In most countries of the world some kind of vehicle insurance is a prerequisite before you drive on the public highway
. South Africa is an exception to this rule. However whether legally required or not it is generally regarded as not only sensible but also practical to have some kind of liability cover if nothing else. Check out companies dealing in car insurance services to see the types of policies on offer.
There are various reasons why it is advisable to get vehicle insurance. The most important one, possibly, is that you may at some time be involved in an accident. If you are proven to be the cause of that accident you can find yourself liable to pay quite a lot in damages. This can include repairing one or more smashed cars and/or medical bills for injuries sustained by those involved in the crash.
Another good reason for taking some kind of cover is in case your car is stolen. This is quite a common occurrence these days. You may not be able to recover your vehicle or it may be a complete write-off when you do. Insurance will undoubtedly help to soften the blow.
Of course you have to pay premiums. This can be quite an issue especially when you are young and driving your first car. Insurance companies tend to look at anyone under, say, 30 as a high risk. This is especially true if you are driving a sports car. An old car might not create such a risky impression. If you have a steady job, that too will add plus points and may reduce the premium.
If you have never insured anything before in your life, then you should definitely read up on the subject before coming to any decision. There are plenty of sites you can consult. Read what some of the leading companies have to say. You can also post questions if there is anything troubling you or read some of the blogs online.
Another good way to get information is to ask family and friends who already have policies. They may be able to recommend a company or broker. Preferably get advice from someone who has made a claim. They will tell you how well their insurer responded.
Get online quotes from those offering car insurance services. You can even get comparative quotations on some sites. These will help you to select the correct policy.