Did you know that a recent study identified South Africa as having one of the highest rates of unsafe drivers in the world?
We reported 44.8 fatal accidents per 100,000 people. That’s seven times higher than the United Kingdom, the country with the safest drivers.
Interestingly, male drivers in South Africa are responsible for over three times as many fatal accidents as their female counterparts!
This is just one of the reasons why comprehensive car insurance is so important. And while it’s sometimes seen as too expensive, it comes with a range of benefits that go far beyond just covering your vehicle in an accident.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth the extra cost, you might be surprised by the lesser-known advantages. Let’s take a look:
1. Covers Damage Caused By Extreme Weather
South Africa’s weather can get pretty extreme, from hailstorms to flooding and bushfires. Cape Town often gets hit by gale force winds, and Tropical Storm Eloise displaced thousands of people in 2021. This is worsened by climate change, which has already had a big impact on the local insurance industry.
While basic insurance might cover accidents and crashes, it often excludes damage caused by nature. This is where comprehensive car insurance truly shines. It covers your vehicle if it’s damaged by the weather – just be sure to read your policy thoroughly to make sure what weather events are included or excluded.
2. Damage from Uninsured Drivers
According to the Automobile Association (AA) says that less than 35% of vehicles in the country are insured. If an uninsured driver crashes into you, the cost of repairs to your vehicle could fall on your shoulders—unless you have comprehensive cover.
It can cover damages even if the at-fault driver isn’t insured, giving you peace of mind.
3. No-Fault Incidents
Accidents can happen even when you’re not driving. If a tree branch falls on your parked car or someone hits it while it’s stationary, you could be left dealing with expensive repair bills. Comprehensive car insurance covers damages to your car in these no-fault situations, helping you avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
This benefit is particularly useful when the culprit can’t be identified. Without it, you’d have to cover the costs yourself, which can be a real financial hit.
3. Windscreen and Glass Coverage
Cracked windscreens and broken windows are more common than you might expect. A flying stone on the highway or an act of vandalism could leave you with a hefty bill for glass repairs or replacements. Many comprehensive car insurance policies offer windscreen and glass cover as part of the deal, meaning you won’t need to pay out of pocket for these repairs.
Even if your policy has an excess, many insurers offer glass repairs without affecting your no-claims bonus or requiring you to pay the full excess amount.
4. Rental Car Cover After an Accident
Some comprehensive car insurance policies provide a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
This can be a lifesaver if you rely on your car for daily commuting, school runs, or other daily activities. Without this cover, you might be left scrambling to find a temporary solution or paying out of pocket for a rental.
Not all policies include rental car cover, so make sure to check if it’s part of the comprehensive insurance package you’re considering.
5. Increased Resale Value
When selling a car, having maintained it under comprehensive insurance can be a selling point. Buyers will be more confident knowing that the car has been protected from a wide range of risks, ensuring it’s in good condition. This could even help you get a higher resale value compared to a vehicle that wasn’t covered comprehensively.
6. Cover for Animal Collisions
One very real South African risk is hitting an animal while driving – almost all of us have experienced this. Whether it’s a bird, kudu or cow, animal collisions can cause big damage to your vehicle.
While basic insurance may not cover this type of accident, comprehensive insurance will; if you’re still not sure what option to go for, you can always compare car insurances online and see what fits you best.
From bad drivers to cow collisions, South African roads are risky and unpredictable. Comprehensive insurance can really help you feel more at ease that you’ll be covered when something goes wrong. And with advantages like these listed above, you’ll know you’re truly covered for incidents you may not even have thought of.
