While paying a hefty car insurance premium every month warrants you claiming from your insurer for every scratch and lightbulb, it’s not in your best interest to do so. You’ve heard that it pays to reduce the amount of claims you lay with your insurance company, and here’s why.



When you make a claim, you push up yours ad everyone else insurance premiums. While most short-term insurers only increase premiums once a year, this increase is directly related to the amount claims they repudiated the year before. You also lose that well-earned no-claim bonus you’ve been saving for two years. Most insurers offer no-claim bonuses whereby they give you a percentage of your total claims over a certain period for being a low-risk client.



It’s also good, for obvious reasons, to try and avoid having reasons to claim. Driving safely and taking preventative measures to protect your car from theft are more advisable than claiming and its ensuing process.



To avoid claims, take the following precautionary measures:

• Keep your car in good condition. Roadworthy cars respond better in emergencies.
• ?Check your tyres regularly. Worn tyres are the number cause for car accidents. Rotate new tyres to prolong their lifespan. ?
• Keep your car safe with alarm systems, tracking devices and a garage for at night - doing this reduces your premiums (so be sure to tell your insurer you’ve taking these steps)?
• Try not let other people drive your car. They’re not as cautious with your possessions as you are.?
• Be alert when driving. It could save you from a hijacking and avoid driving in areas that known for smash-and-grabs and hijackings. ?
• Drive safely. This means no alcohol or cellphones while driving. ?
• Reduce the amount of time you spend on the road. Sales reps insurance is higher because they’re on the road more which increases the opportunity for an accident. Same with you. ?
• Keep valuable in the boot. These are coveted little reasons that may be a thief’s deciding factor when picking your car.