A motorist was told the other day that his R50 000 car insurance claim was rejected because there was hardly any tread on his car’s tyres. No one wants to be in such a position, which can be financially devastating. Let’s find out more about general insurance policy rules that we need to stick to so that we won’t be disappointed when it comes to claiming time.
Disclaimer
Car insurance is a complicated matter and that is why this article must only be regarded as information. Before you purchase any car insurance, it is essential you obtain professional advice from a registered financial advisor.
Are you diligently maintaining your car?
A lot of claims are rejected because the owner neglected to maintain his or her car. This can render a car unroadworthy. Insurers will not pay out for any damages when a car is not roadworthy.
When last did you check your car’s tyres?
As cited in the opening paragraph, regularly check the tread depth of your car’s tyres. Legally, the tyre tread must be at least 1 mm across the complete width of the tyre, including the entire circumference of the tyre. No cuts, bulges or lumps must occur on the tyre’s sidewall.1 Make sure what the minimum depth of tyre tread requirement is according to your policy documentation. .
The possibility of a rejected claim should spur on any motorist
Many motorists may say they haven’t had the time to check all these items on their cars. If truth be told, they are actually saying that such activity is not so important. Surely, the thought of any possible claim rejection should jolt any unconcerned driver into action.
Other items you need to check on your car
You will often know when there is something wrong with your car. What about the front right indicator light that has now been out of action for over a month? When will you replace it? Next time you are in a quiet shopping centre, check the rear brake lights by observing it in the shop’s window reflection. And what about that crack in the windscreen that is getting larger by the day?
Observe the law – stop going through red traffic lights
Surely, you have noticed at times, when going through a traffic light at late amber, that two more motorists still followed you? These are really scary situations that you want to avoid at all costs. If you were that last driver to go through a full red traffic light, and a car coming the other way smashes into your car’s side, your insurer may well decide to reject your claim. Put simply, it is illegal to go through a red traffic light.
Driving under the influence or speeding
Another example of where an accident claim could be rejected is when you, as the driver, happen to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, going 100 km per hour in a zone restricted to 60 km per hour may well invalidate your accident claim.
Don’t take chances – contact Prime South Africa for affordable car insurance
Prime’s affordable car insurance policy will tell you exactly what you are covered for. Why not contact Prime and find out more about car insurance? Should you want to make a purchase, you can access their Online Insurance Purchase Platform at any time, night or day. The entire process is quick and easy, but if you need any advice, a call-back facility has been made available as well as additional audio and video materials.
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