Be Safe and Save on Insurance

While South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it is also unfortunately one of the most violent in terms of crime. As such, the onus is on everyone living here to be more alert to the potential dangers lurking behind every corner or on every street.

The cost of our violent society in terms if Rands and cents can be felt by all of us in the monthly insurance premiums that we pay to protect our cars, houses and personal possessions.

Every time a car is stolen or a house is burgled or someone is robbed of their watch, cell phone or sun glasses, it is the insurance companies that must foot the bill,. which is exactly what they are supposed to do.

However, the more the insurance companies have to pay out, the more it affects all of us because it means that our insurance premiums are prone to be higher, and we can even be expected to pay higher excesses.

In addition, dealing with the effects of crime, over an above being stressful, can be a hassle and time consuming. For instance, as a victim of a car high-jacking, you have to spend time making a statement to the police. Then you have to spend time speaking to your insurance company .

Then you have to deal with the fact you are now 'car-less' and need to arrange for a rental car or rely on a friend, and so forth. So, the point is as South Africans who choose to live in this 'beautiful war zone' what can we do to prevent or at least minimise crime?

Well, the answer in short is plenty! For example, when driving learn to be super-alert and safety conscious. This means making sure that all your car doors are locked before even starting your car. Next, when you leave your house or property, be aware of any 'suspicious' looking people or vehicles.

If you spot any, don't be afraid or embarrassed to call your security company or even the police (emergency number is 10111) if you have an overwhelming feeling that something is not right. It is better to apologise for calling out a security company then reeling from being attacked or high-jacked.

Avoid driving through or passed well-known high-jacking areas or 'hotspots'. Always remember the old expression, 'if you look for trouble, you'll find it'. Also be aware of any cars or vehicles following you. If you spot one, do not panic, just simple make your way as quickly and safely as possible to the nearest police station.

Another helpful hint applies to stopping at robots, stop streets and yields. Approach all of these as slowly as you can to avoid being at a dead stop for as long as possible. It is much harder to high-jack a car that is in motion.

If your car breaks down, call for assistance immediately. If you experience a flat tyre and are in a bad area or away from anywhere built up, rather drive slowly on the flat until you reach a garage or a crowded place where you can ask for assistance.

A car rim can easily be replaced. Your live cannot. If, however, you do find yourself involved in a high-jacking, try to remember to stay as calm as possible and do everything the hijackers say. Life is not like in the movies and often would-be heroes find themselves being short or killed.

Most importantly, do not live in fear in South Africa. Instead simply learn to live a little safer and a lot more alert.