Richard Branson’s chaste company arrived in South Africa in 2006 with Virgin Money, offering financial products at good value. It was not long after that Virgin began Virgin Insurance, changing the face of direct-short term cover in South Africa with a range of unique benefits, such as no excess and fixed monthly premiums.

Virgin no excess insurance

Insurers use excesses, or deductibles, to balance the risk between them and you. Increasing the amount of the excess lowers monthly premiums, but putting it up too high puts most of the risk on the insured, negating the point of insurance.

Virgin introduced a no-excess car insurance policy to their portfolio. That means no excess for your vehicle if it’s driven by you or your partner. A hurdle amount is paid in the event of theft or accident, with no additional excesses. Claims for windscreens and radios, though, although small, can still be claimed for. (Other drivers of the vehicle, however, will have to pay an excess.)

Virgin accident and towing assist

Included in their car insurance policy, Virgin include towing and accident assistance. This benefit ensures that your vehicle is towed by an approved operator from the scene of the accident to an approved panelbeater. Insureds can call the Virgin insurance towline on 0860 10 45 30 to assist you with the procedure and make sure that you are not browbeaten by unapproved towing companies.

Virgin insurance will also make sure that you get what you need. Any extras that you agree to with the towing company will be your own responsibility, such as paying for the release of your vehicle at an unauthorized storage lot.

Virgin fixed monthly premiums

Most insurers increase the price of premiums year-on-year to make up for the increased costs of repairs (despite the fact that your car has decreased in value). Virgin insurance promises to keep your premiums fixed for 24 months, unless you submit a claim. Submitting a claim changes your profile, making you more of an insurance risk to the insurer.

Virgin emergency roadside assistance

Any time of the day, any day of the week, any week of the year, Virgin insurance provide emergency roadside assistance should your vehicle breakdown. The assistance includes towing of the vehicle to the nearest dealer after an electrical or mechanical breakdown.

Should you lock your keys in the car, you get the first hour of the locksmith’s fees free, and the first hour of labour for changing a flat tyre or battery free.

Virgin home insurance benefits

Not merely and car insurer, Virgin provide home insurance as it should be as well. Included in your policy are the call-out fees and first hour of labour for plumbers, electricians, glaziers and locksmiths. The Virgin insurance home assist benefit also provides referrals for builders, carpeters, painters, garden services and fire damage repair specialists. Each year, you get five free call-outs, any time.