Monday, April 27, 2009

Comparing all Types of Insurance



Insurance is a confusing business. Odd terminology, fine print and high pressure tactics may keep you from really researching and comparing your options. While quick insurance shopping may get you a policy, it probably wont get you the right insurance policy.

Each form of insurance, life, auto or homeowners, has several different types and insurance companies offer hundreds of policies for each type. Be sure to begin your search with a knowledge of how the different types work so you can decide which policies to consider for your unique situation.

You be be enthralled to learn that sixty-five percent of South Africans do not have auto-insurance. Because the high risk of bodily injury and perish on South African roads, this is a spell bounding statistic.

Car Insurance usually comes in three forms. Third party cover offers the minimum coverage when you injure another person or damage someone elses property in a motor vehicle accident. Then there is Third Party Fire and Theft which includes cover provided under Third Party and also adds protection for damage caused by theft or attempted theft or fire. And finally, Comprehensive cover which provides protection for your vehicle when you are responsible for an accident

To ensure that you aren't paying too much for expensive auto insurance, be sure to compare prices and quotes. To reduce your costs, try negotiating with the insurance companies for a lower rate. Also, think about asking for higher excesses, as well as increasing security measures to further reduce your premiums.

Term life insurance is the most ideal coverage for a certain amount of time or can be based on your credit. Term life is best for families that owe a lot of debt that will be paid before the policy expires.

Whole life insurance is permanent insurance that remains in effect as long as the premiums are up to date. The policy does not need to be renewed and the premiums remain the same throughout the life of the policy. It provides your beneficiaries a lump sum at your death regardless of when that occurs.

Universal life insurance cover is structured the same way as whole life in that it is permanent insurance with level premiums. In addition, it adds provides financial products such as a savings plan, investments and the ability to add a person to the policy. It is the most expensive life insurance option due to its flexibility.

Your life changes and it is always beneficial to check on the current status of your life insurance to make sure it is still meeting your needs.

In the past, when obtaining a mortgage loan, borrower's were often locked in and required to purchase their insurance from the company specified by their lender. Now, thanks to the National Credit Act, consumers have freedom of choice, and can pick the coverage and provider that best meets their insurance needs. In most cases, lender's still require that payment of insurance premiums be bundled with the mortgage payment.

When shopping for insurance, remember the old adage that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. For example, a bicycle costs less than a car but it will not serve the same transportation needs. Hence, you need to find an affordable insurance policy that meets your particular coverage concerns.
By Tom Martens

Car Insurance

By Tom Martens

Car insurers are constantly designing products for South Africa's unique driving environments. All drivers, from the urban to the off-road, can find suitable insurance coverage to meet their specific needs.

Most South Africans should have Comprehensive Cover. In reality, 65 percent of auto owners in South Africa do not have any coverage. This is a shocking number especially in light of the rising rates of fatalities and injuries on South Africa's roads. If you don't have insurance, take stock of your situation. Can you afford to repair or replace your car in the event of an accident? Can you afford to repair or replace someone else's car or property in the event of an accident that is your fault? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? Owning and driving a car is risky business - that's why you need car insurance.

Third Party Fire and Theft Cover are other options available, which will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by fire or attempts to steal it. Third Party Only will cover you if an accident that is your fault damages other people's property.

South Africa is home to a large motorcycle community, so it follows that insurers offer products designed especially for these drivers. Motorcycle cover provides the peace of mind that your motorcycle will be covered if it is stolen or damaged or if you damage someone else's property in a motorcycle accident.

Because the great outdoors is such a large part of South African living, several products have been developed for the risks associated with outdoor travel. For off-road enthusiasts, there is Off-Road Comprehensive cover designed to cover the risks in this unique and unpredictable driving environment.

If you're considering car insurance for the fist time, you may be surprised by how expensive premiums can be . Several factors drive these rates, and you have a certain amount of control on how they affect your premium.

Younger drivers are considered a higher risk, and therefore pay higher premiums. If you have no driving history, or if your history includes accidents or dangerous driving habits, your premiums will be higher. But, as you age and build a better driving history, your premiums will reflect the lower risk.The first factor, one you can't really do anything about, is your age and driving record. Fortunately, the passage of time has a great effect on this factor.

The value of your vehicle is another important consideration. Expensive vehicles are more expensive to insure, as are high performance vehicles.

Some companies have minimum safety requirements, but will discount your premiums if you exceed these minimums. Also consider where you keep your vehicle. If your car is parked in a high-crime area or even on the street overnight, you'll pay for that risk.Another way to reduce your premiums is to increase your safety measures.

Be sure to research different kinds of insurance and how they relate to your situation. Just because something is cheap doesn't mean it is right for you. Be sure to select the policy that meets your needs and is at a price you can afford.

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