Ultimate Car Insurance Tips

February 24 - The Managing Director of Alexander Forbes Insurance, Gari Dombo, said that there were several things that South African drivers could do to bring down the cost of car insurance.

Dombo shared the ultimate tips with consumers in the hope of helping them save wherever they can.

Some of these included:

• Go for low risk vehicles: The lower the risk of a car being stolen, the lower the premiums. Dombo said that consumers should avoid sports cars and high performance cars if they wanted to keep down costs.

• Choose limited mileage options: Drivers who drive less can ask to pay less. They should remember, however, never to exceed the predetermined mileage as they will remain uncovered in the event of an accident.

• Drive carefully: Avoiding accidents will pay out in the long run, as insurance companies look at previous records to determine policy prices. Consumers with sterling driving records will pay less.

• Check age/sex related discounts: Some insurance companies will offer discounts to pensioners over the age of 65. Others may offer them to women. It's worth asking what discounts apply.

• Attend a driving course: Attending an advanced driving course can reduce premium rates. Insurance groups are keen to offer cover to drivers who have passed updated courses and are better equipped to take to the roads.

• Limit the number of drivers: Predetermining who will drive the car  and stating their names on the policy will result in lower premiums. Once again, however, it is important not to let another driver get behind the wheel as policy will not pay out in the event of an accident.