Karen Rimmer, Head: Distribution at PSG Insure
South African roads present their fair share of hazards for motorists, one of the most notorious of those being potholes. Extreme weather conditions and high volumes of load-bearing traffic have taken a toll on the country’s ageing road infrastructure, and this has been exacerbated by poor road maintenance. Unfortunately, ordinary motorists often pay the price when potholes do their damage. Having the right kind of car insurance and practicing safe driving can help alleviate the costs involved.
“Potholes have long been one of the insurance industry’s biggest bugbears,” explains Karen Rimmer, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure. “Not only can potholes cause extensive damage to vehicles, but the consistent rise of claims related to damages caused by poorly maintained roads can also lead to the rising cost of premiums. Either way, potholes are bad news for car owners.”
Tips for safe driving
In light of the extreme weather currently experienced across the country, Rimmer advises motorists to proceed with caution. “With the higher risk of potholes during the wet season, motorists should take extra care in abiding by some of the basics of responsible driving. This includes maintaining a safe following distance, which can help ensure you have sufficient time to navigate around a pothole without causing an accident.
When driving in wet weather, it may also be useful to avoid driving through puddles as best and as safely as possible – as these could conceal a pothole.
Another good practice is to ensure that your car’s tyres are always properly inflated, especially before heading out on long trips. Keeping your tyres inflated could assist in minimising the damage cause by potholes. Always inflate tyres according to the measure as recorded in your vehicle’s manual or the tyre manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, keeping your tyre pressure at the optimal level is one of the fundamentals of safe driving.
The municipality
South African car owners whose vehicles are damaged or who sustain losses as a result of potholes, also have recourse to pursue litigation against the relevant municipality. However, this can become an arduous and lengthy legal process and success is by no means guaranteed.
Explore your cover options
“Another important safety measure for South African drivers is to check whether their car insurance premiums make provision for damages caused by potholes,” says Rimmer. “Some insurers provide cover for potholes, with an applicable excess. This can be a pocket-saver in instances where extensive damage is caused.
Potholes can damage tyres, but they can also cause misalignment and damage to the car’s undercarriage. In extreme cases, the car’s suspension could also be damaged, as well as the exhaust system and wheel rims. It’s therefore important to check with your insurer as to what extent cover is available to you for this kind of damage.”
Another option is to take out a Value Added Product (VAP), the terms and conditions of which will vary depending on the insurer. VAP cover includes limited cover for costs that may fall beyond the immediate scope of the claim. Some of the costs covered by VAPs include car hire, 24-hour assistance or an excess waiver, which can go a long way if paying the excess on a claim is not immediately affordable.
VAPs provide an extra level of assurance that incidents on the road won’t set you back financially when the unexpected occurs. While it may seem unnecessary or impractical to invest in a VAP at the time of taking out the cover, it can make a big difference in giving you peace of mind that you are protected against all the risks you face as a motorist.
“When taking out a VAP, be sure to talk to your adviser about any exclusions or limitations which may apply. Some VAPs only allow for two events per annum – these limits will depend on your insurer,” says Rimmer.
As she concludes: “The best way to steer clear of potholes is to stay alert, remain fully aware of your surroundings, avoid speeding and take extra precaution on roads that are poorly maintained or are off the beaten track. Beyond that, insurance can provide a much-needed safety net when they cause untimely damage.”
ENDS