In South Africa, the purchase of insurance cover is often the choice of the consumer. And, given the choice, many South Africans opt not to purchase insurance cover ” a decision that can be financially devastating.
Financial institutions can teach us much in relation to the importance of insurance. Banks normally ask for motor vehicle insurance before they grant your car loan. They also demand homeowners insurance and at times even life insurance before approving a home loan. This shields the banks from incurring losses in case your property is lost, stolen, or destroyed or if you happen to die. You are also covered because your insurance will help to compensate the bank if you ever happen to be in the above named situations.
Knowing this, doesnt it make sense to protect yourself without the bank requiring you to do it? If youve made the choice not to insure your property, or yourself, take a moment to review the most common types of insurance and their benefits.
For most of the South Africans life insurance is most underused tool. Many of us know that with life insurance is generally linked and done to pay off some specific debts such as home loans. But instead it has got a lot more than just paying off our old debt. With a good life insurance policy we can make sure that even in our absence our family dont need to compromise on its lifestyle. The correct policy for your family ensures peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
As a leader in providing excellent life and medical insurance for people suffering from HIV/AIDS, South Africa is now one of only 2 countries in the world where HIV/AIDS patience can purchase medical coverage through there insurance company, thanks to the escalating success rate of the treatment of this particular disease.
When it comes to car insurance, South Africa does not require divers to purchase car insurance to drive, and approximately 65 percent of auto owners do not have any coverage. But one hard look at the risks you take when you drive will convince a responsible driver of the necessity of car insurance cover. Accidents, hijackings and thefts occur every day. If you cannot afford to pay out of your own pocket to repair or replace damaged property, medical expenses or property damage caused by theft or fire, you should have car insurance. A Comprehensive Cover policy will protect you in all of these situations.
If you own your home you most likely have homeowners insurance. But, if you rent, you should consider renters insurance to protect your belongings in the event of fire, theft or other property damage. To lower your premiums for these policies, you can add voluntary excess amounts and add security devices. For homeowners, do not include the value of the land your home is built on when you estimate your homes value. No matter what happens to your house, the land will still be there.
You might think that insurance is an unnecessary expense. It may seem so, but what would you do if you had to pay to have your or another person’s car replaced following an accident? Just think about how hard it would be for your family to get by if you were to die suddenly. This type of thing happens to people every day, but you and your family don’t have to be among them. Don’t wait any longer, start looking for the insurance you and your family need to be safe.
Shouldn’t you do this to protect yourself, whether your bank says you have to or not? If you don’t carry insurance on yourself or your property, you should really take the time to look at these kinds of insurance, and why everyone else has them.
Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator Insurance-south-africa.co.za. South Aricas leading Insurance information portal.