In South Africa, approximately 1 million road accidents are reported per year according to a report by the World Health Organisation in 2010. It also revealed that South Africa has the world’s poorest road safety records with +/-32 fatalities per 100 000 people while developing countries have a much lower fatality rate. It further goes on to state that majority of the accidents are caused by human factors with, on average, over 40 people a day being fatally injured.
The statistics of accidents and accident related fatalities and injuries are endless which leads me to the importance of vehicle insurance. Comprehensive vehicle insurance is compulsory with the purchase of a vehicle.
When getting insurance, consider the following;
1. Shop smart
Read your policies. A lower premium sounds good but falls short when claims are made.
Be aware of excess fees, payable when a claim is made regardless of who is to blame.
2. Try and lower your premium
Younger people have higher premiums so it’s better to put it on your parent’s name.
Keep your vehicle in highly secure places.
Add security measures on to your car i.e, a tracking device.
A professional driving permit makes you eligible for a discount.