Car Insurance FAQs

Typical coverage includes:

• Accidental damage to your car
• Theft or hijacking
• Fire or natural disasters
• Third-party liability for injuries or property damage
• Vandalism or malicious damage

Exclusions usually include:

• Wear-and-tear items (tyres, brakes, batteries)
• Mechanical breakdowns or engine failure
• Damage from racing or illegal activity
• Intentional damage

Premiums vary based on:

• Vehicle make, model, and age
• Driver profile and claims history
• Security features (alarms, tracking devices)
• Annual mileage and usage

Yes, especially for new, expensive, or financed vehicles. It protects against high repair or replacement costs and provides peace of mind for unforeseen events.

Yes. Comprehensive Insurance is available for used vehicles, though premiums are dependent on vehicle age, condition, and claims history.

Comprehensive covers your own car (accidental damage, theft, hijacking, fire and natural disasters) as well as damage you cause to others. Third-party only covers damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property.

Damage you cause to other people’s property, plus fire damage, theft or hijacking of your own car – but not accidental damage to your car.

The excess is the amount you pay out-of-pocket when making a claim. The cost of the excess will be based on what you choose when purchasing the policy.

Yes. Comprehensive policies cover damage caused by floods, storms, hail, fire, and other natural events.

Yes. Damage caused intentionally by others (vandalism) is generally covered under Comprehensive Car Insurance.

Yes. Comprehensive policies include windscreen cover, either as part of the main policy or as an optional add-on.

Yes. Lenders or leasing companies usually require Comprehensive Insurance to protect their investment.

Claims are usually made by:

• Contacting your insurer immediately after the incident
• Submitting required documents and photos
• Having your car assessed at an approved repairer
• Receiving settlement or repair approval

Settlement times vary. Minor claims may be approved within a few days, while complex claims may take weeks, depending on investigation and documentation.

It may. Insurers often increase premiums if you make a claim, especially for at-fault incidents. Some insurers offer a no-claims bonus discount for claim-free years.

A no-claims bonus rewards drivers who do not claim on their policy. Depending on the insurer and claim-free period.

Yes. Optional add-ons include:

• Roadside assistance
• Rental car cover
• Tracking device discounts
• Personal accident cover
• And more…

No, vehicle insurance is not required by law.

• However, if the vehicle is financed, Comprehensive Insurance is still required by the bank

Consider:

• Coverage limits and exclusions
• Excess options
• Insurer reputation and claims process
• Optional add-ons and benefits
• Price versus value for your vehicle

Yes. Damage caused by hail, floods, storms and similar events is generally covered.

Yes. Theft, hijacking, and attempted theft damage are normally included under Comprehensive Car Insurance.

Yes. Fire damage — accidental or resulting from electrical faults — is usually included under comprehensive policies.

It’s the most inclusive type of policy, covering both third‑party damage and your own vehicle, so the risk and cost to the insurer is higher.

Yes. A clean driving record usually results in lower premiums, while accidents or claims can increase costs.

An excess is the amount you agree to pay out‑of‑pocket when making a claim; higher excess usually lowers your premium.

You can choose to adjust your excess — increasing your excess can lower your monthly premium.

No — insurers typically cover the vehicle itself and not personal items.

You can obtain cover for personal items by specifying them separately on your insurance.

Yes, insurers allow you to include aftermarket accessories under your policy with appropriate declaration.

Simple claims can be processed in a few days, while more complex or total loss claims take longer based on assessment and documentation.

An optional cover that pays the difference between your car’s insured value and the outstanding finance balance if it’s written off.

Yes — higher crime area risk factors increase premiums due to increased likelihood of theft or damage.

Yes — common extras include roadside assistance, car hire while your car is repaired, and credit shortfall cover.

Yes — insurers allow cancellation, please make sure you go through the cancellation terms of the policy purchased.

Yes, insurers do cover for travel across borders.

You will need to contact them to obtain a cross-border letter to ensure that you are covered during your travels.

No – but if your car is financed, your bank or finance house will usually require comprehensive cover. The Road Accident Fund, funded through the fuel levy, covers injuries, not damage to vehicles.