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3 Ways Parents subconsciously put their toddlers in danger: Part 1

vuyi on June 30, 2020

As parents, keeping our kids safe from external factors is the norm, but what if we the parents, are the ones our kids need to be kept safe from! 

As parents, we know the importance of driving safely but not many of us consider that our own habits and practises could be more detrimental to our little occupants than the actions of other drivers around us. Here are a few behavioural traits that are harmful to the psyche of our loved ones which many of us are guilty of but can modify.

ACTION

  1. Arguing while driving

DANGEROUS SITUATION

It doesn’t happen very often but parents have been witnessed fighting, yelling and even getting physical in the car. Not only does this type of irrational behaviour distract (and amuse) other motorists, it also puts everyone in the car in grave danger and has long term negative effects on the minor passengers. 

SOLUTION

Keep the heated discussions for the privacy of your bedroom.  Not only is it emotionally unhealthy for the little ones to be exposed to the effects of the family’s dwindling finances or suspected extra marital affair, but verbal altercations can lead to reduced concentration resulting in near misses, fender bumpers or full on crashes.

ACTION

2. Speeding

DANGEROUS SITUATION

Being a working wife and mother, who also triples as a gym bunny, Michelin-star chef and support to her husband is a lot for any human being to manage on a daily basis. Hence it is understandable that a woman may find herself running late from time to time. As logical as speeding may seem it is highly imprudent and could result in death or serious injury to other motorists, yourself or your toddlers. 

SOLUTION

Time management is one of the arduous aspects of adulating, but one which could save your life and the lives of those in and around your vehicle.  Applying your make-up can wait until you get to the office parking lot or restrooms even if it does mean you may have to hold your ID picture up to your face and sign in at the main gate.

ACTION

3. Not having car insurance

DANGEROUS SITUATION

More than 80% of the cars on our roads are uninsured which means at any given time you could be driving within the proximity of 2 – 3 uninsured vehicles; which sounds scary unless yours is also uninsured in which case you would be in the company of a minimum of 4 uninsured cars. The thing about being uninsured, even at a basic level is that you run the risk of being liable for the costs of repairs of your car and that of the other vehicle(s) you may have run into.

SOLUTION

Most would agree that the responsible thing to do would be to investigate the various types of insurance policies you can sign up for which cover you for taking care of the other parties vehicle. We, however would advise that you get cover for your vehicle and occupants too so that you and your kids can receive the necessary medical attention in the event of an accident.

ACTION

DANGEROUS SITUATION

In some countries, driving distracted is ranked more dangerous than driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In our view however, regardless of the kids being in the car or not, driving without having your hands at the wheel or with your eyes fixed on the road ahead and around you is a recipe for a life threatening disaster. 

SOLUTION

For the record, distracted driving includes fiddling with the radio controls, eating and drinking, applying make-up, grooming and trying to appease the little ones among other things.

 

Introduction to Motor Vehicle Insurance

vuyi on June 25, 2020

Motor vehicle insurance has been described as a necessary evil – but necessary it is!

There are just over 11 million registered vehicles in South Africa (excluding caravans and trailers). According to statistics, the majority of these vehicles – around 60-70% are uninsured. This means that to keep you on the road, insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Motorists who are opt to have insurance, often choose insurance products based on the lowest available premiums, rather than from a point of understanding the benefits and disadvantages of the products they are consider buying.

Granted, it is sometimes difficult to find insurance which matches your pocket, and which gives you the cover you need or want. For this reason, it is necessary for motorists to read their policies carefully, so as to understand all the aspects of the insurance they are planning on taking. Too often, low premiums sound good but fall short when claims are made.

A good example is an excess fee which may be payable when a claim is made. An excess is a fee you pay towards a claim for loss or damage to your car, regardless of who is to blame. 

A company offering a low monthly premium, for instance, may require a substantial excess in the case of loss or damage.  When this happens some people are shocked to discover that the costs of repair to a vehicle may be carried entirely, or in part, through the excess fee, with little or no money being paid-out by the insurer. In this case lower monthly premiums, will not count for much as the motorist still has to pay a big portion of the costs out of their own pocket.

Equally important, is an understanding of the terminology of used in insurance contracts.  Motorists must ask for clarification of any unclear clauses before committing to a specific insurance policy. 

Critical questions to ask when considering insurance are:

  • What is my excess? Is there a different excess for loss and for damage?
  • Is the excess a flat rate, or is it calculated as a percentage of the loss or damage?
  • Besides the initial excess fee, are there any additional excess fees payable when I make a claim?
  • Are there any penalties for claiming within the first six months, or in the first year? (If there are, determine exactly what these penalties are)
  • What is the turnaround time for claims?
  • Will I be covered if other people drive my car? (And, if you are covered, is there a difference in the coverage if the car was driven by an 18-year-old driver or a 45-year-old driver?)
  • Is my car covered for resale or full retail value?
  • Is this insurance comprehensive insurance?
  • Are there any limitations on where or when I can drive my car?
  • If something happens to my car, is car hire included in my cover while it is being repaired or replaced

Consumer education is vitally important for motorists.  It is not enough to merely rely on one’s countless years of driving experience, vehicle safety features or lucky charms.  By virtue of being on the road you are at great physical, mental and financial rise if you drive an uninsured car.

Importance of keeping in touch with your insurer

vuyi on June 20, 2020

It is good practice to keep regular contact with your insurer on any changes in personal information that may affect your insurance claim or issues with unpaid premiums. 

Things like parking your car in a different location or job changes are important to communicate to ensure that you are covered in any eventuality.

Similarly, insurers also need to be alerted to expired learner’s, drivers or vehicle licences. 

Under normal conditions, your vehicle will still be covered, but you would have to provide proof that an updated license was issued once you claim. As a result of the lockdown, some insurance companies have given a grace period for any license renewals as municipal offices become operational again. This applies to learner’s licences, driving licences, motor vehicle licence disks, temporary permits and roadworthy certificates.

Check with your insurer to ensure you are on the right side of any claims you might have in future.