Saving You Money For Life

Drinking and driving can cost motorists more than a lost license, a fine and jail time, according to a major South African Auto Insurance Company. The claims manager at South African Mutual and Federal said that a motorist driving under the influence was de facto considered uninsured, according to the policies they issue.

“As a major insurer, we know from many years of experience that consumers often pay insufficient regard to exclusion clauses in their policies, said Keith Kennedy. “A key policy exclusion in motor insurance stipulates that driving with a proven alcohol level above the statutory limit invalidates your coverage.”

“If you drink and drive, you are driving without insurance and that leaves you liable to a whole host of undesired consequences,” said Kennedy. The financial impact of a multi-car collision could run into figures that permanently damage a person’s economic well-being. Drivers are vulnerable for claims and lawsuits from other drivers, passengers and insurance companies as well.

“Most people would be ruined for life covering the cost of the physical damage to vehicles,” according to Kennedy. “The price of a new windscreen and airbag replacement – excluding the cost of bodywork repair – could exceed 50,000 rand on a luxury vehicle.” That is merely one car in the collision and does not take bodily injury into account.

Drivers found to be over the legal limit are arrested and the maximum penalty for drinking and driving is a fine of 120,000 rand and/or six years’ imprisonment (One dollar equates to about seven rand). One other unique feature of drunk driving policy in South Africa is that along with loss of license, a driver could have their car confiscated by the Asset Forfeiture Unit.

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