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Top reasons why car and home insurance claims are repudiated and how to avoid this.
MandyP
Community Coordinator

You’ve done the research, spoken to your broker, and finally bought the best insurance cover that you can afford for your car and home. Insurance cover, like most contracts, has certain requirements that need to be upheld for it to stay valid. Not holding up your side of the deal could see your claim being rejected.


The Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance has compiled a list of reasons why insurance claims are rejected, here are the Top 9:

1. Having an unlicensed driver.


It’s illegal for someone without a valid driver’s license to be behind the wheel. Make sure that the person driving your car has a valid driver’s license. If they only have a learner’s license, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver.

 

2. The driver may not be the regular driver.

 

Some insurance policies require that the regular driver be specified. If someone else is going to be driving your car and your policy requires that the person is specified, make sure that they are. Adding additional specified drivers to your policy may affect your premium.

 

3. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle.

 

It is important to ensure that your car is roadworthy, as driving an unroadworthy car could be seen as reckless by your insurer and a reason for them to reject your claim.

 

4. Driving under the influence.

 

In South Africa, the legal limit is a breath alcohol content of 0.24mg per 1,000ml or a blood alcohol limit of 0.05g per 100ml (as at the time published). This means that just two beers could put you over the legal limit. A claim under these conditions will not only be rejected, but you could cause an accident, face a fine, or jail time if you are caught. It’s better to plan ahead if you are going out, i.e. by using a ride hailing service or having a designated driver.

 

5. Satellite tracker and telematics data.

 

Some insurers may require you to fit a tracking or telematics device so they can track your car in the event of theft. If this was not done and your car is stolen, your claim will be rejected. These devices not only track the location of your car but they can record your driving habits. If you’re driving recklessly and cause and accident, your claim will also be rejected.

 

6. Insufficient cover.

 

Some insurance policies only cover you under certain circumstances so it’s important that you find out what your policy covers. If you are an existing Standard Bank Insurance Limited customer and need to see what you are insured for click here and login. If you would like to find out more about the great insurance products Standard Bank offers click here.

 

7. Servicing your car regularly. 

 

Regular servicing helps keep your car running smoothly. Skipping services won’t just void the manufacturer’s warranty but can also result in serious mechanical issues, like causing your engine to seize. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the care of your car to avoid a rejected claim in the future.

 

8. Inspection not carried out.

 

Typically, an insurer would require that your car get inspected as early as possible after your policy starts. This to ensure that the insured asset exists and that it is in the specified condition. Failing to do this in the required window period could result in a future claim being rejected.

 

9. Using your car for business.

 

If you use your car for business purposes, you need to disclose this information to your insurer.

 

Remember:

  • Make sure that you read and understand the Terms and Conditions in your policy document.
  • Be honest when answering the questions asked by the insurer when taking up your policy.
  • Always remember to adhere to the road rules and drive responsibly. It is also important to keep your car roadworthy.
  • Make sure that your car is well maintained and that you stick to the service intervals.

 

If you are an existing Standard Insurance Limited customer and need to see what you are insured for click here and login.

If you would like to find out more about the great insurance products Standard Bank offers click here.

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