“I’ve been driving my Toyota Yaris for about 6 years now, and for the first 3 years I was with the same FSP (Financial Service Provider) that offered me comprehensive cover. Initially my premium was R900 per month, but that went up every year, and by the third year I was paying R1200, almost the same as my monthly car down-payment, even though I never claimed. It was just too expensive. I needed a break.”
Sindi contacted numerous insurance providers, and after a tiresome hunt, landed a new policy that saved her R220 on her car cover each month, as well as upgrade her tracking device for free.
“Since then, I check up on my car insurance once every 12 months, just to see if I qualify for a discount due to good driving and not claiming, or if any policy updates have been made that I should know about,” says Sindi.
“I tend to take extra care when driving, using safer routes and a GPS that shouts at me when I got over the speed limit. As my car tracking device keeps an eye on me, I have proof of my driving habits. This has counted in my favor and resulted in a lower premium when I switched to a new insurer, without increasing my excess for car accidents.”
Most FPSs even offer a discounted rate if you select polices that combine car and home insurance. Be sure to ask for those if you want to protect more than your favourite four-wheeled asset.
“I never knew about courtesy cars until I got into my first big accident in 2018 and was shocked to find out that my insurance policy did not include courtesy car hire. I was without a car for two weeks, which ended up costing me quite a bit, because my camera was stolen during one of my public transport trips. I spared little time on finding a new insurance policy that included a courtesy vehicle.”
Once you discover new dangers and pitfalls that your existing car insurance does not cover, it may be time to consider a new policy. Perhaps your car is covered for something it does not need, and you could actually be saving if you opted for a less comprehensive policy. Be sure to select a policy that covers worse case scenarios, and never cut simply to save money now, as doing so may cost a lot more later.
“I’ve only ever had one bad experience with a previous car insurance provider. My old car used to break down a lot, and I needed roadside assistance during an especially rainy day. It took 45 minutes to get through to someone on their emergency line, and another 2 hours before a towing service arrived. While my premium was very low, I needed an insurer that will view my emergency as their emergency and rush to my aid.”
It is always recommended to peek on Google Reviews as well as the relevant social media pages of the insurance provider you are considering. That will give you an idea of how they treat their clients.
Contacting numerous insurers for quotes to find one that offers the best services and fair rates can be a daunting task. Instead, try an insurance matchmaking service like Cover Search, who can connect you with a trusted and vetted FSP, to ensure you get better, affordable, up-to-date car insurance quotes. All you will have to do, is choose the one that fits your budget best.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and may not reflect the most up-to-date pet insurance plans, pricing, or terms in South Africa. Providers frequently update their offerings, and rates can change annually or even overnight. For the most accurate and current pet insurance options, we recommend reaching out to us directly for a personalised quote.