Insurance is not required by law in South Africa. Given this fact, most South Africans choose to save a little bit of money and go without the insurance. In the long run, however, this has proven to be a very costly mistake.
We can learn a lot from financial institutions in regard to the importance of insurance.. Banks will very often require car insurance before approving your auto loan. Banks also require homeowners insurance and sometimes life insurance before approving a home loan. Doing so protects the bank from financial losses in the event your property is lost, stolen or damaged or in the event of your death. You are also protected since insurance cover will provide you the means to pay the bank under these circumstances.
Armed with this knowledge, wouldn\’t it then make sens to protect your assets, even if the bank doesn\’t require you to? The decision to not obtain insurance coverage for your assets is a big one. Take a look at these common types of insurance and see if any of them would be of interest to you.
Life insurance is the most underutilized insurance options for many South Africans. Most of us are familiar with decreasing term life insurance that is linked to specific debt such as our home loans. But life insurance can do more than pay off debt. Life insurance payouts can ensure that your family will be able to maintain its lifestyle in the event of your death. The right whole life insurance policy will provide you and your family this peace of mind.
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.
In South Africa it is legal to drive an auto without car insurance. In fact, about 35% of drivers do not have any insurance. However, to own an uninsured car in South Africa is lunacy, as thefts, accidents, and hijackings are a daily occurrence. For anyone who cannot pay for repairs, thefts, or doctors\’ bills for injuries, auto insurance is a must. All of these scenarios are accounted for in a Comprehensive Cover policy.
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.
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.
Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator Insurance-south-africa.co.za. South Aricas leading Insurance information portal.
