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 This question is one often posed on search engines on the internet – or debated around coffee tables. This question also reminds me of a phrase from the movies “All questions could be asked, but not all questions should be answered”.
What do you answer someone at this very moment when asked this important question? Your answer will be the subjective expression of your personal experience with a specific insurer and your satisfaction or displeasure with that provider. You might only have experienced the service delivery and performance of one or 2 providers and we need to ask – who is qualified to answer such a question?
But should we even ask about the “Best” car insurance company? To refer to one provider as the best, it implies that we have been able to compare all the providers and determine on a variety of criteria that one provider is better than the others. To illustrate that this is rather complex, if not impossible to do, we can refer to an example from sport.
What would the answer be if we were to ask who is the best athlete? Would it be Usain Bolt, the fastest man over 100m and 200m or would it be Haile Gebrselassie, the fastest over 5000m, 10000m and even marathon distances? Neither of these athletes would be capable of beating the other in his specific items of expertise.
The same would apply to the question which car is the best car in the world? Would it be the fastest, the most luxurious or the safest? Could it be the car with the best fuel consumption? The Car of the Year Award will go the car which, after all these different criteria have been taken into account is perceived to be the best….
Herein lays the dilemma to answering the question of who the best car insurance company would be. We would need to establish which criteria should be used to decide who is “best” and then compare insurers along those criteria.
A good friend of mine earlier this week expressed his satisfaction with a specific direct insurer and how swiftly they responded to his notification of a slight vehicle accident. Yesterday the same guy told me how disappointed he is after his insurer told him that the vehicle cannot be repaired by an insurer approved repairer in Bloemfontein and the vehicle would have to be taken to Kimberley. He now says that he would be without this vehicle for several days.
This illustrates that even though some insurers might be very effective in customer service pertaining to response times, data capturing etc they might be less effective when it comes to the repair phase and making payment for these repairs.
We have decided to write a few blog posts in an attempt to discover how we can decide upon the best car insurance company. This is not attended to name some of the best and shame some of the worst car insurers, but will seek to provide more insight on specific criteria and how they might meet or not meet customer expectations.
The provider who is deemed to be the best car insurance company should comply with these criteria and provide the client with peace of mind that his interests are well covered and his expectation of payment in the event of a legitimate claim will be swiftly complied with!
 Many have asked about how to find cheaper car insurance premiums. We have discussed this with reference to suggestions such as going online, using comparison websites, focusing on your specific needs etc.
Technology and more specifically the internet has changed the way the consumer finds car insurance. It has offered solutions to find insurance swiftly and with ease – but nowhere would you find reference to car insurance for the “lazy consumer”.
We need to focus on the title and the specific reference to “correct” car insurance. Even before the internet and the birth of direct insurers and aggregators, the lazy vehicle owner could pick up his telephone, call a broker and ask for him to arrange for car insurance for a specific car. The lazy consumer could just wait for the policy document and sign – but this does not guarantee that he will find the correct car insurance!
What effort is required to find the correct car insurance?
We would like to provide a brief summary of the actions required to guarantee finding the correct car insurance:
Knowing your needs and what you are searching for
You will not find the correct solution if you do not know what you need. Do your homework to be an informed consumer and understand the basics about insurance and products available.
Knowing the providers and variety of car insurers
You need to put some effort into finding more information about car insurers. Ask questions to colleagues, family and friends and use the internet to find which insurers provide the products you are looking for, whether they are reputable and have a good track record.
Decide on the method to use to find quotes
You will have to decide whether you wish to use a broker or whether you will find the quotes yourself via the direct insurers. You may decide to contact the direct insurers either online or by making a few calls. You may also decide to request a quote through insurance aggregators – an easy way to find several quotes from different insurers.
No matter what you decide to do, you will need to put in some efforts to supply insurers with information on your vehicle, your driving and insurance record etc.
Comparing these car insurance quotes
Once you have received a few insurance quotes, you will need to study them and compare them with one another. The correct quote for you might not be as simple as being the cheapest and the first to land on your desk. You will need to ask questions and spent a bit of time in gaining clarity and confirmation from the insurer that you are fully covered for your specific needs.
Care once you are insured
Not only is it important to avoid laziness in the process of acquiring insurance quotes, but also once you are insured. You need to keep documents in a safe and accessible place and remain alert to communications from the insurer. Be alert to policy requirements and do not, through your laziness fail to meet the policy requirements!
Finding car insurance quotes have become easier and less time consuming. To find the correct product to meet your needs will however require some effort – effort that may save you much stress and financial harm later!
 Most people are in awe at the site of celebrities in their shiny expensive vehicles. They admire these celebs and idolize them and their successes. There are fortunately sometimes advantages to being just plain ordinary. You will most likely be in a position to find much cheaper and affordable car insurance premiums with your average little vehicle!
Which vehicles are the cheapest to insure?
We would like to discuss a few of the factors that determine whether your vehicle will qualify for lower car insurance premiums. It is important to remember that the starting point for any such discussion would be to consider the purpose of having car insurance.
Car insurance is meant to provide cover for vehicle damage or vehicle loss. Therefore – the easier to replace and repair – the lowest the car insurance premium!
Value of the Car
The biggest factor to affect your car insurance premium costs is the value of the car you would like to insure. The more expensive the car, the more expensive the car insurance premiums will be.
This is simple to understand – Should the car get stolen or damaged to a point beyond repair, the car insurance provider will be required to reimburse the insured for the value of the car.
In general, sports cars and other high-performance, flashy vehicles are classified as higher risks because they are common targets for thieves and vandals, and because statistically, the people who own them tend to drive more recklessly.
Vehicle parts
An aspect often overlooked by the car owner is the availability and cost of vehicle parts. The more expensive the parts and components needed to repair your vehicle the more expensive the car insurance premium.
The low profile car that is less expensive and easy to find also has more affordable parts needed for the repair and hence less expensive to insure.
Imported or Locally Manufactured
Be careful before buying an imported or exotic car – these cars are more costly to replace and as a result more expensive to insure. Check with your car insurance company beforehand if you plan to purchase an imported car – this might avoid nasty financial surprises!
Safety Features
With crime being such a threat to car ownership, the car insurance companies will regard vehicle safety features as very important. Most cars come with upgradeable options that cost additional money, but increase the car’s safety. A theft prevention security system and safety gear in your vehicle could reduce premiums. Modern safety measures such as DataDot technology as a security measure that could find favour with your insurer.
You can qualify for a discount on many policies if you have air bags, automatic seat belts, anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights. This could help prevent theft and accidents and they lower the potential damage in the event an accident occurs.
Extras
If expensive extras are built into the vehicle such as GPS and sound systems, this will also increase the insurance costs. Modifications and enhancements could not only create the impression of higher accident risk but will also increase your car insurance premium.
Remember that flashy sound systems or modifications might make your car more attractive to thieves – this could lead to a higher car insurance premium.
Colour of the vehicle
Even the colour of your car could have an effect on the car insurance premium. Insurers sometimes charge slightly higher premiums for darker colours (think black and navy blue) than for lighter cars (like white). [Some experts believe that darker colours can be more difficult to see in the dark or in bad light conditions, and are thus involved in more accidents.]
Car and Crime Statistics
Car insurers will analyze historical car and crime statistics and seek to find which type of vehicle is more likely to be stolen or involved in an auto accident. These cars which are un-proportionately stolen or involved in accidents tend to cost much more to insure than average cars.
Getting cheaper car insurance requires a lot of thought and some research and planning. With the right mindset it is possible for the vehicle owner to get a cheaper car insurance premium! Next time you admire the celebs, tap yourself on the shoulder and remember that you most likely qualify for less insurance car insurance premiums!
 Does your car insurer inform you that your premium is adjusted yearly in line with the market value of your vehicle?
We have come across an important article by Neesa Moodley-Isaacs titled “Car premiums rise when they should come down” which provides a rather detailed discussion on the onus to inform car insurance clients that car insurance premiums require adjustment in line with reduced market value. It also emphasizes the need for clear communication between insurer and client!
The following important questions have been addressed:
- Are you aware that your car insurance premium should sometimes be adjusted downwards as the vehicle loses market value?
- Does your contract stipulate such a possible reduction or has your broker disclosed this to you?
- Do you know that if you submit a claim, you will receive compensation based on the market value at the time of the claim?
The Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Ombud, Charles Pillai, has presented a clear warning to insurers and brokers who have been jacking up car insurance unnecessarily to earn higher premiums and commissions. We would like to discuss a recent decision by the Ombud with reference to the facts of a specific case…
Factual Scenario:
- Anthony Naidoo took out short-term insurance through Absa Brokers, jointly underwritten by Mutual and Federal and Santam, in 1999. In July 2003, he added a Toyota RunX RSI valued at R200 000 to his policy. In March 2004 and in March 2005, Naidoo received renewal letters from Absa Brokers.
- Both letters said: “In your own interest it is necessary to update the sums insured at regular intervals to avoid the negative effects of under-insurance.”
- Neither letter mentioned that failing to revise the value of his insured car could also lead to over-insurance.
- In February 2006, Naidoo contacted Absa Brokers to add a new car to the policy. He then became aware that he should be adjusting the insured value of his car to match its market value.
- Naidoo immediately asked for the insured value and premiums on the Toyota RunX to be adjusted. He asked why the adjustment had not been made previously and why the broker had not informed him of the possibility of a reduced premium.
- Absa Brokers said the onus of ensuring the vehicle was insured for the correct market value was on the client. Naidoo then sent a written inquiry to both Absa Brokers and Mutual and Federal. Mutual and Federal agreed with Absa Brokers that it was the responsibility of the client to adjust the insured amount.
- When Naidoo asked Mutual and Federal why he was not entitled to a refund for the extra amount he had paid over the period the premiums had increased while the value of his vehicle had depreciated, he did not receive a response.
- He then lodged a complaint with the office of the FAIS ombud.
Decision / Ruling by the Ombud
The Ombud ruled against Absa Insurance Brokers for failing to inform the client that bringing the insured value of his Toyota RunX into line with its market value would reduce his premiums and save him money.
The Ombud criticised the insurer for not mentioning in Naidoo’s contract renewal letter that a reduction in the value of the vehicle could result in lower premiums. It was also emphasized that the broker should not have merely conveyed letters from the insurer to the client.
“Absa Brokers was engaged by Naidoo to render financial services to him and should have advised him about the depreciation of the market value of the vehicle,” the Ombud said.
In his determination on the matter, FAIS ombud Charles Pillai ordered Absa Brokers to:
- Find out what values the vehicle should have been insured for annually, on a depreciating scale, each time the policy was renewed after September 30, 2004;
- Consult with the insurer and establish what the premiums should have been on each renewal date; and
- Compensate Anthony Naidoo with an amount equal to the extra premiums he paid since September 30, 2004.
Outcome and Conclusion
Peter Todd, the managing director of Absa Insurance Brokers, admitted that in this case the broker had been negligent by failing to advise Anthony Naidoo on over-insurance.
Todd says the ruling is important as it highlights the ambiguity of short-term insurance policy schedules and renewal letters. “It should ideally lead to the industry rewording policy schedules and renewal letters. The ruling also provides clarity on what an annual policy is and the fact that a renewal date constitutes a new contract,” he says.
Todd says claims by other policyholders will be examined on their own merits.
Keith Kennedy, the managing director of Mutual and Federal, says the company will consider the ruling and will certainly review the wording of its insurance policy renewal letters.
Advice on Market Value and Adjustments to Policies
What should we as car insurance policyholders know about the market value of our vehicles?
- Most insurance policies are based on the retail value of your car. The retail value is the amount you paid the dealer for your car.
- You should tell your insurer or broker that you want your car insured at its market value. This is the amount a reasonable buyer would pay for it and is based on research published by Mead and McGrouther – this is the mysterious “blue book” dealers often refer to when they are evaluating your car for a trade-in.
- The onus is on you to contact your insurer each year to request an adjustment. However, some insurers annually adjust the insured value of your car to its market value, provided you have stipulated that the car is insured at its market value.
 We have previously raised this topic in 2 separate Blog posts titled:
I have found the process to be very effective and have personally experienced the favourable outcome of such a complaint to the Ombudsman. We have also found that it is worthwhile to take some time to find and follow the correct steps to follow in this process.
Many visitors to the Car Insurance Blog have searched for information on the procedures to follow when raising a complaint – and we would like to provide more clarity.
The Ombudsman provides a handy guide on the steps that every complainant should follow.
Before you raise a car insurance complaint
You must complain to the Insurance Company first, before we can look at your complaint. Remember that the Insurance Company must first respond on you claim before you can take this matter to the Ombudsman.
Attitude, Facts, Documentation and Records
Once you have submitted a car insurance claim, the car insurer could accept the claim and make payment, reject your claim or decide to make partial payment under the claim. It is at this stage where many consumers may become unhappy, agitated and seek further action.
Your attitude is most important and we would like to suggest keeping the following in mind:
- Remain calm and give the insurer the benefit of doubt.
- Accept that there is no intentional malice on the side of the insurer and person who has responded.
- Accept that someone could have erred in having overlooked something in your claim.
- There could be many reasons why the answer received does not meet your expectations.
- It is important to focus on the facts – the law will look after itself!
- Focus on collecting and gathering all the documentation needed for your complaint as well as all your communications with your insurer, your broker and parties to this claims process.
Complaining to the Car Insurance Company:
Here are some hints to help you complain effectively to the Insurer and details of what to do next if you are still unhappy with their decision.
- It is usually best to complain in writing. But if you phone, ask for the name of the person you speak to. Keep a note of this information, with details such as, the date and time of your call and what was said. This may be required at a later stage.
- Remain calm and polite, however emotional, angry or upset you may be. You are more likely to explain your complaint clearly and effectively if you can stay calm.
- Initially attempt contacting the person you originally dealt with. If they cannot help, indicate that the matter will be taken further. Seek details of the name or job title of the person who will be handling your complaint and for details of the Insurer’s complaints procedure.
- Make an attempt to take up the matter with a Senior Official at the Insurer.
- When you write a letter of complaint, set out the facts as clearly as possible.
- Write down the facts in a logical order and stick to what is relevant. Include important details like your claim number or your policy number.
- Keep a copy of all letters between you and the Insurer.
What to do after complaining to the Car Insurance Company:
If you are not happy with the Insurer’s decision you may:
- Issue a summons out of the Small Claims Court ( there is a small cost involved ) on the Insurance Company. The maximum amount that can be claimed in the Small Claims Court is R 7,000.00.
- Consult with an Attorney to pursue the matter by means of further legal action.
- Submit a complaint to the Ombudsman of Short Term Isurance.
There are 2 Options available for submitting a complaint to the Ombudsman
You can either complete the complaint form by hand and post or fax it or complete the complaint form online and post or fax it. Visit the website of the Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance for more information.
 It is well known that women are generally perceived to be less of an insurance risk than their male counterparts. This has lead to many debates on which gender has “the best drivers”. Fact is that young women drivers are paying much less in insurance premiums than men at the same age.
The Guardian has revealed a rather interesting trend in the car insurance risks presented by increased age in the UK. According to their findings older women have found that their car insurance premiums have increased significantly!
While the number of accidents increases with age for both sexes, women in their 70s and 80s are proportionately much more likely to be involved in a collision than men of the same age!
Increase in elderly female drivers and accident claims
Interesting facts included in the Report from Guardian are:
- Until the age of 60, male drivers have a higher accident rate than women.
- After 60 women are responsible for a greater number of car insurance claims, and by the age of 80 they are making more than men the same age.
- The number of older women driving on the UK’s roads has increased hugely in recent years.
- In 1976, only 4 per cent of women drivers were over 70 – This increased to 20 per cent by the 1990s and has now reached 36 per cent.
Effect on car insurance premiums
Car insurers calculate the insurance premiums based on accident data and the perceived risks presented by drivers, with recognition to factors such as age, gender, location, driving record, vehicle type etc.
While accident data has resulted in cheaper car insurance premiums for female drivers, there has been a shift towards increased premiums for female drivers as they get much older.
Once they are over 80-years-old, women are now paying up to double what men are paying in the UK.
Why are older women a greater car insurance risk?
Even though no scientific or statistical data has been offered for this greater risk, the following arguments have been offered:
- Elderly women let their husbands do most of the driving.
- Men are more likely to become unable to drive or pass away before their partners.
- Elderly ladies suddenly find themselves behind the wheel when the man becomes disabled or dies.
- These elderly female drivers may have little confidence and little practical experience of modern traffic conditions or motorway driving.
- Although men’s claims record get worse as they get older too, women’s deteriorates at a faster rate.
- Both male and female drivers may experience worsening eyesight and insurers have found a surge of accidents involving older drivers when driving at night.
Road Safety and Car Insurance for the Elderly
It is important to recognize that even though the car insurance premiums should increase, elderly drivers are still not near the risk category of young male drivers [under 25]. The insurers are seldom faced with large claims from vehicles that have been written off in accidents. Accidents are more likely to be small claims involving parking, reversing and scraping walls.
We would like to quote from the Arrive Alive website some of the characteristics of driving behaviour from the elderly / Older Road User:
The elderly often compensate through their driving behaviour -
- They benefit from the insight into their own limitations and driving experience.
- They compensate by driving when the roads are less busy.
- Studies have shown that the elderly more often choose to drive during daytime and dry weather.
- The elderly on average have a great deal of driving experience which gives them the ability to anticipate on possible problematic situations.
- They display a diminishing desire for excitement and sensation when getting older.
- They will less often drink-drive than younger adults and generally obey the traffic rules more often.
Advice for elderly drivers
What advice can we offer our elderly drivers with regards to their car insurance premiums?
- As they get older it will be important to stick with their current insurers.
- Attention should be given to physical fitness and maintaining good fitness levels.
- Have younger family drivers drive with you and provide feedback on your driving.
- Attend refresher courses at driving centres if available.
- Undergo regular medical assessment –for your safety and that of other road users.
- Check with your doctor or chemist about the effects of any prescribed or purchased medicines as they can affect driving.
Also view:
 On the car insurance blog we have warned fraudsters and urged the public to blow the whistle on those who commit insurance fraud! We are pleased to report that the public has blown the whistle on one such fraudster!
A Gauteng man’s attempt to defraud his insurance company with a faked hijack report backfired when police found he had hidden the car, a police spokesperson said on Thursday.
Inspector Happy Nate from Kliprivier said the man claimed to have been hijacked and robbed of his Opel Corsa bakkie in November, but a tip-off led investigators to where he had stored it. Kliprivier police officers arrested the man after they found the dismantled vehicle – stripped of its engine and wheels – in a nearby settlement.
Investigating officer Inspector Rassie Erasmus said what was left of the vehicle was without any value.
“The bakkie has been dismantled and has no engine. It is gone and finished,” he said.
The 50-year-old man would be charged with perjury and fraud. The police has emphasized that hijacking is a serious offence and reported cases are treated with urgency.
The insurance firm was contacted about the case and was conducting its own investigation.
Why do we report car insurance fraud?
We would like to urge the public to report any such instances of car insurance fraud. These criminals are not merely trying to improve their financial wellbeing. Car insurance fraudsters do much more harm:
- They waste important Police resources through their own selfish greed for money!
- By sending the police on a false trail they prevent police from investigating other serious crime such as murder, rape, child molestation etc!
- Through their fraudulent claims they increase our car own insurance premiums.
- Their fraudulent claims place our legitimate insurance claims in a weaker position where we are also treated with suspicion and extra caution!
Also view:
 A recent article on the theft of valuables belonging to well know music artist Usher has focused the attention on the need for greater vehicle security. This theft on the 14th of December has also brought some other media attention to the singer as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA] bosses have since urged the singer not to replace stolen coats and asked him to stop buying furs.
In the letter, PETA official Michelle Cho writes, “When it comes to these coats, you’re not the first victim. The animals who were beaten, electrocuted, or drowned for those coats – the original owners – are the real victims. Please pledge to be fur-free.”
Atlanta police confirmed that a thief stole $1 million in jewellery, clothing and other belongings from R&B singer Usher’s SUV while he shopped last month. According to an Atlanta Police Department report, the Atlanta resident was returning from the airport on Dec. 14 when he and a companion stopped at an AT&T Store in an upscale shopping area in the Buckhead neighbourhood.
An unidentified man pried open the driver’s side door of the SUV and stole $1,065,700 worth of laptops, cameras, jewels and other items. A witness tells police the suspect escaped in a burgundy Chevrolet Impala.
On the Car Insurance Blog we have added information on the need to protect the vehicle from damage and theft under a heading “Layered vehicle security needed for affordable car insurance”.
The above theft not only alerts vehicle owners to the need for security systems in vehicles –but especially measures to be implemented to avoid the smash and grab crimes. It appears that the crime in the above scenario have been a typical smash and grab crime – requiring attention to what is visible from outsiders preying on valuables inside the vehicle.
We would like to quote from the Car Insurance Blog and the measures to avoid smash and grab crimes:
- Don’t have bags, cellular phones, briefcases or other valuables visible – This will attract thieves who may break your car window.
- Always remove radios, CD or cassette players if possible.
- Lock all valuables in the boot of your car or behind the seat if it is a bakkie/SUV.
- Thieves target car parks. Always park your car in attended parking lots.
View the Car Insurance Blog for more information on how to avoid vehicle theft and damage!
 I have found an interesting story by Rachel Stiles titled “Young drivers’ car insurance loyalty ‘gone through the windscreen”. It is argued in this story that the car insurance premiums of young drivers have increased sharply in recent years, partly due to the internet which has seen loyalty to car insurance companies replaced by regular switching.
It is believed that the ability to compare car insurance deals online has increased competition and can help drivers save money, but has also brought an end to loyalty when it comes to car insurance providers.
This reminded me of a conference I attended on employee satisfaction and how the changing generations require greater attention to the needs of employees.
Dogs, cats and a younger generation of employees and consumers
Employees were compared to dogs and cats. The older generation are more like dogs whilst the behaviour of younger employees mirrors that of cats.
Behaviour of dogs:
- They are more easy to please.
- You can whistle to call them and are likely to come running over.
- A nice bone now and then and they will be happy.
- Less likely to wander off into the unknown.
- Easy to cage or lock-down
Behaviour of cats:
- Difficult to please.
- They don’t re-act and obey a mere whistle.
- You can’t keep a cat happy with food alone.
- Cats are all over the place and cannot be locked within a space – they will climb over walls discovering new locations.
Why is this important for car insurance and consumer loyalty?
The younger consumer will display more “cat like” behaviour and be willing to venture into the unknown. Our parents were much more loyal not only in the working environment, but also with regards to their financial providers. They stayed with the same bank, insurer or broker for decades.
The younger generation do not stay with the same employer for many years and easily migrate between employers and financial providers. They are more aware of the vast amounts of information available to them online and more likely to compare different providers and products.
It needs to be kept in mind that this is the “information age” and there have been many online resources to compare insurance deals available. There are also much more interaction between younger consumers and a willingliness to share consumer expectations and experiences. They share complaints and discuss providers on a variety of forums. The younger consumer grew up in the online environment and is comfortable with doing online business. A simple internet search provides them with info on valid claims rejected by a specific insurer and the decisions from the Ombudsman to address unfair decisions by insurers. Financial websites provide more information on the financial sustainability of specific insurers and alerts them to warnings and other actions from the Financial Services Board.
In the UK it has become common practice for British consumers to move car insurance companies every year in search of the cheapest deal.
What could car insurance companies do to improve and protect client loyalty?
Insurers cannot rely on the fact that a young driver will remain with them for several years. The signature on a car insurance policy will not guarantee consumer loyalty and we could expect that car insurers will seek to focus on other initiatives to enhance loyalty:
- An increased focus on the online presence.
- Greater public interaction via social media platforms.
- Price competitiveness.
- Product innovativeness – a constant reminder that the provider is at the front of innovation.
- “In your face” marketing and visibility of the provider and products.
- Flexibility and ability to change with the times.
Reduced loyalty could benefit car insurance clients
The expected lower levels of consumer loyalty need not be regarded as bad news! The ultimate beneficiary in the efforts to address reduced loyalty will be the car insurance client. As insurers are providing innovative solutions and required to be more competitive and accessible, consumers will benefit from a greater variety and cheaper premiums available for products that meet their needs!
 Crime is unfortunately one of the factors contributing to expensive car insurance premiums. The vehicle owners in the bigger towns and cities are often confronted with vehicle loss and damage from hijackings, theft and smash and grab crimes.
What is a smash and grab crime?
A smash and grab criminal turns a pleasant drive into a nightmare when pouncing on unsuspecting drivers. The criminal act is usually characterized by the stealing of handbags and other valuables by the opening of car doors or even breaking windows while the car is stationary at traffic lights or stuck in slow moving traffic.
We would like to reflect on the sudden invasion of privacy by smash and grab criminals. The violent smashing of the window at the passenger side places the motorist in a few moments of silent paralysis – just enough to get hold of the valuables and flee the scene!
How to reduce the risk of smash and grab crimes
Even though it is not always possible to avoid the so called “hotspots” where these criminals prey on unsuspecting motorists, it is possible to reduce the risk of becoming a smash and grab victim.
The SAPS has provided important suggestions on how the vehicle owner can protect him/ herself:
- Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving.
- Don’t have bags, cellular phones, briefcases or other valuables visible – This will attract thieves who may break your car window.
- Always remove radios, CD or cassette players if possible.
- Lock all valuables in the boot of your car or behind the seat if it is a bakkie.
- Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters.
- When approaching a traffic light at night, slow down so you can catch the light when it is green and be wary of people standing at intersections – They may be innocent but perpetrators mix with these people while waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
- Never open vehicle windows or doors for strangers.
- If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tyres do not get out of your vehicle to remove them -immediately reverse and drive off in the opposite direction.
- May these suggestions contribute to the safety of all South Africans on the roads.
- Thieves target car parks. Always park your car in attended parking lots.
- When parking at night ensure that you always park in a well-lit area.
- Never sit in your vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings.
- Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
- Never leave children alone in a vehicle, not even for a moment. Let them accompany you.
Also view for more information on crime and car insurance:
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