Off Road Car Insurance
Boys and their toys…4x4’s or four-wheel drives require specialized insurance cover; we are referring to the cars now, not the boys. But before we are accused of being sexist, these cars continue to gain in popularity and many female drivers are seen in 4x4’s nowadays.

What is Off-road cover?
We are told the idea for the original 4x4 cover was conceived around a campfire in Botswana many moons ago (something like 18 years.) At the time there was no specialized insurance product available to 4x4 owners. Since then all of the big insurers and a number of specialized insurers have implemented a product specifically for the off-road cars. The name off-road says it all – these cars take you to places you will never access with your ordinary car, whether its bundu bashing, cross country, whatever takes your fancy. “Normal” car insurance policies do not provide you with cover when driving on gravel roads or outside South Africa, you will need off-road cover. Cover applies in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar.

What types of cars are covered under off-road cover?
The following can be insured under a off-road insurance policy: all 4x4’s, lifestyle utility vehicles , all terrain vehicles (ATV’s) double cabs, light delivery vehicles, off-road trailers, caravans, quad bikes, off-road motor cycles, mountain bikes.

What type of insurance is off-road cover?
Off-road cover is full comprehensive insurance which provides cover against all the regular perils and risks such as theft, carjacking, fire, hail, storm, accident and third party claims. As the product has been specifically designed around the special needs of the off-road driver there are many other benefits included in the policy or they can be added as additional items. Many of these benefits differ from what is available for ordinary car insurance products. Here are some of them:

1. Damage to the vehicle is covered at retail value plus accessories are included, accessories limited to R10 000.
2. Off-road cover.
3. Passenger, contingency and unauthorized passenger liability.
4. Replacement of locks and keys.
5. Damage to third parties for up to R10 million.
6. R5 000 cover towards medical expenses.
7. X-country trials, rallies, and repatriation costs.
8. Your spare wheel and cell phone.
9. Lifestyle equipment such as hang gliders, para gliders, jet-ski’s and pleasure craft.
10. 24/7 Emergency medical evacuation assistance.
11. Netcare 911 will airlift the injured from anywhere in Africa south of the equator. A limit of R150 000 per person and a maximum of R1 000 000 per claim is applicable.
12. Guaranteed admission to top Clinics in South Africa with a limit of R10 000 per person to a maximum of R60 000 per event.
13. Credit shortfall cover is included.
14. Repatriation of the car and occupants after an accident or theft.
15. Emergency accommodation whilst outside South Africa, limited to R16 000 per event.
16. In case of a total loss within the first year of registration the vehicle will be replaced, if it has done less than 30 000 km.

NB: Please note that this is a general list, drawn up from different insurers to give you an indication of what is available. Some of the items included will be additional items at additional cost and the limits indicated will vary from one insurer to the next. Before you sign an insurance contract for your off-road cover, make sure that it includes everything you need from the list above.

Security Systems
One of the conditions of off-road insurance is that the car must be fitted with a VESA approved immobilizer (if the value is under R400 000.) Vehicles over R400 000 must be fitted with a VESA approved immobilizer and an approved tracking system, specifically specified for the type of vehicle. The immobilizer and tracking system must be operational at all times. Again, the values and requirements may differ between insurers.

Where do I get off-road cover and what will it the cost?
We suggest you first do some research and check out the different options available. Then get a number of quotes before you make a final decision. The cost? Obviously not cheap, but then, you don’t drive a cheap car!