Load Shedding and Car Insurance: Avoiding Unnecessary Claims

At first glance, you wouldn’t think load shedding and car insurance would be as closely related as they actually are. The truth is that when load shedding occurs, there are a multitude of increased risks. By being aware of the implications, and taking a few simple precautions while planning ahead, you can increase your safety and prevent losses.

Load Shedding and Car Insurance: Risk on the Roads

Load shedding never seems to happen at a good time. For many South Africans, it’s simply another fact of life, and we learn to adjust. But with adjustment can come complacency – and when we’re less alert out there, risk increases. Traffic lights turn into 4-way intersections, and unfortunately, not everybody abides by the simple rules of the road. During load shedding, vehicle collisions increase dramatically, for good reason. The likelihood of theft – both on the road and at home – also goes up. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee this won’t happen to you, but by introducing a few sensible precautions, you will automatically increase your margin of safety.

Motor Accidents and Load Shedding

Statistics demonstrate that accidents and collisions increase significantly during periods of load shedding. So, what can you do to ensure a safer commute? Here are a few tips:

• Increase your following distance. Remember that when traffic slows, people become more impatient and less considerate. This means more frequent rear-end collisions or sudden stops in the middle of traffic flow.
• Make allowance for longer travel times. Build this into your schedule as far as possible, so you’re under less pressure and therefore less likely to make poor driving decisions.
• When approaching an intersection, be prepared for the fact that some drivers do not always adhere to the “I go – you go” system adopted by most. This could be through ignorance or recklessness, but the result can be catastrophic either way. So, always assume that someone may just try to cross out of turn – and be prepared to brake or yield accordingly. By anticipating possible incidents, it’s easier to avoid them.
• Avoid driving distracted. Don’t take calls or engage in other non-driving tasks while in load shedding-affected traffic. That extra second or two could save you from an expensive collision.
• Turn your vehicle lights on, even during daytime, to ensure added visibility to other drivers.
• When driving at night, allow yourself extra time and distance between your vehicle and others. Reduced visibility means less reaction time in a crisis, so make allowance for it.

Load Shedding as a Vehicle Security Hazard

When it comes to load shedding and car insurance, power outages present an additional risk: that of increased crime. When you’re on the road, you may encounter instances where criminals try to take advantage of the reduced visibility or slowdown in traffic. Here are some tips:

• If there is a slow-moving (or stationary) queue of cars at an intersection, be extra vigilant. Stay off of your phone, scan your surroundings, and watch out for smash-and-grab opportunists. By making it obvious that you’re awake and alert, you’re far less likely to become a target.
• If you’re on a highway, especially at night, be aware of the possibility of objects that may have been placed on the roadway by criminals to damage your car and force you to stop. Drive at a moderate speed and stay alert so you have more time to react should this be the case.
• Also watch out for natural hazards like potholes or missing access covers that are less visible in poor light conditions. For this reason, you should also not follow the car in front of you too closely, or you may not have enough time to react and avoid the hazard.
• Remember to keep your doors locked and windows closed – and consider fitting smash-proof window film if you have not already done so.

Loss of Motor Vehicles Due to Theft During Load Shedding

Vehicle theft also increases dramatically during periods of load shedding, for several reasons. Reduced visibility, failure of security systems, and reduced vigilance due to fatigue or distraction all play a role. If you’ve parked at a mall or in a public space during a load shedding cycle, try to park where your vehicle is visible to security staff or attendants. Remember that security cameras may be rendered inoperable and that criminals often have plenty of time to identify a target vehicle in a spot where it can be broken into or stolen. When locking your vehicle, double-check that it is secure before moving away. Remote jamming happens anywhere, and with the added stress or distraction caused by load shedding, you may not realise that your car is still vulnerable. Remember too that a normally secure parking environment – at work or at home – might be compromised due to load shedding. Electric fences may fail, electric gates may malfunction, and criminals may gain easy entry to a property.

Load Shedding and Car Insurance: Premiums and Claims

It’s important to bear in mind that your short-term insurance risk profile can also be unavoidably affected by load shedding issues – often without you realising it. For example, if you receive the benefit of a reduced insurance premium because your vehicle is parked in a secured area, this could present problems when the area is no longer secure due to the failure of electronic security measures. In turn, this could affect a claim. If you’re unsure about this, speak to your broker to ensure you’re adequately covered, and to obtain clarity on how to better secure your vehicle if this is the case. One solution may be to ensure that alternative energy sources are in place, and to make use of additional manual security measures that are not dependant upon grid-system electricity. The steady rise in load shedding-related losses has led to unavoidable industry-wide vehicle insurance premium increases – but by being aware of risks and taking steps to reduce them, you can manage costs while still ensuring the security of your vehicle. And, most importantly, you’re also creating habits that provide additional safety for yourself – and your loved ones.

Vehicle Insurance to Suit Your Needs

At The Pogir Group, we provide service and cover that is tailored to your needs. Our skilled consultants are highly experienced specialists – whether providing short-term insurance, life financial planning, personal and corporate healthcare solutions, facilitating employee benefit programs, or expertly managing the wealth of our valued clients. Our reputation has been built on trust, integrity, and a personalised approach to each client’s needs. At Pogir, you’re never left powerless. For more information, contact us today to arrange a no-obligation consultation. Pogir. Smart, with heart.