Car insurance costs in South Africa are one of the most expensive in the world. The risks of accidents, thefts and repairs make car insurance a necessary evil, albeit a costly one, within the borders of South Africa. There are however, several options and features within South Africa’s car insurance framework which someone looking for a less costly premium can take advantage of. Many of these options are presented to the client by a insurance brokers. Insurance brokers act as middlemen between insurances companies and clients. They learn the lifestyle of their client’s, noting down aspects where the client takes risks, and then looks around various insurance packages from companies to adequately underwrite these risks and ensure that their client is covered for all possible events.

It is therefore important for you, the client, to have an open communication with your broker regarding your car insurance preferences. A broker does not only act to notify insurance companies about their clients proclivities and shop around for good deals. They also try and educate the client to change certain portions of their lifestyle, in order to lower insurance premium costs. This two-way process can only be accomplished when a client is open with the broker, and the broker is genuinely interested in reducing premium costs for the client.

There are a few things you as a client can learn about how to negotiate lower car insurance with your current broker. These things may include several precautionary measures and some lifestyle changes, but in the end, it will net you reduced premium costs while still allowing you to drive around insured.

Tell your broker everything. The more information your broker has, the more the broker can do for you. Open up your driving records, your list of tickets and infractions. Tell your broker details about your car and lifestyle that can help get a lower priced insurance package. Insurance companies in Africa penalize unsafe, reckless drivers while giving discounts to drivers with a great safety record. Having a good safety record means a person is not likely to get into accidents and consequently cost the insurance company money.

The make or model of one’s car also factor in on getting a good insurance package. Some cars are more expensive to repair than others. Expensive, rare cars usually have expensive, rare parts, thereby increasing the cost. Driving habits are also something that you should be open with to your insurance broker.  Off-roading, high speed driving and drunk driving are some factors that may get you higher insurance premiums. If these things are an integral part of your lifestyle, consider your broker’s advice.

Mitigate and control them so that insurance companies would perceive you as less of a risk. Enroll in a safe driving course to give you, your broker and prospective insurance companies’ peace of mind.

Secure your car. Car owners who invest in the security of their car are less likely to be victims of theft or vandalism. The lesser risk of these two aspects can lower insurance premiums, since companies would see it as a lower probability of shelling out money for vehicle loss or damage. Placing your car inside a locked, secure garage can convince most companies to lower their costs.

Obtaining a tracking device can help you lower the risk of vehicle loss, making insurance companies consider you as having a low-risk of obtaining a replacement vehicle from them. Flashy and expensive cars as well as SUVs and unique vehicles are at a greater risk of theft than common, ordinary ones.

Consider options which fit your lifestyle. If you only use the car for brief drives to short distance locations, then options like Pay As You Drive can be the one for you. Don’t go for an all out coverage when all you do is drive in a safe, secure neighborhood, or if your car is something that no thief would profit from stealing.  Consider bundling your car insurance with other packages like home and property insurance. Bundled packages usually cost less than separate specific ones.

Your broker is there to help you reduce costs, as well as to provide you with the coverage your lifestyle requires. The entire scenario of how to negotiate lower car insurance with your current broker really depends on you and the risks you take while driving. The less risk you take, the more options you have and inevitably, the less money you will pay for your car insurance.