F.A.Q. - Motor Insurance

Even though it seems like a minor detail, the 'Insured Name' of your insurance document is more important than any other part of the policy.

This is because if the insured name is incorrect or the name that you entered is not your legal entity name, your policy might not be valid and may not respond to claims.

Insurance policies are designed to provide financial protection against unexpected events and mishaps, not against the general ageing and deterioration of your vehicle that occurs naturally with regular use. It is a requirement to keep your vehicle well maintained and in a roadworthy condition. This includes but is not limited to ensuring safety parts such as tyres, brakes and lights are in the condition necessary to allow the vehicle to be registered. The insurer may be reduce or refuse your claim to the extent that your vehicle's maintenance or condition contributed to or caused the loss;

It is a requirement take all reasonable care to prevent loss of (including theft) or damage to your vehicle. This includes but is not limited to:

1. moving your vehicle from rising flood waters if it is safe to do so;
2. ensuring that the ignition keys are not left in the vehicle when no one is in the vehicle
3. locking all the doors and windows when the vehicle is parked or unattended; and
4. accompanying anyone test driving the vehicle when it is being test driven as part of you selling the vehicle;

Comprehensive insurance covers you for loss or damage caused by a number of defined events, such as accidents, storms, fire, theft & vandalism, but it doesn't cover you if your car breaks down.

No insurer will cover you if you get behind the wheel with drugs or alcohol in your system.

When you take out car insurance cover, one of your obligations under the insurance contract is to keep your car in good condition. This means it needs to be well maintained, roadworthy and safe to drive.

All comprehensive car insurers exclude claims that arise because your car was being used for hire, fare or monetary reward.help.html.

It shouldn't come as any surprise to find out that driving your car while it's overloaded is a dangerous and also illegal practice and is therefore excluded from car insurance cover. The overloading exclusion applies to the following scenarios:help.html.

• Carrying more passengers than the car was designed for
• Carrying more passengers than the car is permitted to carry by law
• Carrying any load which is not properly secured according to law
• Carrying any load that is over the legal limit
• Carrying any load that is more than your car is designed to carry or tow

Take special note of the towing exclusion in the last dot point. If you're planning on towing a trailer or caravan, check your car manufacturer's specifications to find out how much your vehicle can safely tow.

When you apply for car insurance, most insurers give you the option to restrict cover to drivers above a certain minimum age. Selecting the restricted driver option is a great way to cut down on premiums, but it could be a costly decision if you ever need a younger driver to get behind the wheel of your car.help.html.

If you don't have a valid licence when you get behind the wheel of your car, you will not be covered for any incidents that may occur. There is also no cover if you drive your vehicle while it is unregistered.

Any alterations to the standard body, engine, suspension, wheels or paintwork of your car that have an effect on its performance, safety levels, appearance or value may influence your insurer's decision about whether or not to cover you, so you'll need to get their OK first.

Whenever your car is legally repossessed or confiscated, or even if it is lawfully destroyed by the authorities, no cover is available under your comprehensive car insurance policy. This exclusion also applies to any personal items or possessions that are carried in your vehicle and legally confiscated or repossessed.

Car insurance will not provide cover if you participate in any kind of motor sporthelp.html.