Read the Small Print of Your Car Insurance Policy

July 27 - The Managing Director of Alexander Forbes Insurance, Gari Dombo warned motorists this week that they needed to read their car insurance policies very carefully to protect themselves against having future claims rejected.

Dombo said that in many cases, motorists can avoid having claims rejected by understanding what is required from them.

"Insurance protects you from loss caused by your own negligence, but it won't cover claims where the insurer can show that you intentionally disregarded a situation knowing that the loss was likely or probable," explained Dombo.

As such, drivers who have an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,? or those who lend their cars to others who are drunk, will probably see their claims rejected.

Drivers should also ensure that they are driving with a valid license, as insurance groups will not pay out if the driver's license was cancelled or suspended.

"Insurance doesn't cover any illegal activity," said Dombo. "Some insurers will go further and reject a claim if a person you lend your car to is unlicensed, even if you didn't know."

There are other situations that drivers should take into account when considering car insurance, as not having them may cause claims to be rejected:

• Report all accidents within 24 hours of them occurring.
• Install standard security devices in the vehicle.
• Inform the insurer if the card has been modified to change its performance.
• Inform on any new additions, such as a new sound system.
• Don't use the car for anything other than the purpose it was intended.