Insurance

Written By: Tom Martens on January 8, 2010 No Comment

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.

A good number of South Africans do not take advantage of all their insurance options, with life insurance being the leader. While many of us know that decreasing term life insurance is linked to things like home loans, it can provide more for you then paying off debt. Life insurance can maintain the standard of living for your family in the event of your passing by providing your beneficiary the payout of the policy. Obtaining the proper life insurance will ensure your family has security.

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.

South Africa is one of the countries where a driver is not required to purchase Car Insurance to drive. Approximately 65 percent of car owners in South Africa do not have any form of insurance coverage one way or another. Insurance cover should be necessitated by the looking hard at the risks involved when driving. The risks range from accidents, hijackings and thefts which are an everyday occurrence. If one cannot afford to pay for repair or replace damaged property, medical expenses, property damage caused by fire or theft, then it is best recommended to have car insurance. A complete Comprehensive Cover policy should protect you in all these situations.

For Home owners, you are most likely to have the homeowners insurance cover. But, if you lease, consider renters insurance which protects your belongings in case of theft, fire and other property damage. You can also add voluntary excess amounts and security devices to lower your premiums for these policies. For Homeowners, whatever the case, do not include the value of your land during estimation of your homes value. The land will still be there no matter what happens to your home.

At first glance, insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense. But imagine having to pay to replace your car or someone elses after an accident. Or, imagine your family struggling to make ends meet if you die unexpectedly. Situations like these happen everyday, but they dont have to happen to you or your family. Start shopping today for the insurance cover you need to protect you and your family.

Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator Insurance-south-africa.co.za. South Aricas leading Insurance information portal.