Experts have warned motorists that insurance companies can reject a claim over seemingly minor details, such as worn tyres or neglected vehicle maintenance.
Traffic accidents in South Africa lead to over R180 billion in costs every year, and the vast majority of cars on the road are uninsured.
It is estimated that nearly 70% of vehicles in South Africa are uninsured, meaning there is a two-in-three chance that one of the drivers involved in a collision will be unable to cover the damages, according to BusinessTech.
Vehicle insurance policies require motorists to hold a valid driver’s licence, and experts have warned that seemingly unrelated factors may affect whether a claim is approved or denied.
Youlon Naidoo, Miway Insurance Executive Head of Claims, said that motorists should disclose the changes in how they use and maintain their vehicles to their insurance providers.
He said that common oversights by motorists can affect how a claim is assessed, which could greatly impact the cost of repair after an accident.
Furthermore, any changes to the designated driver must be disclosed to the insurer, as this forms a key part of the risk assessment.
If a spouse, child, or another person becomes the regular driver of the car, their age, driving experience, and claims history may affect the premium or policy terms.
“If someone else starts using the vehicle more frequently than the declared regular driver, whether for a limited period or permanently, contact your insurer to check whether the change needs to be recorded,” said Naidoo.
Expired licence discs, tyres, and missing services can affect claims
Car insurance policies in South Africa require that motorists take a reasonable level of care to prevent accidents.
This includes maintenance, which is why things like worn tyres and skipping services can potentially impact a claim.
Naidoo noted that car owners should regularly check their tyres and look for signs of wear and tear, such as bulges, cuts, a faded tread, or incorrect pressure.
Tread depth is especially important, as the tread is what gives the tyre its grip. As the tread is gradually worn down over thousands of kilometres, the tyre will eventually need to be replaced.
“Tyres with inadequate tread depth can compromise road safety by reducing grip and increasing stopping distances, particularly in wet conditions,” said Naidoo.
If an insurer finds that worn tyres contributed to an accident, the car may be considered unroadworthy and the claim could be rejected.
In a similar vein, a lack of maintenance can increase the risk of a breakdown and accident, and may become a problem for a claim if a mechanical fault is found to be a contributing factor.
“Insurance protects motorists against unexpected events, but vehicle owners also have a responsibility to keep their cars safe and roadworthy,” he said.
Lastly, Naidoo warned that, while expired driver’s licence cards or vehicle licence disks do not automatically lead to a rejected claim, they can cause unnecessary delays.
“Even where expired documentation was not material to the loss, it can lead to avoidable questions or administrative delays.”
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