Are you the average traveller – or do you believe you drive a bit less than the average driver? This is a question I have asked myself this week as I prepare to take my car for the 135,000 km service.
I bought my VW Polo 5 years ago and travel often between Bloemfontein and Johannesburg on business. I believe these business travels makes be a bit of an “above average” driver when considering driving experience.
The driving distances travelled by my mom in Oudtshoorn however makes for far more interesting reading. She travels in 2 vehicles – a 2007 VW Jetta and a 1978 VW Beatle. When my dad passed away in March 2007 he left her with the VW Jetta which had only 300km on the clock. Today this Jetta has travelled just more than 11,000km’s.
The reduced travelling my mom does is even better reflected with the VW Beatle. This vehicle is in immaculate shape and has just over 70,000 km’s on the clock despite having been driven for 32 years!
How does reduced travelling affect car Insurance?
Neither the VW Jetta or VW Beatle described above have been in an accident, and are much less likely to be in an accident than my VW Polo [which has been in an accident].
Reduced driving equates to reduced exposure to risks on the road. Reduced exposure to risks on the road should result in a reduced risk of accident claims – and this should be reflected in your car insurance premium!
It is always important to consider all the contributing factors to the premium payable under the car insurance policy – and driving distance is definitely one of these!
In the scenario described above the savings might not be as significant as my mom is now 70years old and her age will be a factor adding upward pressure on the car insurance premium. Had she however considered a Pay As You Drive car insurance 10 years ago – she might have saved a significant amount on her car insurance premium!!
Conclusion and Advice
It is important that we are aware of the factors that affect our car insurance premiums and that we reflect on them from time to time. Not only may significant life changes affect how much we drive but also how exposed we are to health and other risks.
We should not complain about rising car insurance premiums if we do not investigate the possibility that there might be car insurance product that better meet our needs and are more affordable. Pay As You Drive Car Insurance is one of these products that you need to consider and compare with your existing car insurance – especially if you believe you travel less than the average driver on our roads!!
