Auto Insurance

Things you need to know

Dealing with the ins and outs of auto insurance can be confusing. The following points will help you figure out some of the more complicated points of motor insurance.

Determine the appropriate coverage. Two main exposures in motor insurance are:

  1. Liability; and,
  2. Loss of, or damage to, your own vehicle.

Third Party Insurance is designed to address liability issues whilst comprehensive extends the coverage to include loss/damage to your vehicle.

Price

Sunshine Insurance is an insurance broker and as such will work with you to get more than just one quote. We know that it pays to shop around, and are proficient at getting the best rates available.

Discounts (Comprehensive Motor Policies)

Your no claim discount "NCD" is the single biggest factor in determining your premium. You will be rewarded for a safe driving record. Once you've had motor insurance for a year or more without making a claim, you should be eligible for a 'no claim discount' or 'no claim bonus.' This usually amounts to a reduction of 30% on your premium in the first year, rising in annual steps to a maximum of 60 or 65%. Discounts are also available for certain types of vehicles and occupations.

If you make a claim, your no claim bonus will be reduced or disallowed. If you have built up a higher rate of bonus, most insurers will usually reduce it by two years, rather than disallowing it altogether. Sometimes it may be cheaper to pay for minor damage yourself, rather than risk losing your bonus.

But what if the accident was not your fault? If you have protected or guaranteed your 'no claim bonus' this should be preserved following an incident, however if it is not protected it will be stepped back until the claim is resolved and a recovery made in full from the guilty third party. Your no claim bonus shouldn't be affected if the insurer is able to recover the cost of the claim from the party who was to blame.

It's important that you inform us of all incidents of damage or loss, however small, even if you do not make a claim for them. There have been cases where insurance companies have refused to meet claims because the driver failed to disclose previous incidents.

Deductibles

Most policies carry an own damage deductible. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the level of the deductible. Discounts may be available for voluntarily increasing your deductible.

Check with us BEFORE buying your car

We will run Carfax checks on the vehicle you are considering to ensure that it is not previously damaged or has any other potential problems. Our engineers can conduct thorough inspections to ensure that you are getting what you pay for. Both our Carfax checks and engineer's inspections are free of charge.

Drivers

It is essential that each person you wish to drive your vehicle is noted on the certificate of insurance as an authorised driver failure to do so could invalidate your insurance cover and would be a breach of the law. Under certain circumstances and for an additional premium policies may be issued on an open driving basis whereby certain categories of drivers (e.g.; any person over the age of 25) will be authorised to drive.

Premium payment

We will work with you to establish the premium payment option that best fits your budget.

Call us today at 242 394 0011 and we'll be happy to assist you. Alternatively contact us using our online form.