| South Africa is infamous for its high crime rate | | | | driving record takes into account the number of |
| and deadly roads, so not surprisingly finding cheap | | | | accidents, fines and convictions (like drink driving) |
| auto insurance can be an almost impossible task. | | | | that you have accumulated in the past 3-5 years. |
| However, there are a few ways of ensuring that | | | | By driving within the speed limit, anticipating |
| you get the lowest possible premiums on your | | | | possible collisions and avoiding driving under the |
| car insurance. Depending on your current | | | | influence you can not only save money but |
| insurance policies and personal situation some of | | | | possibly also lives. Some insurers also provide |
| the following tips could help to reduce your | | | | discounts for drivers who have completed |
| insurance costs: | | | | accredited defensive/advanced driving courses. |
| 1. Comparison Shop All too often South African | | | | 5. Buy A Low Risk Car Vehicle theft is a major |
| consumers opt to purchase the first insurance | | | | reason why premiums on car insurance in South |
| policy from the first broker or insurer whom they | | | | Africa are so high. Certain makes and models of |
| contact. Getting quotes and advice from several | | | | cars are hotter targets for criminals and are thus |
| insurance companies or brokers is essential for | | | | higher risks for insurers. Vandalism is also a |
| not only finding the cheapest policy but also for | | | | problem and flashy, high-performance cars tend |
| getting accurate advice. Comparison shopping can | | | | to be targeted more often than old beaters. In |
| be done by calling several insurers and requesting | | | | other words, buy a station wagon! |
| quotes or alternatively can be done automatically | | | | 6. Park In A Garage By parking your car in a |
| via websites like InsuranceHound.co.za. | | | | garage you reduce the risk of your car being |
| 2. Keep Your Credit Rating Clean Insurers have | | | | stolen, vandalized or bumped by other cars. You |
| identified a direct correlation between | | | | will most likely get a lower premium if you have a |
| consumers’ credit histories and the risk the | | | | garage at your disposal. |
| pose to an insurance company. Therefore, | | | | 7. Safety Devices Immobilisers, car alarms and |
| someone with a bad credit history is likely to pay | | | | vehicle tracking devices all reduce the chances of |
| higher premiums than someone with a good credit | | | | your car being stolen thus reducing the risk to |
| history. | | | | insurers. In fact, most South African insurance |
| 3. Cut Down On Your Mileage Some insurers offer | | | | companies will not cover your vehicle unless |
| discounts for people who drive less than a certain | | | | certain devices like immobilisers are installed. Weigh |
| number of kilometers per month. Companies like | | | | up the cost of higher premiums versus the cost |
| Hollard offer special insurance products aimed at | | | | of installing a tracking device before making this |
| people who don’t drive much. Try to use | | | | decision. |
| public transport where possible and fly down to | | | | By implementing some or even all of these tips |
| the coast for your holidays instead of racking up | | | | you could bring your monthly car insurance costs |
| mileage by driving down. | | | | down to a level that doesn’t leave a hole in |
| 4. Drive Defensively You may be offered cheaper | | | | your pocket! |
| premiums if you have a good driving record. Your | | | | |