Insurance can be a tricky business. All the legalese, the unreadable fine print, and questionable tactics can keep you from finding out what your options are. You’ll surely get an insurance policy even if you buy hastily but it won’t probably be the best one.

Life, auto, and homeowner’s has several different types, and insurance companies offer a wide range of policies for each type. When you look for an insurance policy, begin your quest with an understanding of how the each form of insurance operates, so you can figure out which policies will work best for your individual needs.

It may surprise you to know that 65% of South Africans have no auto insurance at all. When we take the incidents of accidents and road injuries, this shocks us.

Car Insurance usually comes in three forms. Third party cover offers the minimum coverage when you injure another person or damage someone elses property in a motor vehicle accident. Then there is Third Party Fire and Theft which includes cover provided under Third Party and also adds protection for damage caused by theft or attempted theft or fire. And finally, Comprehensive cover which provides protection for your vehicle when you are responsible for an accident

To ensure that you aren’t paying too much for expensive auto insurance, be sure to compare prices and quotes. To reduce your costs, try negotiating with the insurance companies for a lower rate. Also, think about asking for higher excesses, as well as increasing security measures to further reduce your premiums.

Term life insurance offers coverage for a specific time period. Also, this type of insurance can be designated to specific debts incurred. This type of insurance works well for families that have accumulated significant debt that can be paid off by the time the policy expires. This is also the least expensive form of insurance.

Whole life insurance is insurance that remains in effect throughout your entire life as long as you pay the premiums. There is no need to renew it and the premiums remain exactly the same year after year. Whenever you pass away, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum.

Universal life insurance cover is structured the same way as whole life in that it is permanent insurance with level premiums. In addition, it adds provides financial products such as a savings plan, investments and the ability to add a person to the policy. It is the most expensive life insurance option due to its flexibility.

If is a good idea to review your life insurance needs on a regular basis to make sure you are not over- or underinsured.

In the past, when obtaining a mortgage loan, borrower’s were often locked in and required to purchase their insurance from the company specified by their lender. Now, thanks to the National Credit Act, consumers have freedom of choice, and can pick the coverage and provider that best meets their insurance needs. In most cases, lender’s still require that payment of insurance premiums be bundled with the mortgage payment.

When shopping for insurance, remember the old adage that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best. For example, a bicycle costs less than a car but it will not serve the same transportation needs. Hence, you need to find an affordable insurance policy that meets your particular coverage concerns.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Aricas leading car insurance portal.

The car insurers in South Africa are always designing insurance coverages to meet the needs of the different types of drivers, from the urban ones to the off-road ones.

If you don’t have insurance, take stock of your situation. Can you afford to repair or replace your car in the event of an accident? Can you afford to repair or replace someone else’s car or property in the event of an accident that is your fault? What if your car is stolen, hijacked or vandalized? Owning and driving a car is risky business – that’s why you need car insurance.Most South Africans should have Comprehensive Cover. In reality, 65 percent of auto owners in South Africa do not have any coverage. This is a shocking number especially in light of the rising rates of fatalities and injuries on South Africa’s roads.

Third Party Only covers you if you are responsible for damage to someone else’s property in an auto accident. Other options include Third Party Fire and Theft Cover, which pays to replace or repair your vehicle as a result of fire, theft or attempted theft.

Motorcycling is a widely accepted form of both transportation and sport. From America, to South Africa, communities of avid motorcyclists can be found. And just as in the operation of a car, a motorcyclist needs insurance to protect themselves against loss or damage as well. Thankfully there are policies designed specifically for this growing need.

South Africans love to spend time outdoors, and insurance companies have developed policies that specifically deal with the hazards of traveling around the countryside. Off-Road Comprehensive cover deals with the risks of off-road driving.

If you’re considering car insurance for the fist time, you may be surprised by how expensive premiums can be . Several factors drive these rates, and you have a certain amount of control on how they affect your premium.

Younger drivers are considered a higher risk, and therefore pay higher premiums. If you have no driving history, or if your history includes accidents or dangerous driving habits, your premiums will be higher. But, as you age and build a better driving history, your premiums will reflect the lower risk.The first factor, one you can’t really do anything about, is your age and driving record. Fortunately, the passage of time has a great effect on this factor.

The value of your vehicle is another important consideration. Expensive vehicles are more expensive to insure, as are high performance vehicles.

Another way to reduce your premiums is to increase your safety measures. Some companies have minimum safety requirements, but will discount your premiums if you exceed these minimums. Also consider where you keep your vehicle. If your car is parked in a high-crime area or even on the street overnight, you’ll pay for that risk.

As you shop, remember that the cheapest insurance is not always the best. Make sure the policy you choose meets your needs at a price you can afford.Take the time to research the different types of insurance and how they apply to your situation.

Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica’s leading car insurance portal.