With roads set to be busier than ever in December and holidaymakers preparing to head off on much-needed breaks, the chances of becoming involved in an accident \u2013 particularly one that takes place while you\u2019re away on holiday \u2013 increases significantly. It\u2019s important to be prepared in the event of such an incident.<\/p>\n
This is especially important when driving a rental vehicle, and things can\u00a0become very complicated in the event of an accident or theft, said insurer MiWay.<\/p>\n
“What\u2019s important to remember is that car hire companies cannot offer insurance, so there\u2019s no real way to avoid any form of liability in the event of damage or loss,” said MiWay.<\/p>\n
“What they do offer are responsibility waivers, which limit your liability to a set amount. Much like the excess on an insurance policy, you\u2019ll be expected to pay anywhere between R3,000 and R14,000 to the car hire company should things go awry<\/strong>, depending on the waiver you choose.<\/p>\n “If you decline the waiver, you\u2019ll be completely responsible for all damages, so make sure you know what you are or aren\u2019t signing.”<\/p>\n Understand the exceptions<\/strong><\/p>\n Opting for a waiver still doesn\u2019t exemplify you from responsibility in all circumstances, warned MiWay.<\/p>\n “Many car hire companies will void these waivers if the car is damaged as a result of being driven on unsuitable roads or in areas of unrest. Equally, waivers are unlikely to cover you in the event of reckless or drunken driving, or if you\u2019re involved in an accident in which no third party is involved.”<\/p>\n Know what to do<\/strong><\/p>\n “If you\u2019re involved in an accident, it\u2019s important to document the scene as much as possible, so take photos if you can in order to assist your claim. It\u2019s also vital that you alert the authorities and retrieve all the relevant details of the other party involved, as well as all witnesses,” it said.<\/p>\n This includes\u00a0informing your own insurance company that you\u2019ve been involved in an accident, even if you\u2019re not claiming against your own policy, said MiWay.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s vital to note that, even though you may not have caused the accident, you are still responsible for the amount not covered by the waiver. And while the insurer will attempt to recover this from a third party if they\u2019re to blame, this isn\u2019t always possible, particularly if they\u2019re not insured.”<\/p>\n
\n