2. What is a policy excess?

It is the first part of a claim which you have to pay when any claim is paid by your insurance company.

3. Do I recover the excess if I am not at fault ?

If the damage which resulted in the claim is caused by another identified party , the Excess is either taken over by the insurers of that party or is recovered once that party’s responsibility has been proved by the courts and admitted by the insurers.

4. How do I make a claim?

You should either download a claim form from our website or obtain one from our offices , fill in the claim form giving full details of the occurrence giving rise to the claim and return it to us with a detailed estimate of repairs, the driver’s driving licence, the agreed statement of facts form, the driver’s national identity card, the registration book, the police form PF    ( Notice of Intended Prosecution ) if an Agreed Statement of Fact form has not been completed.

5.  How long does it take for my claim to be settled ?

It all depends on the nature and complexity of the claim. In case the vehicle must be repaired authorisation is given immediately upon the examination of the vehicle by the surveyor appointed by the insurers.

6.  Do I have a replacement car when my car is damaged in an accident ?

If you have opted for a Loss of use Extension a replacement car will be arranged for you from the time your car is immobilized until the completion of the repairs subject to the terms of the extension. If you do not have a Loss of use extension a replacement car will be given to you by the insurers of the responsible party who have admitted liability to take over the conduct of the claim.

7.  What is a total loss ?

A vehicle is declared a total loss whenever the cost of repairs is uneconomic or the vehicle is so damaged structurally that it cannot be put back to a safe and roadworthy condition 

8.  What shall I recover in case my vehicle is a total loss?

Indemnity is provided by the payment of the market value of the vehicle at the time of the accident or loss. The sum insured is the maximum amount which the insurer pays  in case of total loss.

9.  How do insurers determine the responsibility of the drivers in Constat Amiable cases ?

The Road Traffic Amendment Act (No 36) 2003, provides for the determination of the responsibility for the accident by the insurers involved according to a pre-set series of scenarios.

10. Do I have to report all accidents to my insurance company ?

Yes you have to report all accidents and losses as you never know what will be the outcome of any accident , however slight or insignificant the damage may appear to you. The notification will enable your insurers to better assess the situation and take any appropriate action to safeguard the interests of all parties.

11. Can I get another new car instead of repairs if my brand new car is damaged in an accident?

Your insurance company has the option to repair or replace the vehicle taking into account the motor vehicle experts opinion the nature, extent and cost of the repairs.

12. What do you do when the other driver's insurance company refuses to pay?

If it is a Constat à l’amiable case the law provides that we may refer the matter for determination of liability by the Motor Vehicle Insurance Arbitration Committee . In other cases we shall refer the matter to a civil court for recovery of our outlay as well as your uninsured expenses.

13. What do I do if I need to make a claim?

A: 1. Take all reasonable precautions to prevent further loss, damage or liability.
2. Contact the police as soon as possible to report any theft/burglary or attempted theft/burglary.
3. Contact the Claims Department on 207-3500 and advise of what has happened: A Claims official will help you through the claim’s process.

14. What should I do if someone makes a claim against me?

A: 1. Call us as soon as possible on 207-3500 to advise what has occurred.
2. Try to get names and addresses of witnesses, if any, to the event which has brought about the claim.
3. Do not make any admission of liability and do not attempt to settle any claim made against you.
3. A Claims official will advise you of what steps you need to take and will assist you through the claim’s process

15. How much of the exterior of my property - fencing, driveway, etc .- is covered by my household insurance policy in case of cyclone damage?

A: A standard household insurance policy provides cover for garages or outbuildings, stores on same premises if they are specifically mentioned on the policy. However, other structures like walls, fencings and gates are not covered under your Household policy.

16. What is personal liability insurance coverage?

A: Personal liability coverage protects you and all family members who live with you against a claim or legal action resulting from (non-auto and non-business) bodily injury or property damage to others and for which you become legally liable to pay. Defense costs are included, but the insurance company has no duty to defend you after the limit of liability on the policy has been exhausted.

17. What if my domestic servant is injured at my place, am I legally responsible?

A:Your standard household insurance policy, may be extended to cover your employer’s liability in respect of your domestic servant.

Your liability is determined on the facts of the case, depending on whether there is negligence, fault or omission on your part which caused the occurrence to happen.