Fuel Saving Tips

Insurance is a confusing business. Odd terminology, fine print and high pressure tactics may keep you from really researching and comparing your options. While quick insurance shopping may get you a policy, it probably wont get you the right insurance policy.

Each form of insurance, life, auto or homeowners, has several different types and insurance companies offer hundreds of policies for each type. Be sure to begin your search with a knowledge of how the different types work so you can decide which policies to consider for your unique situation.

It may surprise you to know that 65% of South Africans have no auto insurance at all. When we take the incidents of accidents and road injuries, this shocks us.

Car Insurance usually comes in three forms. Third party cover offers the minimum coverage when you injure another person or damage someone elses property in a motor vehicle accident. Then there is Third Party Fire and Theft which includes cover provided under Third Party and also adds protection for damage caused by theft or attempted theft or fire. And finally, Comprehensive cover which provides protection for your vehicle when you are responsible for an accident

Auto cover premiums can be expensive so compare policies and quotes. Negotiate with the insurance companies for a better rate and consider higher excesses and increased security measures to lower your premiums further.

Term life insurance offers coverage for a specific time period. Also, this type of insurance can be designated to specific debts incurred. This type of insurance works well for families that have accumulated significant debt that can be paid off by the time the policy expires. This is also the least expensive form of insurance.

Whole life insurance is permanent insurance that remains in effect as long as the premiums are up to date. The policy does not need to be renewed and the premiums remain the same throughout the life of the policy. It provides your beneficiaries a lump sum at your death regardless of when that occurs.

Universal life insurance cover is structured the same way as whole life in that it is permanent insurance with level premiums. In addition, it adds provides financial products such as a savings plan, investments and the ability to add a person to the policy. It is the most expensive life insurance option due to its flexibility.

Your life changes and it is always beneficial to check on the current status of your life insurance to make sure it is still meeting your needs.

In the past, when obtaining a mortgage loan, borrower’s were often locked in and required to purchase their insurance from the company specified by their lender. Now, thanks to the National Credit Act, consumers have freedom of choice, and can pick the coverage and provider that best meets their insurance needs. In most cases, lender’s still require that payment of insurance premiums be bundled with the mortgage payment.

When shopping for insurance, remember the old adage that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best. For example, a bicycle costs less than a car but it will not serve the same transportation needs. Hence, you need to find an affordable insurance policy that meets your particular coverage concerns.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.

Approximately 65 percent of South African drivers do not have auto insurance cover. That is an alarming statistics for the 35 percent of those who do. So, what is keeping that 65 percent from making the responsible decision and purchasing at least the minimum cover?

We will start with a look at the different types of insurance. There are three basic types of insurance in South Africa.

The minimum cover is Third Party. This covers your liability (costs) if you damage someone elses personal property in an automobile accident. This includes other vehicles or structural property that may also be damaged.

You also have the option of buying Third Party Fire and Theft which would cover incase of any damage to your vehicle by fire, theft or attempted theft.

Comprehensive Cover is the recommended cover for most South Africans. It includes Third Party Fire and Theft and also covers damage to your own vehicle in an accident that is deemed your fault. It also includes additional coverage such as extending cover when you drive someone elses car.

Other insurnce schemes mainly consider the drivers in South Africa.they may be comprehensive covers,bike or caravan also.

Because South Africa is a high risk insurance environment, premiums can be high. But you can take some steps to lower your premiums.South Africa is often a world leader in traffic injuries and fatalities and the roads are becoming increasingly dangerous. Car theft and hijackings are also all too common.

When deciding on a policy, it’s best to shop and compare quotes first. The best way to do this is by looking online which may enable you to get a lower price according to the company you want to work with.

Safe drivers pay lower premiums. If your current carrier will not reward you for claim-free years, check for better rates with another company.

During the purchase of insurance, you should check the maximum amount that you are going to paid if claimed. If this excess amount is high, then premium will also be high. Selection of maximum amount depends on you. It gives you benefit on long run, if you can afford higher excess amount.

If you own an expensive or high performance vehicle, you will pay more for your premiums. These cars cost more to insure because they are considered a higher risk and are expensive to replace or repair. So when you car shop, keep in mind that your insurance premiums will add to the cost of owning the vehicle you choose.

Receive discounts and pay lesser premiums by exceeding the security requirements mandated by your insurance company. So get your vehicle installed with security gadgets that exceeds the minimums specified by your insurer.

If you live in a high crime area, your car is at greater risk for theft or hijacking. Consider moving to get lower premiums. You can also receive a discount if you park your car in a locked garage or behind locked gates overnight.

Don’t be afraid to negoiate a deal with your insurance company, because they are very interested in keeping your business and willing to work out a deal with you.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.

Finding the right car insurance at the right price is not impossible, even in South Africa. Be sure you know your cover options and how you can save on car insurance premiums.

You can choose from three basic types of car insurance cover: Third Party, Third Party Fire and Theft and Comprehensive. Third Party is the minimum cover and pays for damage to other people’s property caused by an accident that is your fault. Third Party Fire and Theft adds to the minimum by including cover for damage caused by theft, attempted theft and fire. Comprehensive Cover includes all of this and pays to cover damage to your own vehicle in an accident that is your fault.

The most recommended car insurance for South Africans is comprehensive cover, it happens to be the most expensive but it also completely covers their risks. Now that you have been advised on what type of coverage you need, let’s take a look at how to get that coverage at the best price. The following is ten things you can do to reduce your premiums. Every suggestion listed may not work for you, but you will be sure to find something that will help you.

It’s easy to do this research online or through a broker. You can also get a discount if you purchase your policy online. Check with individual companies for this option. First, shop around and compare quotes. You can find substantial savings just by taking this step to educate yourself about your options.

Each policy comes with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay if you file a claim. People save money by selecting a higher deductible. Make sure if you ever file a claim you a sure to pay the deductible.

You may gain lower premium with yyour current insurance company by being a safe driver. Each year that passes in which you don’t file a claim you may also be eligible to get better rates with another company.

High performance and expensive car models cost more to insure due to their increased risk profile and expensive replacement parts. Be sure to include your insurance premiums in your car shopping budget. Always consider your insurance costs when you’re shopping for a vehicle.

If you live in a high crime area, your premiums will reflect that due to the increased risk of your car being stolen or hijacked. Consider moving, not only for better premiums, but for your own personal safety.

Keeping your vehicle off the street at night reduces the risk that it will be stolen or damaged, therefore reducing your premium.You could get a discount if you park your car in a locked garage or behind locked gates overnight.

Insurance companies tend to require minimum security requirements for insured vehicles. By adding devices like global tracking devices or gearlocks, you can exceed the minimum requirements and be eligible for a discount.

The number of people you let drive your car is also a risk factor. If you keep the number of allowed drivers at a mininmum it helps the insurer calculate your risk factor better in turn lowering your premium.

As with many companies, insurance companies do have room to negotiate. Flexibility and negotiation can put a good insurance plan in your budget. The one thing you have going for you is that they want your business, and sometimes companies have to be flexible to get it.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.