To help us avoid any potential insurance pitfalls, here are some useful tips to help you avoid any insurance claim dramas over the holidays:

Drinking and Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or any prohibited intoxicating substance can result in an insurance claim being repudiated. “All short-term insurance policies and contracts are subject to South African legislation so you cannot break the law and expect to be covered,” says Manyike. “Driving under the influence of alcohol puts you at risk of having a criminal record and can also have potentially devastating financial implications if your car is severely damaged and your claim is rejected.”

Roadside Assistance

Motorists should download the appropriate applications for their roadside assistance service and have it available on their smartphones along with any relevant emergency contact numbers. Policyholders should also consider enhanced insurance options that provide automatic payment for certain emergency servicing costs such as ambulances or hospital admission guarantees.

Tyre Tread

Vehicle claims can be rejected if the tyre tread depth does not meet the minimum requirement for what is considered roadworthy. A tread depth of 1.6mm (2/32”) is the most widely accepted minimum standard but motorists should check with their insurers to ensure that their tyres conform to the standard stipulated in their insurance policies. If unsure you should consult an expert at a tyre fitment centre or check the wear indicator that is reflected on certain tyres.

Expired License

Insurers require that all vehicles listed on a policy have valid licences. If an accident occurs more than 30 days after the expiry date reflected on the licence, the insurance company can repudiate any claims related to that vehicle. It would then rest on the driver to prove that he or she had attempted to renew the licence and that the fault lies with the licensing authorities.

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