August 21, 2020 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

COVID-19 and insurance claims

vuyi on August 21, 2020

Every driver should know what the stance of their insurer is with regard to post-curfew driving

– eugene herbert, managing director of MasterDrive

South Africans are rejoicing at the news that lockdown restrictions have been lowered to level two. This will allow drivers to move more freely between provinces but the curfew remains in place. Some drivers are questioning what are the insurance consequences of driving after curfew and being involved in a crash.

The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the company consulted their insurers to provide some context. “Our insurers say that a claim for a crash after curfew would not be rejected on those grounds alone. They, however, encourage drivers to avoid being on the road after 10pm unless it is an emergency.

“Additionally, while they can speak to their own policies about the validity of claims that occur after 10pm, this may vary between insurers. Every driver should know what the stance of their insurer is with regard to post-curfew driving.

This is especially so for those driving home from a late shift and drivers who are legitimately allowed on the road at that time. Speak to your insurer now about what they expect and your unique circumstances rather than argue it after the fact,” says Herbert.

It is a folly to think that you have no chance of crashing on your quick trip to the shop down the road

– EUGENE HERBERT, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MASTERDRIVE

Cancelling insurance

Drivers trying to reduce their monthly expenses are also advised against cancelling their insurance premiums. “Even if you will still be working from home for the foreseeable future, cancelling your insurance can have numerous negative results. Primarily, insurance is there to protect you when the unexpected happens, whether this is vehicle theft or a crash. As crime is expected to rise in the coming months cancelling insurance is a risky decision.

“Additionally, it is a folly to think that you have no chance of crashing on your quick trip to the shop down the road. Research says that at least half of all crashes happen five minutes away from home because people drive with an ‘auto’ mindset, face an increased chance of being involved in a parking lot collision and have a greater tendency to drive distracted. Ultimately, it could cost you thousands more,” says Herbert.

Find out what your coverage will be if you are caught out after curfew

– EUGENE HERBERT, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MASTERDRIVE

Other disadvantages of cancelling your insurance for a brief period include

Higher premiums once you resume insurance coverage as your risk profile will be higher.
Breach of contract if your vehicle is still under finance, which can put you at risk of losing the vehicle.

In both of these scenarios it pays to know where you stand. “Find out what your coverage will be if you are caught out after curfew, for whatever reason, or if you qualify for a reduction while working from home. Either way, knowledge is power when you make a decision related to your insurance coverage,” says Herbert.

Women determined to be the change the Automotive Industry needs: Part 2 – Meet Sebola Mahura

vuyi on August 21, 2020

Five women in the automotive industry, all accredited members of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud Association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), talk to us about what they love and don’t love about the industry, and how they see the industry evolving.
– ARTICLE COURTESY OF RETAIL MOTORING INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION (RMI)

SEBOLA MAHURA, who works in admin and marketing at KGK Motors, says it was a dream to join the automotive sector. Her job keeps her on her toes and she loves this, along with interacting with clients and learning something new every day.

“It inspires me to want to learn and achieve more and grab every opportunity,” she says.

…all you need is to find where your passion and skills lie and go for it without looking back
Sebola Mahura, Admin and Marketing – KGK Motors

Her excitement wanes though when asked about people’s reactions to her job. “They don’t believe a woman can know anything about cars. At work, my advice or opinion is often not trusted by a client because I’m female, so I always make a point of demonstrating whatever it is to them, to show I’m capable.”

Strong, fearless women is what the sector needs, says Sebola. “Women must leave the perception of it being male-dominated behind and get involved – there are lots of opportunities, from sales and admin to technician or panelbeater.”

Her plans ahead include expanding branches nationwide and hosting workshops to educate clients about their vehicles.

“My advice to women wanting to break into the automotive sector – all you need is to find where your passion and skills lie and go for it without looking back. There are no limitations except those you impose on yourself.”