Having car insurance can provide valuable financial protection when something goes wrong on the road. But having a policy doesn’t automatically mean that every car insurance claim you submit will be approved.
There are several reasons why a car insurance claim may be rejected, from not meeting the conditions of your policy to providing incorrect information when taking out cover or submitting a claim.
Understanding your car insurance policy and your responsibilities as a driver can help you avoid unnecessary surprises when it comes time to claim.
Here are some important things every South African driver should know.
1. Understand Your Car Insurance Policy
Insurance policies aren’t always the most exciting documents to read, but understanding yours is important.
Before taking out car insurance, make sure you know what your policy covers and, just as importantly, what it doesn’t cover.
Pay attention to details such as your excess, exclusions, who is allowed to drive the insured vehicle and any specific conditions you need to follow.
If there’s something in your policy that you don’t understand, ask your insurer for clarification. It’s much better to ask questions before you need to claim than discover a limitation afterwards.
Understand how to claim with Oneplan Car and Household insurance.
2. Always Provide Accurate Information
Being open and accurate with your insurer is essential, both when you take out your policy and when you submit a car insurance claim.
Your insurer uses the information you provide to assess your risk and determine your cover. If important information is incorrect, incomplete or hasn’t been updated when required, it could affect your car insurance claim.
For example, your insurer may need to know who regularly drives the vehicle, how the car is used and where it is normally kept.
When submitting a car insurance claim, provide an accurate account of what happened and all the information your insurer requests.
Understand why your claim was rejected.
3. Keep Your Car Roadworthy
Regular vehicle maintenance isn’t only about avoiding breakdowns. Keeping your car in a safe and roadworthy condition can also be important when it comes to your insurance.
Check your tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and other safety-related components regularly, and don’t ignore warning signs that something may need attention.
If the condition of your vehicle contributed to an accident or loss, it could potentially affect your claim depending on the circumstances and your policy.
A well-maintained car also helps keep you and other road users safer.
4. Follow the Rules of the Road
Your behaviour behind the wheel matters.
Speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence or allowing someone who isn’t legally permitted to drive your vehicle can have serious consequences beyond the risk of an accident.
It may also affect an insurance claim, depending on the circumstances and the terms of your policy.
Following South Africa’s road rules is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of an accident and potential problems when claiming.
5. Keep Your Insurance Details Up to Date
Things change, and your insurer may need to know when they do.
Perhaps you’ve moved to a new home, changed where you park your vehicle overnight, started using your car differently or another person has become the regular driver.
If there is a material change in your circumstances, check whether you need to inform your insurer.
Keeping your information accurate and up to date can help ensure that your cover continues to reflect how your vehicle is actually being used.
Discover ways to ensure your claim goes through.
6. Know What to Do After an Accident
What you do immediately after an accident can also make the claims process easier.
Prioritise everyone’s safety and seek emergency assistance when necessary. Exchange relevant details with the other parties involved and document the scene where it is safe to do so.
Take photos of the vehicles, damage and surrounding area, and make note of important information that may be needed for your claim.
You should also report the incident as required and contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible to find out what information and documentation they need.
What Can Cause a Car Insurance Claim to Be Rejected?
Every car insurance claim is assessed according to its individual circumstances and the terms and conditions of the relevant policy.
However, problems may arise when policyholders provide inaccurate information, don’t meet important policy conditions, drive unlawfully, fail to maintain their vehicles appropriately or claim for something that isn’t covered by their policy.
That’s why understanding your cover before an accident happens is so important.
Choose Car Insurance You Understand
Car insurance should give you greater confidence when you’re out on the road, not leave you confused about what you’re covered for.
Before choosing a policy, consider the type of cover you need, the benefits included, your excess, exclusions and how the claims process works.
Oneplan Car and Household Insurance offers cover options designed to help South African motorists protect their vehicles against unexpected events on and off the road.
Explore Oneplan Car Insurance and choose cover that suits your needs, lifestyle and budget.
Your Insurance Family,
