Car Insurance Tips

When you drive around in your pride and joy, it is important that you get car insurance on any vehicle that you own and drive. You just never know when you might have an accident or your car is involved in an accident that is no one’s fault. When looking at getting car insurance, look around until you have found a company that is genuine and covers everything that you require – a tip always get online and do a search of the company that you are considering as your insurer, as there are usually reviews by other users, so you can gauge whether that company will be reliable in the event of an accident. Also check how many years the insurance company has been around.

Different types of Car Insurance

• Compulsory Third Party (CTP) is the minimal cover that every car must have under the law and it provides necessary cover if you injure or kill someone in car accident. If you feel that your car is not worth very much, you may decide to only take out Compulsory Third Party insurance. Be aware that it doesn’t cover you for any damage caused to any other vehicles.
• Third party property is the cheapest option and covers you for any damage you may cause to another car and could include limited cover for damage caused to your car by an uninsured driver.
• Third party property, fire and theft covers your car if it is stolen or burnt.
• Comprehensive car insurance is by far the best insurance cover, but it is the most expensive. It will include the cost of any repairs to your car or if you have to replace your car, even if you are the one in the wrong.

How to save money on your car insurance

• Nominating drivers or restricting the use of your car to only drivers over the age of 25
• Choose a higher excess
• When speaking to your insurance company ask about getting a discount for a no claim bonus – just check with your insurer how many years you need to get a discount without making a claim
• If you have other insurance policies with the same insurance company, you have been with that company for a number of year, or you have a car immobiliser may entitle you to discounts on your insurance. Always give them a call and see what they can do for you.

Other Tips

• Most Insurance Policies will usually not cover a car if it is unroadworthy eg. if an accident has been caused by bad brakes and their bad condition was noticeable beforehand, this could cause a claim to be denied.
• If you have a nominated driver policy eg one or two people that are on the cover, the cover is normally only extended if the car is driven by others in an emergency.
• Policies will exclude cover for any damage (and liability to others) when the driver is drunk (the driver’s car may not be worth much but cars or property they damage could be worth considerably more).
• Policies will exclude cover while racing.
• Your car will be insured up to its ‘market value’ which will be determined at the time of any claim using current market rates based on its age and condition.
• Always check your policy to see what accessories are covered.
• Make sure the insurer is informed about any extras you have on your car eg rear spoiler, mags etc