There are many types of insurance out there and countless policies offered for each insurance type. Educating yourself about how the insurance system works should be your first step before choosing a policy.

You may be surprised to learn that 65 percent of South Africans do not have any auto insurance at all. Considering the high risk of injury and death on South African roads, this is a shocking statistic.

Auto cover comes in three forms. Third party is the minimum coverage and protects you if you injure someone or damage someone else’s property in an auto accident. Third Party Fire and Theft includes cover provided under Third Party and adds protection for damage caused by fire, theft or attempted theft. Comprehensive coverage adds to this by providing protection for your vehicle in an accident that is your fault.

Judge against policies and quotes since auto cover premiums can be costly. Bargain with the insurance corporations for a better price and consider raised and high excesses security actions to lessen your premiums further.

Term life insurance is the least expensive option and provides cover for a specified amount of time or can be linked to specific debt obligations. Term life is beneficial for families that may have a large amount of debt that will be paid off by the end of the policy’s term.

Whole life insurance is permanent insurance that remains in effect as long as the premiums are up to date. The policy does not need to be renewed and the premiums remain the same throughout the life of the policy. It provides your beneficiaries a lump sum at your death regardless of when that occurs.

Universal life insurance cover is structured the same way as whole life in that it is permanent insurance with level premiums. In addition, it adds provides financial products such as a savings plan, investments and the ability to add a person to the policy. It is the most expensive life insurance option due to its flexibility.

If is a good idea to review your life insurance needs on a regular basis to make sure you are not over- or underinsured.

Your options for homeowners insurance have expanded thanks to the National Credit Act. Previously, borrowers had to purchase their cover from the bank that financed their loan. Now, you can shop and choose the cover that fits your needs and budget. You’ll be required to cede the policy to your lender so that your policy can pay your bank directly.

When shopping for insurance, remember the old adage that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best. For example, a bicycle costs less than a car but it will not serve the same transportation needs. Hence, you need to find an affordable insurance policy that meets your particular coverage concerns.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.

If you don’t have insurance, take stock of your situation. Can you afford to repair or replace your car in the event of an accident? Can you afford to repair or replace someone else’s car or property in the event of an accident that is your fault? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? Owning and driving a car is risky business – that’s why you need car insurance.Most South Africans should have Comprehensive Cover. In reality, 65 percent of auto owners in South Africa do not have any coverage. This is a shocking number especially in light of the rising rates of fatalities and injuries on South Africa’s roads.

Other options include Third Party Fire and Theft Cover, which pays to replace or repair your vehicle as a result of fire, theft or attempted theft. Third Party Only covers you if you are responsible for damage to someone else’s property in an auto accident.

South Africa is home to a large motorcycle community, so it follows that insurers offer products designed especially for these drivers. Motorcycle cover provides the peace of mind that your motorcycle will be covered if it is stolen or damaged or if you damage someone else’s property in a motorcycle accident.

Because the great outdoors is such a large part of South African living, several products have been developed for the risks associated with outdoor travel. For off-road enthusiasts, there is Off-Road Comprehensive cover designed to cover the risks in this unique and unpredictable driving environment.

When you have not looked at insurance premiums before you may be surprised at how expensive they are. There are factors that determine the rates that you do not have control over and some that you do have control over.

Younger drivers are considered a higher risk, and therefore pay higher premiums. If you have no driving history, or if your history includes accidents or dangerous driving habits, your premiums will be higher. But, as you age and build a better driving history, your premiums will reflect the lower risk.The first factor, one you can’t really do anything about, is your age and driving record. Fortunately, the passage of time has a great effect on this factor.

If you are purchasing a new vehicle, the vehicle you are purchasing will effect your car insurance and the premiums. If you buy or own a vehicle that is expensive you will find that insurance will be more, sometimes this is due to the simple risk of theft.

Another way to reduce your premiums is to increase your safety measures. Some companies have minimum safety requirements, but will discount your premiums if you exceed these minimums. Also consider where you keep your vehicle. If your car is parked in a high-crime area or even on the street overnight, you’ll pay for that risk.

As you shop, remember that the cheapest insurance is not always the best. Make sure the policy you choose meets your needs at a price you can afford.Take the time to research the different types of insurance and how they apply to your situation.

Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.

First, let’s examine what is driving the costs. Car insurance risk is the major culprit behind higher short-term insurance premiums. Industry experts cannot ignore that South African roads are increasingly dangerous. The country is often a leader in traffic injuries and fatalities. The privilege of driving is constantly being extended, even to those who are not qualified drivers.

You will find that as more upgrades are offered on cars the price to insure those cars will also go up. And looking at history you will also find that younger drivers,’-30, will pay the most for their insurance.

Insurers should consider that car theft and hijackings when they calculate their premiums. Statistics show a decline in thefts while hijackings continue to rise. In the homeowners insurance market the main factor is fraud. Some estimate that 6%-10% of short term insurance claims are fraudulent, that amounts to more than $2 billion yearly.

It is possible to ensure that these issues do not impact your insurance situation. You may not have any control over other people making fraudulent claims, but there are steps you can take to ensure that they do not affect your insurance premiums. For example, you can offer to take a polygraph test whenever you submit a claim. As a reward for honesty, some insurers will give you significant savings on your premium.

For car insurance, start by increasing you excess as this can lower your premium. Take this into consideration as you gather quotes. Also, be sure you can afford to pay the excess amount you choose in the event of a claim.

Maintaining a clean driving record not only keeps you safe, but can also save you money. If your driving record isn’t as clear as it could be, you can attend a driving course offered by car manufacturers or the Automobile Association. This can help clear negative history. Driving courses aren’t just for bad drivers, however. A driver with a clean record can attend to possibly lower their insurance premiums.

It certainloy never hurts to install security devices. Not only will your rates be reduced, but your belongings will be secured. Devices that discourage car jacking, along with a global tracking system are wise choices to that end. If you can afford to do so, move out of neighborhoods known for elevated crime levels. Your car and homeowners insurance rates will decrease significantly.

Finally, shop around for the best car insurance rates. But be smart. The cheapest insurance is not always the best. Be sure the policy you choose provides adequate cover for your needs at a price you can afford.

Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.