Navigating Claims & Repairs with Comprehensive Car Insurance

Accidents happen. So do hailstorms, minor collisions and other unforeseen mishaps that can leave you with a damaged car – but dealing with the aftermath of insurance claims and repairs shouldn't derail your life. Comprehensive Car Insurance is designed to have your back with the broadest range of protection. At 1st for Women, we want our customers to know how to navigate Car Insurance claims, repairs and unexpected events confidently. It's all about gaining the knowledge and understanding the support you need to get back on the road.

What does Comprehensive Car Insurance mean?

In addition to covering damage you may cause to a third party’s vehicle, Comprehensive Car Insurance provides the most extensive protection for your vehicle. It covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it's damaged or stolen, regardless of fault. This is unlike Third-Party Car Insurance, which only covers damages you accidentally cause to someone else's property. While Third-Party, Fire and Theft Insurance also covers your car being stolen or damaged by fire, it doesn't cover your vehicle against accidental damage.

Comprehensive Insurance has you covered across virtually every imaginable scenario – from being stolen to being damaged by a falling tree branch, dinged by a shopping trolley or vandalised. While it typically costs more than Third-Party Insurance, the extra protection can be well worth it. Having this level of coverage can help you avoid expensive out-of-pocket repairs and get your car back on the road quickly.

Understanding the insurance claims and repair process

Unlike having your car serviced or the tyres changed, you hopefully shouldn’t have to submit a Car Insurance claim regularly. Because it is often unknown territory for many,  the process of claiming and having your vehicle repaired can seem very daunting. Knowing the steps to follow can help you remain calm after an accident and avoid unnecessary delays in getting your car repaired.

• Safety first: Your priority is the well-being of yourself and others involved. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. Secure the scene as best as possible using hazard lights, warning triangles, etc.

• Exchange information: If other parties are involved, get their names, contact details, insurance information and number plate info. This is crucial for your insurance claim.

• Document the scene: Take photographs of the damage to your car, the position of any involved vehicles and any relevant aspects of the scene (skid marks, road conditions, etc.). The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to build a strong claim and get your car repaired or replaced.

• Gather witness information: If there are witnesses to the incident, obtain their contact information, as their statements may help support your claim.

• Avoid admitting fault: Stick to stating the facts of the incident, and don't admit liability to other drivers or your insurer1. This is for your claims adjuster to determine.

• Get a police report: If the police attended the scene, obtain a copy of their report and the Accident Report (AR) number. If the police did not attend the scene, you must still report the accident to them within 24 hours.

• Contact your insurance company: Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible2. Even if there's uncertainty about filing a claim, it's better to alert them immediately. They will guide you on the next steps.

• Be thorough and honest: Provide a detailed, accurate account of the incident and the full extent of damages to your car. Your insurer needs this information to process your claim fairly.

• Understand the claims adjuster's role: Your claims adjuster investigates your case and works to determine the extent of your insurer's responsibility. Be prepared to answer questions and provide any additional information requested.

• Visit approved repairers: Many insurers have a network of approved repair shops that offer quality workmanship and seamless communication with your insurer. These streamline the process and may minimise additional costs to you.

• Get multiple quotes: Get at least two or three quotes for the repair work. This helps you compare prices and ensure fair costs. You should also try to negotiate with the repairer if the quote seems unreasonable.

Don't skip any of these steps and rush to have your vehicle repaired. Ask your insurer for clarification on any part of the process you don't understand.

Consider the example of Sabrina, who returns to her parked car and finds a long scratch along the driver's side. Although she has Comprehensive Car Insurance cover, Sabrina decided not to report it to her insurer and just take it in for repairs. Unfortunately, the bill she receives after the repairs is much higher than she expected.

Sabrina only contacts her insurer after seeing the repair cost. However, because she did not document the incident or immediately report it to her insurer, her claim was denied.

Understanding the role of insurance in repair costs

Your insurer plays a crucial role in managing the costs associated with repairing your vehicle after a covered event. Here's how this typically works:

•  Excess: This is an agreed-upon amount you pay towards the repair costs, with your insurer covering the rest. The excess amount depends on your policy and the nature of the claim and is usually included in your policy documents. There are different types of excess, such as a flat amount or a percentage of the total claim.

• Deductibles: In some cases, insurers also apply a deductible in addition to your excess. This is another amount, separate from the excess, that you pay towards repairs.

• Coverage limits: It's important to understand that Comprehensive Car Insurance has limits. This means it covers repairs up to a certain amount, usually the market value of your vehicle. If repair costs exceed this, you'll probably be responsible for the difference.

• Approved repairers: Working with approved repair shops helps your insurer avoid inflated costs and minimises the risk of unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Get a Comprehensive Car Insurance quote

Feeling more confident about the claims and repairs process? Contact the experts at 1st for Women to help you understand your coverage options and provide a Comprehensive Car Insurance quote tailored to your needs.

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Sources:

1 Arrive Alive: Answering the question - who is to blame for the crash? 

2 BusinessTech: Why you need to act quickly when claiming from insurance in South Africa

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.