Alright, ladies, let’s chat about something super important: your wheels and how to keep them safe. We all know First for Women’s car insurance cover is out there promising insurance tailor-made for us, with three different car insurance options. But the big question is, which one actually has your back without making your wallet weep? We’re about to dissect each policy like a pro, so you can pick with confidence and drive off feeling lekker (nice/good).
Why This Matters, My Sister!
Picture this: you’re cruising along, living your best life, and then bam! Something unexpected happens. If you’re one of the 61% of South African women drivers who are underinsured (stats from 2023, by the way, not ancient history!), you could be in for a rough ride. We’re talking about the difference between a R150/month Third Party Only plan and a R1,200/month Comprehensive plan. What’s truly covered in each? Let’s find out!
The Three First for Women Car Insurance cover Plans Compared
1. Comprehensive Cover:Â
This one’s the full package, the whole shebang (everything). If you’ve got a new car, one you’re still paying off, or you just want to sleep soundly knowing you’re covered from almost anything, this is your go-to.
What’s Covered?
- Own damage: Yep, if you accidentally ding your car, roll it, or whatever happens, they’ve got you.
- Theft & hijacking: This is big in Mzansi (South Africa). Even if they snatch your keys, you’re covered.
- Fire/explosion: From a rogue electrical fire to something more dramatic, you’re sorted.
- Natural disasters: Think hail, floods, lightning, basically when Mother Nature throws a tantrum.
- Third-party liability: This is super important! If you accidentally damage someone else’s car or injure them, their costs are covered. Phew!
- Windscreen & glass: Often, you get this with zero excess (the amount you pay first before the insurer pays the rest) a real bonus!
What’s Not Covered?
- Mechanical breakdowns: Unless it was caused by an accident, your engine konking out (breaking down) isn’t covered.
- Wear & tear: Bald tyres, old batteries, that’s just life, unfortunately.
- Illegal activities: No joyrides while tipsy (drunk driving) or street racing, hey? That’ll void your cover faster than you can say “eish” (an expression of dismay/surprise).
Ideal For:
- Drivers with cars less than 5 years old.
- Anyone still paying off their car, banks insist on this, boet (mate)!
- People living in high-risk areas, like Pretoria during hail season.
Real Example: Our friend Zanele, who lives in Pretoria, was minding her own business when a massive hailstorm hit. Her trusty Toyota Corolla’s roof got pummeled! Because she had Comprehensive cover, First for Women paid a cool R42,000 for the repairs. Zanele only had to cough up R1,500 in excess. Talk about a lifesaver!
2. Third Party, Fire & Theft:
This plan is like the reliable older sister, not as flashy as Comprehensive, but still pretty solid. It’s perfect for those golden oldie cars (10+ years) or if you’re trying to be clever with your budget.
What’s Covered?
- Third-party liability: Again, if you mess up someone else’s ride or injure them, you’re covered.
- Theft/hijacking: If your car vanishes into thin air, they’ll pay out its market value.
- Fire damage: Including if someone sets your car alight (arson).
What’s Not Covered?
- Own accident damage: This is the big one. If you crash your car, you’re on the hook for your repairs. Ouch!
- Natural disasters: Hail or flood damage to your car? Nope, sorry.
- Windscreen cracks: That tiny chip from a passing truck? Your problem.
Ideal For:
- Cars valued under R80,000.
- Drivers who’ve got a rainy-day fund (emergency savings) tucked away for their own repairs.
- Those living in areas where car theft isn’t a daily headline.
Watch Out: Nomsa learned this the hard way. She was parking and sideswiped a wall. Her Third Party, Fire & Theft policy only covered the damage to the wall. For her R18,000 car repairs? That bill landed squarely in her lap. Ag (oh), shame!
3. Third Party Only:
This is the absolute minimum you can get away with legally. it covers the basics, but not much else.
What’s Covered?
- Third-party liability: And that’s pretty much it! If you damage someone else’s property or injure them, this plan steps in.
What’s Not Covered?
- Your car’s damage: Accidents, theft, fire, your car is on its own.
- Windscreen/glass: Forget it.
- Emergency towing: You’ll be calling a friend with a bakkie (pickup truck) for that!
Ideal For:
- Cars worth less than R30,000.
- Drivers who hardly ever use their vehicles.
- Those who wouldn’t bat an eyelid (show no surprise/concern) at replacing their car out of their own pocket.
Reality Check: Thando thought she was being smart with her R150/month Third Party Only policy. Then, she was in a hit-and-run. Her car needed R55,000 in repairs. Guess what? Her policy didn’t cover a single cent of her car’s damage. It would have only covered the other driver’s bumper if they’d stuck around. Tough pill to swallow!
5 Critical Questions to Choose Your Shield
Okay, so now that you know the ins and outs, let’s get practical. Ask yourself these questions before you sign on the dotted line:
- “Could I afford to repair/replace my car tomorrow?”
- If your answer is a big, fat “no,” then you need Comprehensive. Simple as that.
- “Is my car older than 2015 with high mileage?”
- If you nod “yes,” then TPFT (Third Party, Fire & Theft) might just be enough to keep you covered without breaking the bank.
- “Do I drive in high-risk areas (hail/flood/theft)?”
- If your answer is “yes,” then Comprehensive is non-negotiable, my friend. Don’t play yourself (don’t fool yourself)!
- “Am I required by my bank to have full cover?”
- If your car is financed, the answer is always “yes.” Banks want their assets protected, so you must choose Comprehensive.
- “How much excess can I handle?”
- Comprehensive plans usually come with an excess ranging from R2,500 to R7,500. Can you pay that if something happens?
- For TPFT, you might pay R0 for third-party claims, but remember, your own car’s repairs are on you.
First for Women’s Unique Benefits: The Perks!
Beyond the basics, First for Women adds a few cool things specifically for us:
- 24/7 Female Call Center: Because sometimes, it’s just easier to chat with another woman, especially when you’re stressed.
- “Drive Like a Girl” Discounts: This is proper cool! If you’re a safe driver, you could score up to 25% off your premiums. Talk about a pat on the back!
- Roadside Assistance Add-On: For about R85/month, you can add this on for towing, jump-starts, or if you’ve locked your keys inside. Lifesaver!
- No-Claim Bonus Protection: This means you get one free claim per year without losing your hard-earned no-claim bonus. Boom!
3 Mistakes to Avoid Like a Bad Date
Seriously, don’t make these blunders!
- Underinsuring a Financed Car: This is a huge no-no. Your bank can actually repossess your ride if you downgrade from Comprehensive cover. Don’t risk it!
- Ignoring Excess Costs: Thinking a cheaper premium is always better? Not if your excess is so high it makes your eyes water. A R5,000 excess could wipe out any savings from a lower monthly premium if you have to claim.
- Assuming All Perils Are Covered: Even with Comprehensive, don’t just assume everything is included. For example, pothole damage isn’t usually covered unless you add extra cover. Read the fine print, girl!
FAQ: Quick Answers for Busy Women
Q: Can I switch plans mid-year? A: Yep, you can. But just know there’s usually a small pro-rata admin fee, around R300, for the hassle.
Q: Does First for Women cover pothole damage? A: Nah, not automatically. You need to add Tyre & Rim Cover for about R120/month extra to get that sorted.
Q: Are boyfriends/husbands allowed to drive my car? A: Yes, they are! But just a heads-up, having male drivers on your policy can sometimes bump up your premiums by 15-30%. Something to keep in mind, hey?
Final Verdict: What’s Your Flavour?
- Best Protection: Go for Comprehensive if your car is valued at over R100,000. It’s worth every cent for that peace of mind.
- Budget Balance: TPFT (Third Party, Fire & Theft) is your sweet spot for cars between R50,000 and R100,000.
- Minimum Legal Cover: If your car is a real oldie, worth less than R30,000, and you’re just looking for the absolute basics, then TPO (Third Party Only) might do the trick.
Next Steps: Get Your Quote, Mzansi Style!
Ready to pick your shield? Don’t just sit there!
- “Get a First for Women Quote in 5 Minutes”
- “Compare with Other Insurers” Always a good idea to shop around, you savvy shopper! you can use insurance comparison services like Hippo.co.za [read more about Hippo and other insurance comparison sites here]
There you have it, ladies! Choosing your car insurance doesn’t have to be a mission. Now you’re armed with all the info to pick the perfect shield for your ride and drive with confidence. Drive safe and remember, this article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t count as financial advice. Always get a personalized quote and read the full policy details before making your final decision!
