Car insurance claims tend to spike over the festive season as opportunistic criminals take advantage of motorists in a jolly mood, none more so than claims for accidents, vehicle theft, and hijacking, according to Naked insurance.
According to Stats SA, 42,000 households experienced the theft of a motor vehicle in 2021/22 while the number of hijacked victims doubled- increasing from 64,000 in 2020/21 to 137,000in 2021/22.
Stats SA’S report also highlighted that 13% of individuals that experienced crimes over the past 12 months experienced the hijacking of their vehicles.
Considering that these accidents and vehicle-related crimes tend to increase in December, whether you are planning a long road trip, a relaxed drive to a nearby destination or celebrations with friends and family in your hometown, it is wise to be prepared, said Ernest North, Naked co-founder.
How to avoid these claims
Accidents
Increased traffic volumes, drunken driving, and unroadworthy vehicles are the main contributors to the high volume of accidents over the holidays.
In case you are caught up in a bumper bashing, having a road worthy car will make the claims process much smoother, North said.
Roadworthiness includes ensuring that the tyre tread is not worn out, the indicators and brake lights are working, and that brake pads are still in good condition- especially if they have not been looked at for a while- and that the vehicle is not loaded over the recommended weight limit.
“The most important of these, which traffic police (and your insurer) will scrutinise the most, is never to drink and drive,” said North. “Plan ahead and arrange alternative transport if you are going to have a few drinks.”
Vehicle Theft
Vehicle theft is always on the rise, and high-end cars that were previously thought of as virtually hard to steal are now targeted via new and more sophisticated attacks.
“A faraday pouch or fob guard helps to block key fob signals. You could also consider deactivating the keyless entry function,” said North
“If you must park in the street, park in well-lit areas at night and areas with a lot of foot and vehicle traffic,” said North.
Also consider installing a vehicle tracker or mobiliser if your vehicle does not have them.
Hijacking
To avoid falling victim to these criminals, avoid driving through these known crime hotspot areas and use a safer alternative route even if it is longer.
Furthermore, minimise driving at night at all times, watch for people on the side of the road or on bridges who put rocks on the road with the intent to hijack you if you stop.
If your car is damaged in a crime hotspot, do not stop driving, keep your hazards on and drive until you get to a safer area.
Source: Top Auto, Business Tech, image from Twitter: @almondfinance