Top 5 items to check before you sign a car insurance policy
Everything you need to know before you sign for that insurance policy…
Before hitting the road this holiday season, it is important to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and insured.
General Manager of Datsun South Africa, Des Fenner emphasises that motorists should be aware of the reasons why insurance companies repudiate car insurance claims.
“When taking out car insurance make sure you clearly understand what you are getting.
“This means taking the time to read policy thoroughly and then asking questions about excess payments and possible exclusions to the policy. When you are away on holiday is not the ideal time to find that your insurance doesn’t cover what you thought it did,” he said.
Datsun South Africa has listed their top five items to check before you sign a car insurance policy.
- Make sure you know what the company offers if you are involved in an accident far from home.
- Find out if the insurance will provide a period of car hire if your car needs to go in for repairs.
- Know exactly what you aren’t covered for. For example, if your policy does not include water damage, and you are caught in a flood that damages your car engine, you may not be covered.
- Get clarity on thefts from your vehicle. Many insurers in South Africa will not pay for thefts involving remote jamming because it is difficult to prove that it occurred.
- Determine whether the company will pay out if your car is damaged by a road hazard like a pothole. You could find that the rims and tyres are excluded.
Also read: Five main reasons why your car insurance claim gets refused
“Always be honest when applying for car insurance. Insurance companies assess their risk based on your personal history. They will want to know about your claims history, whether you have ever been refused insurance cover and just how good your credit rating is. If you don’t make accurate disclosures, don’t be surprised if a claim is refused,” said Fenner.