Answers to your third party claims questions

Third-party vehicle claims cover a basic type of insurance & you are only covered for claims where you are legally liable for the damage, your car itself is not covered. We look at answering all your questions when it comes to this type of insurance. This will help you when talking to your broker to make the right decision.

First, some scary stats from the AA. They reported that, with the exclusion of caravans and trailers, there are just over 12 million registered vehicles in South Africa. Of these, approximately 60-70% are uninsured! Their comment on this scary fact is that “insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity.”

With South African drivers feeling the pinch, sometimes comprehensive insurance cover becomes unaffordable. This doesn’t mean that you have to opt-out of protection altogether. That is why you should always check with your broker on the alternative option of third party car cover for your vehicle.

What is the difference between the two insurance options?

The first option of comprehensive cover states what it is, comprehensive. It will cover you against fire, theft, accidents, and for glass repairs, windscreens, and claims from a third party.

The second option of third party cover offers you protection should a person suffer a loss or damage to their property or vehicle (due to your actions) and, in so doing, institute a claim against you.

Your third party policy cover would respond if you cause damage due to an accident to;

• Someone’s garden wall or building
• A businesses fleet vehicle or truck
• A persons car or trailer on the road

Basically, when someone claims against you for an accident that you caused, you are covered for the damages they receive.

Very important to note, when considering third party insurance cover, is that you yourself are not covered in a claim – only the third party is. We know that there are always three sides to a story, so when you find yourself in a loss situation, reach out to Rodel 4U.

An accident can sometimes not be the fault of one party only. When this happens, a claims specialist will be appointed and will take into account each party’s role in the accident and calculate the amounts payable.

What does first, second, and third party even mean?

In simple terms, you would be the “first party,” i.e., the insured person. The second party in your insurer (they settle the claim). The person who suffers a loss and claims against you, because of your actions, is the third party. This can even include businesses, think about if you lost control of your car and skidded into a garage shop.

Be sure to check your policy documentation to see if certain people are excluded from your cover. You don’t want any nasty surprises.

The reverse also applies if someone crashes into you, and it is their fault. You can also claim as the third party against them for your damages.

Third-party insurance claims examples to guide when you can claim.

The first example covers you where you would be liable to pay a third party. Let’s say that you were driving to the shop, and your tyre burst, causing you to skid into a delivery truck.

Here the accident would be caused solely by you. You, as the first party, would be liable to pay for the company delivery vehicle damages and any injuries sustained by their driver.

The second example is where perhaps you are parked at a red traffic light, and a person who is speeding and brakes too late drives into your car. As you were following the rules of the road and they are to blame, you would be the third party claimant, and they would need to cover your damages and injuries.

Always keep a record of evidence and immediately alert Rodel 4U on your emergency app, to ensure the correct claims procedure is followed.

Making the right, informed car insurance coverage decision.

Considering times are tough and that it’s sometimes hard to get cover to match your budget, make sure you ask your broker about the pros and cons of your insurance decision.

A low premium can sound great, but you need to think about the replacement of your car as well as any medical expenses and cover you may need in case of an accident that you cause.

Always read your policy documents carefully and feel free to reach out to Rodel 4U on our live chat on your app to ask any other questions that we may not have covered. This even includes your excess fee structure and payment, should your policy not make sense.