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The South African Short-Term Insurance Association (SAIA) has yet again called on motorists to be careful when driving during the coming Easter Weekend.

This warning follows a call for caution by the SAIA during February when heavy rains caused massive damage to roads and led to an increase in short-term insurance claims, mostly due to vehicle accidents and damage to vehicles.
“The motor insurance claims trends have shown that driver behaviour still contributes to more than 60% of road accidents and 80% of all motor insurance claims are accident related in SA,” says SAIA General Manager Insurance Risks, Viviene Pearson. “This is alarming because of high claims ratios and considering that only 35% of the more than ten million vehicles on South African roads are insured, the result is that motor insurance is becoming expensive,” she added.
According to the International Transport Forum’s (ITF), 2013 Road Safety Report, road accidents cost to the South African economy was estimated at about R300 billion. In 2011 ITF revealed that South Africa’s accident rate coupled with the number of fatalities was the worst out of a total of 36 countries surveyed.

“Should the unacceptable high number of motor vehicle claims in South Africa continue, insurance premiums could become unaffordable for the ordinary person,” Pearson said. “What is further of serious concern for the industry is the fact that the number of vehicles on our roads is increasing,” she added.

The SAIA released the following Motor Insurance tips to enable motorists to cover their risk:

• Make certain that your insurance premiums are up to date
• Make certain that you have your policy number and 24 HR road assistance number handy
• Make certain that the driver during the trip has a valid driver’s licence
• Make certain the driver is not under the influence of alcohol and or drugs
• If you are travelling outside RSA, please advise your insurance company
• Keep your vehicle roadworthy