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Buying car insurance online or over the phone

Written by Prime Team
January 4, 2018

We live today in an increasingly demanding world in which we are constantly trying to optimise our pleasure time and reduce our work and “home administration” time. Traditionally, buying car insurance was almost exclusively done through car insurance intermediaries (middlemen). It usually took considerable amounts of time to climb into the car and then drive to the company premises concerned to apply for, obtain, pay for or alter your car insurance portfolio. Alternatively, you had to arrange and set aside time to see an intermediary in your home or office during times when you would rather have been working, resting or spending time with your family. Luckily things have changed dramatically over the past few years. So what is the alternative solution to getting affordable car insurance?

How can you buy cheap car insurance?

The market has changed considerably. The modern trend is for people to obtain comparative quotes for car insurance online or telephonically at times that suit them (sometime, even in the small hours of the morning) and to make adjustments to their car insurance cover. This is done by a direct instruction to their insurer whenever it suits them, rather than waiting for an intermediary to visit or suggest that updates or upgrades may be necessary.

By moving onto the Internet, insurance providers like Prime South Africa effectively offer a 24/7 service, thus enabling you to call for assistance, read about or listen to a unique pre-recorded yet simple explanation of each of the policies available at exactly the time that suits you best.

Prime’s car insurance – how can it be cheaper?

By buying car insurance over the phone and online, such companies can often bring you under cover faster, more conveniently and at a much more competitive rate than through the considerably more expensive traditional distribution channels. Prime believes in passing these savings on to its clients in the form of lower premiums, greater benefits and better service. How can this be done?

95% of quotations originate telephonically, so these types of insurers are not taking up time typing up and sending out quotations for business they are less likely to get through independent brokers and agents.
They also email most of their documentation and SMS much of their brief communications, thereby saving appreciable amounts of time, money and manpower.
You can communicate with them online convenient hours.

In short, Prime (and similar companies) can, in this way, do almost twice as much business with half the traditional overheads.

Is it the safe way to buy car insurance?

Apart from all the convenience and savings one experiences with these kinds of insurance services, one is much better protected than when dealing through traditional channels. For example, you can complete the entire transaction from the comfort and safety of your own home. Then by law, every word that is said over the phone is recorded, thereby guaranteeing that what you asked for is what you get. Not only that but if the policy terms and conditions are not properly explained, you are further protected should it become necessary to claim later.

This is not the case with traditional distribution methods, where it is seldom possible to prove what was said, by whom, how and when.

Car insurance policies are distributed by Prime South Africa (Pty) Ltd, an authorised Financial Services Provider. FSP 41040. Policy benefits are underwritten by Santam Structured Insurance Limited. FSP 1027.

Contact Prime’s customer care

For more information on car insurance, please visit the above link and get an online quote today. Alternatively, you can contact our professional and friendly agents and get a quote telephonically by calling 011 745 7800.