- Appoint a broker to look after your personal insurance affairs.
- Make sure your broker review your policy at least every 12 months.
- Make sure you pay your premiums on time (monthly or annually). The non-payment of premiums will result in claims not being paid. Most reputable insurers offer multiple premium collection dates option. Select a date most suitable to avoid non–payment. If you change from banks, make sure to let your broker know as well.
- Insure your home content, belongings and goods for their full replacement value. Your insurance broker may assist you with this important risk calculation.
- Get to know and understand your policy’s excess structures – Especially additional excess structures that may be applied by the insurer in certain instances.
- Make sure your broker advises you on your policy’s exclusions and requirements– especially where it forms part of your policy conditions, such as security, tracking, inspections, valuations.
- Most leading insurers offer roadside assistance as a standard feature on their policies. Store the emergency assistance number on your phone, as it will help in the event of an accident.
- In the event of an accident and where your vehicle requires towing, be sure to follow the guidelines of your insurer to avoid additional towing or storage costs. This process will normally be guided by the emergency assistance service provider acting on behalf of the insurer. Your broker can also assist you on a 24/7 basis.
- Always store all your proof of payment slips. This will help a lot where you may be required to prove ownership of an item – Especially jewellery, photographical equipment and electronic devices.
- Always inform your insurance broker or insurer where a regular driver change may occur on your policy. This may affect cover, premium or even risk acceptance by the insurer.
- Stay up to date with general maintenance on your home. General wear and tear will not be covered.
- Make sure you keep your gutters clean of foliage to avoid water damage to your property and content. Also check skylights, roof, tiles & water proofing for maintenance requirements.
- Certain policies offer cash back options for claim free periods achieved. Make sure you understand this to avoid losing the benefit through small claims that you should have rather carried yourself.
- If you struggle to make your insurance premium payments through budget constraints, talk to your broker to reduce cover and review your entire portfolio – but do so with care.
- Your insurance broker can also advise you on achieving a lower premium through increased excess options.
- Your insurance policy may have territorial limits which may have an impact on you, if you travel outside the borders of RSA. Talk to your broker to understand your territorial limits.
- Find out from your broker if your policy includes car hire or not. Also check the number of days offered and type of vehicle you will get, in the event of your vehicle being stolen or in for repairs.
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