love to hear from you! Call us on 0861 dotsure (3687873) or email us on u2us@dotsure.co.za. We will be happy to upgrade or downgrade your plan according to your specific needs.