Comparing all Types of Insurance

Insurance can be a tricky business. All the legalese, the unreadable fine print, and questionable tactics can keep you from finding out what your options are. You’ll surely get an insurance policy even if you buy hastily but it won’t probably be the best one.

Each form of insurance, life, auto or homeowners, has several different types and insurance companies offer hundreds of policies for each type. Be sure to begin your search with a knowledge of how the different types work so you can decide which policies to consider for your unique situation.

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.

Car Insurance usually comes in three forms. Third party cover offers the minimum coverage when you injure another person or damage someone elses property in a motor vehicle accident. Then there is Third Party Fire and Theft which includes cover provided under Third Party and also adds protection for damage caused by theft or attempted theft or fire. And finally, Comprehensive cover which provides protection for your vehicle when you are responsible for an accident

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 most ideal coverage for a certain amount of time or can be based on your credit. Term life is best for families that owe a lot of debt that will be paid before the policy expires.

Whole life insurance is insurance that remains in effect throughout your entire life as long as you pay the premiums. There is no need to renew it and the premiums remain exactly the same year after year. Whenever you pass away, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum.

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.

In the past, when obtaining a mortgage loan, borrower’s were often locked in and required to purchase their insurance from the company specified by their lender. Now, thanks to the National Credit Act, consumers have freedom of choice, and can pick the coverage and provider that best meets their insurance needs. In most cases, lender’s still require that payment of insurance premiums be bundled with the mortgage payment.

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.