Latest news with #BudgetInsurance
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 'strange' thing all UK drivers should do during heatwave
Drivers have been urged to take several precautions before hitting the road during the UK's third heatwave of the year. While the warmer weather is a treat for some, it can cause a number of issues for motorists. Now, as the mercury looks set to rise over 30C again, the team at Budget Insurance have shared some essential maintenance checks - including one 'strange' action. READ MORE: Heatwave hosepipe ban breaches 'not a police matter' as public warned to only report 'real emergencies' Inspect the vehicle's battery High temperatures can cause internal harm to the battery, and shorten its lifespan, YorkshireLive reports. Signs a new battery is required include the vehicle taking longer than usual to start and the interior lights are dimming as you crank the engine. Keep tyres at correct pressure During hot weather, tyres tend to expand, which can cause the rubber to crack and heighten the risk of a blowout. Motorists should ensure their tyres are up to UK and EU standards by having a tread depth of at least 1.6mm, and are also inflated to the correct pressure. Top up fluids Coolant is key to preventing your engine from overheating during the hotter months. The Budget Insurance team said: "Strange as it may sound, you should top it up with both water and antifreeze, because a lack of the latter could damage your engine when temperatures begin to drop." Plan your route It's always smart to research which service stations and charging points you'll pass along your journey. Chargemap, Chargepoint and Octopus Electroverse are all apps EV drivers can use to plan routes. Chris Lawson, Budget Insurance's head of car insurance, said: "With tens of millions of leisure journeys made by car over the summer months, motorists should ensure their vehicle is roadworthy before they set off, whether on holiday or for a day trip. "Cars can struggle at this time of year, contending with hot temperatures and traffic jams, so it's important that drivers do all they can to minimise the risk of breaking down."
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK drivers urged to do 'strange' thing during the heatwave
Temperatures are expected to soar again this weekend The UK is set to sizzle once more this weekend, amid the third heatwave of the year. While many relish the balmy weather, it can also bring about a host of problems. This is particularly true when it comes to your car, van or other vehicle. With the mercury set to rise to over 30C again, car experts at Budget Insurance are offering drivers important tips on what they say are essential maintenance checks they need to perform before hitting the open road. Here's what you need to check in your car during this weekend's heatwave, including one 'strange' action: Inspect your battery Scorching temperatures can be more damaging to your battery than cooler ones, causing internal harm and shortening its lifespan, reports Yorkshire Live. If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to start and the interior lights are dimming as you crank the engine, it might be time for a new battery, especially if it's over three years old. Keep an eye on your tyres Tyres tend to expand in hot weather, which can lead to the rubber cracking and heighten the risk of a blowout. Make sure all your tyres are up to UK and EU standards by having a tread depth of at least 1.6mm. It's also crucial to inflate your tyres to the correct pressure. Underinflated tyres increase drag on the wheels, making the engine work harder and guzzle more fuel, and are another culprit behind blowouts. Top up your fluids Your coolant is key to preventing your engine from overheating during the hotter months, so it's essential to check its level more often, particularly before embarking on a lengthy trip. The experts advised: "Strange as it may sound, you should top it up with both water and antifreeze, because a lack of the latter could damage your engine when temperatures begin to drop." Use your air conditioning wisely In sweltering conditions, it might be worth leaving your car doors and windows open for a brief period before setting off, rather than immediately switching on your air conditioning. This can help cut costs and boost engine efficiency. For shorter trips, driving with the windows down instead of using the air con could be more economical. It's also sensible to park in shaded spots to keep your vehicle cool, reducing the initial need for air conditioning. Plan your route Do some homework on the locations of service stations and charging points along your journey. EV drivers can use apps like Chargemap, Chargepoint and Octopus Electroverse to plan their routes. Chris Lawson, head of car insurance at Budget Insurance, emphasised the importance of vehicle maintenance during the summer months: "With tens of millions of leisure journeys made by car over the summer months, motorists should ensure their vehicle is roadworthy before they set off, whether on holiday or for a day trip. "Cars can struggle at this time of year, contending with hot temperatures and traffic jams, so it's important that drivers do all they can to minimise the risk of breaking down."
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Concern that less than 30% of South Africans have adequate insurance
Many consumers only realise their insurance shortcomings after experiencing a loss. Less than 30% of South Africans have adequate short-term insurance, which means that if their homes, home contents, or cars are damaged or stolen, they must bear the cost of the damage themselves. Tando Ngibe, spokesperson for Budget Insurance, says the company is sounding the alarm: nearly one in three South Africans who submitted claims after household break-ins in the past year were not adequately insured, often discovering painful gaps in their cover when it was already too late. 'And while this points to household cover, the reality is that the same rings true for most short-term cover. In fact, research by Quantam recently indicated that 80% of consumers with short-term insurance are underinsured by more than 50% of the value of their assets.' ALSO READ: Why you should find funds for short-term insurance in your budget Education is the missing link Ngibe says education is still the missing piece where consumers are still largely uninformed when it comes to protecting their assets, with many only confronting the reality of their insurance shortcomings after experiencing a loss.' This comes amid rising concerns around vehicle-related crimes and increasing misunderstandings about what constitutes adequate protection. 'Too many South Africans do not understand what constitutes adequate protection. For example, when it comes to vehicles, some consumers are under the false impression that warranties and service plans equal protection, but a service plan will not replace your car after it is stolen and a warranty will not help you if your car is hijacked or written off.' Ngibe emphasises that the threat is real – and growing. ALSO READ: Short-term insurance cover important in times of severe weather Why short-term insurance is important Budget Insurance's internal data paints a stark reminder of the reason why insurance is important: Hijackings increased by 1% between 2023 and 2024; Vehicle theft, while down by 9%, remains dangerously high, with an average of 65 cars stolen per day in South Africa, according to Cartrack's report for the third quarters of 2023 and 2024; The 13% drop in household break-ins suggests improving home security, yet 30% of those affected lacked sufficient cover. 'We are seeing encouraging growth in value-added products like warranties and service plans, and notably, we are also seeing fewer cancellations, which shows more consumers are thinking long-term.' ALSO READ: How an 'act of nature' can affect your short-term insurance Short-term insurance must be a priority Ngibe is urging South Africans to review their cover, now, not after disaster strikes. 'Insurance needs to move from being an afterthought to an essential financial consideration. Understanding your cover is not just a box to tick, but a financial safety net that could determine whether you recover from a loss or not. 'In an increasingly uncertain environment, insurance must be seen as a proactive tool for financial resilience, not a grudge purchase. As lives, vehicles and assets grow in value, so too should your understanding of how to protect them.'
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Insurance claims surge as South Africa's crumbling roads turn driving into a professional sport
South Africa's roads are riddled with potholes, leading to a significant rise in insurance claims. Experts discuss the financial implications for motorists and the challenges of navigating damaged roads. Given the prevalence of potholes, sometimes craters, that dog South Africa's roads, perhaps Waze should stop warning drivers about them and let those behind the wheel know that the next stretch of road doesn't require a 4x4 to navigate. The sheer extent of the problem is shown by how many potholes are being filled. The latest information, from 2022, shows that the government's Operation Vala Zonke has filled almost 200,000 potholes: almost two-thirds of these are in Johannesburg. As Tando Ngibe, senior manager at Budget Insurance, said: 'Dodging potholes has increasingly become a professional sport, but doing so can, and sometimes does, result in car accidents. Even if hitting a pothole doesn't cause an accident, the damage incurred is significant.' Ernest North, co-founder of Naked Insurance, explained that the combination of ongoing heavy rains and storms has caused more extensive road damage than usual. 'Wet weather also makes it harder for drivers to spot potholes, especially when they're filled with water, increasing the risk of hitting one unexpectedly.' While the 2022 cost to fix a pothole was between R700 and R1 500 per square metre, depending on the size of the hole, car owners and insurance companies also face a financial burden. Santam's 2022/23 Insurance barometer – the latest available – found that two thirds of the 167 brokers it surveyed reported an increase in client claims, which was mostly attributed to loadshedding, failing infrastructure (potholes/poor road maintenance) and an increase in crime, with the addition of extreme weather on the commercial side. Ngibe told Personal Finance that a single patch of poor road can lead to punctures, tyre bulges, misalignment and imbalance, uneven tyre wear, cracked rims, damage to the undercarriage, compromised tyre walls, and blowouts. Although the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) told Personal Finance that it had actually seen claims drop between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years by 22%, insurance companies have somewhat different views. North says that claims have increased. 'We can confirm that we've seen a noticeable increase in pothole-related claims, particularly in Johannesburg'. Budget Insurance has also seen an increase. 'Over the past 12 months, we've noticed an increase in pothole-related claims, specifically in Gauteng, and given this trend, we urge motorists to make sure they are insured for such damage, as the occurrence is common and can be expensive if not covered,' said Ngibe. Dotsure Insurance, however, said not all motorists are submitting claims, possibly due to the associated hassle, concerns about premium impacts, or not being aware that they have recourse or know how to claim. 'For those who regularly drive on damaged roads, tyre and wheel insurance can be a useful add-on. Whether it's worthwhile depends on your driving habits, location, and what's already covered under your main policy,' said North. North explained that it's important to note that most comprehensive car insurance policies don't cover tyre damage on their own if caused by potholes or other road hazards. 'You're typically only covered if the damage is part of a larger incident – for example, if your rims, axle, or suspension are also damaged at the same time.' It is worth looking at whether claiming will be in your best interests. North said if the damage is minor and repair costs are only slightly higher than your excess, it might make more financial sense to pay for the repairs yourself and avoid potential premium increases in the future. 'If you're not claiming through your insurer, you can submit a claim directly to your municipality if the pothole was on a national road. This can be a good option when the damage is less than your insurance excess,' said North. The JRA said that people who have suffered a financial loss as a result of a pothole can submit a claim. In its response to questions submitted by Personal Finance, it explained that it has a claim form (JRA Claim Form) available on its website. However, JRA notes that not all the roads within the city are covered by the City, as some roads are covered by other entities, SANRAL or the Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport. 'Once the claim is registered, the claim is ordinarily referred to Regional Operations (RO) for an investigation. RO would investigate the matter, compile a report, and submit it to JRA's legal department. The report will assist in confirming jurisdiction, and only at this stage that issues of jurisdiction be confirmed,' it said. After the claim is verified as genuine, it is escalated for processing, which is done within four weeks, provided all the required information and documents are submitted. 'If a claim is found to be fraudulent, such a claim will be rejected. JRA discourages motorists from submitting fraudulent claims as this is a criminal offence and if caught, could lead to jail time,' said the roads agency. North's guide for information needed to submit claims to municipalities: The exact location of the incident Photos of the pothole and the damage to your car Contact details for any witnesses A photo of the police incident report A copy of your driver's licence, vehicle registration documents, and ID Three repair quotes A letter from your insurer confirming you are not lodging a claim with them as well Each municipality has its process. PERSONAL FINANCE
IOL News
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Easter road safety: Budget Insurance highlights alarming trends
Budget Insurance is sounding the alarm on the growing risks South Africans face on the country's roads during the busy Easter travel season. With families preparing to reunite, congregations gathering for religious celebrations, and road traffic volumes set to spike, the stakes for road safety are at an all-time high. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Easter is a special time in South Africa — it's about connection, community, and celebration,' says Tando Ngibe, Senior Manager at Budget Insurance. 'But year after year, it's also one of the deadliest periods on our roads.' Insights from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) paint a sobering picture: human factors — including reckless driving, fatigue, speeding, and distracted driving — were responsible for 94.6% of fatal crashes during Easter 2024 and 92.6% in 2023. 'The numbers don't lie — driver behaviour is the leading cause of these tragedies,' Ngibe stresses. Budget's claims data also reveals that accidents during the Easter period follow a predictable but worrying pattern. Most crashes occur between 9 pm and 10 pm, as fatigue and diminished visibility set in, with an unexpected spike at 11 am — a time when many travellers are mid-journey or rushing to reach their destinations. 'These trends are unique to Easter and should be a wake-up call for all road users,' says Ngibe. But the Easter travel story doesn't end at the accident scene — many families find themselves stranded without a suitable vehicle due to inadequate insurance coverage. Budget Insurance notes that when it comes to car hire cover, there are two major gaps: Customers who don't have car hire cover on their policies but need a vehicle while theirs is under repair. A mismatch between the customer's usual car and the type of replacement vehicle they've selected on their policy. Ngibe advises drivers to review their insurance policies before hitting the road: Ensure you have the right insurance cover in place to protect you should the unexpected happen Make sure car hire cover is active — especially if you don't have a spare car at home. Ensure the car hire option matches your lifestyle — if you drive an SUV, select a similar size as your backup. Plan your trips wisely to avoid peak accident hours and very importantly, factor in rest stops. 'Driving during the Easter holidays is more than a journey — it's a responsibility,' says Ngibe. 'Let's not allow human error or poor planning to overshadow this season of togetherness. South Africa's roads can be safer, but it starts with each of us making better choices behind the wheel and in our insurance cover. Let's make road safety, and pre-planning for a safer trip, as much a part of our Easter tradition as the celebrations themselves.'
