Do I need to fill in any Proposal forms or claim forms?
When you deal with us, you may not be required to complete a proposal from, our staff are responsible for obtaining all the pertinent information relevant to the risks you wish to transfer, and thereafter it is our responsibility to pass this information on to Insurers. On the other hand, we have not been able to do away with Insurers’ requirements that claim forms be completed, however, our staff are on hand to assist you with this sometimes cumbersome process.

How do I determine the value of my household contents?
Our specialist advisors will assist you in arriving at the correct value of your property, based on current replacement costs. They will also be on hand to advise you about how to improve the security at your house, and any other queries you may have regarding insurance. Whilst our staff will assist in advising you the values, the onus rests with you to make sure that your values are revised correctly all the time.

What happens if I under-value my contents?
In the event of a claim made when you are under insured, insurers will apply the average condition and your pay out will be reduced proportionally.

What is an Excess?
An excess is a specific amount that you are required to pay when your claim is being settled. It is also referred to as a “deductible” or a “first amount payable” and is paid to the panel beater when repairs carried out have been completed. Insurers will pay the amount over-and-above the excess to the panel beater.

What is “Betterment”?
Betterment is when the repairs carried out on your car place it in a better condition than it was in prior to the accident. The Assessor will determine the extent to which there is betterment. The amount assessed as betterment is paid by yourself to the panel beater together with your excess. E.G. When replacing vehicle shocks, tyres etc. 

How does the “Condition of Average” operate?
This Condition will come into operation if the sum insured, at the time of loss, is less than the actual value of the property at risk. In simple terms, if your property is valued at $50,000 and you have insured them for $25,000. It implies that you are only covered for 50% of the worth. Any small loss, insurers will pay 50% less excess.

Are my contents covered while I am moving house?
Yes, you have “All Risks” cover free of charge under your policy, provided that you use a professional removals company.
 
Can I insure only those items in my house that are likely to be stolen?
Yes, this can be done under our “Domestic Appliances Policy”, this is a brand new product that we have just launched, and the appliances you choose to place under this policy are covered for the value you specifically place on them. The “Condition of Average” does not apply.

Can I cover my computer for business use under my Contents policy?
If your computer is part of the equipment of an office situated at your home, from where you run your business, then you will have to insure it under and “Office Comprehensive” or more specifically on a “Computer” policy. If, however, your computer is your personal property and is simply used to process work you bring home from the office, or to send and receive e-mails and surf the internet, then we will cover your computer on your contents policy. There is the need to specify the computer under the household contents.

Will my premium increase after a claim?
This is not normally the case if you have had the odd claim during the period of insurance, however, if you make regular claims during the period of insurance, and your loss ratio exceeds, say, 60% for two years, then Insurers are likely to adjust their terms.
 
If my vehicle is stolen and later recovered, can I buy it back from the Insurers?
Yes, you can buy it back, provided that you immediately repay Insurers the money that they paid you when your claim was settled.
 
If my car is written off after an accident, can I insure it with you again after it has been repaired?
When you bring your car back, Insurers will want their Engineer to thoroughly inspect it, and if he considers it to be in a road-worthy condition, we will insure your car again for an additional premium.

Why are betterment and the excess paid to the panel beater?
These two items are considered to be “uninsured”, in other words, they are the portions that you are responsible for, and therefore, the insurer cannot pay the panel beater for them.
 
If I am not at fault in an accident, why do I have to pay an excess?
The criteria for paying an excess is not based on whether you are to blame or not, as soon as you make a claim, you will be required to pay the excess. We will, however, immediately initiate the recovery of your excess from the guilty party if you have comprehensive cover, and will refund you the amount of the excess if we make a successful recovery from the other party.
 
Can I have my vehicle repaired at a panel beater of my choice?
The choice of panel beater rests with you, however, if you choose one that is not on the insurer's list of preferred panel beaters, they will probably settle the claim directly with you, on a “cash-in-lieu” basis, once the cost of repairs has been agreed.