Author: team dotsure.co.za

  • HOW WE PROTECT YOU AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

    HOW WE PROTECT YOU AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

     

    From Car Hire to Repairs – How Your Insurance Steps In When You Need It Most

    Dealing with a car accident or breakdown can be stressful, but having the right insurance partner makes all the difference. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more serious incident, understanding the car insurance claim process ensures you get back on the road quickly, minus all the added stress.

    What To Do After an Accident or Breakdown

    Before you can think of insurance, there are a few things you should do:

    1. Safety First!
      Move your car to a safe spot and turn on your hazards if possible. If you were in an accident, check yourself and others for injuries and then call for help.
    2. Call For Help
      Call for medical help if needed and alert the police. Once help is on the way, report the incident to your insurance provider.
    1. Document the Scene

    For breakdowns: Take note of any strange sounds or warning lights before calling for help.

    For accidents: Take clear photos of the scene and any damage. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and if there were any witnesses, get their details, too.

    1. Submit Your Claim
      With our 24/7 online Manage Portal, filing your claims and tracking their progress has never been easier.

    RELATED: How to Claim on Your Car Insurance

    How Can dotsure.co.za Assist You

    It’s most likely that you will call your insurance provider during tough times, not when things are going smoothly, right? That’s why we believe insurance isn’t just about covering the costs. We aim to be there for you when you need us most.

    1. Emergency Assistance

    Give us a call, and we’ll help you right there and then with:

    • Medical Assistance: Immediate response and transportation to the nearest medical facility.
    • Towing Services: We’ll tow your car to the nearest approved panel beater or workshop, whether it’s a breakdown or an accident.
    • Transport Assistance: We’ll arrange transport to a safe location or home for you and any of your passengers.
    • Second Tow: Moved to the wrong repair shop? We’ll get your car to one of our approved panel beaters.

    2. Car Hire Assistance

    Stay mobile while your car is in the shop! We’ll contribute up to R1,000 towards car hire to keep your life moving.

    3. Car Repairs

    We have a range of trusted workshops and dealers ready to repair your car and get it on the road again!

    Avoiding Claim Rejections

    To avoid delays or rejections and keep things easy-peasy lemon squeezy, always:

    • Report incidents promptly.
    • Provide accurate and detailed information.
    • Stay up to date with your premium payments.

    We’ve Got You Covered

    With dotsure.co.za car insurance, we’ve got your back from the moment an incident happens to when your car’s ready to drive again. Plus, we’ll ensure your motor insurance claims process is simple, stress-free and lightning-fast!

  • PACK LIKE A PRO: YOUR DOG’S ULTIMATE HIKING BAG CHECKLIST

    PACK LIKE A PRO: YOUR DOG’S ULTIMATE HIKING BAG CHECKLIST

     

    Planning a hiking adventure with your four-legged friend? Here are our top hiking essentials to help you pack like a pro and make the most of your adventure together.

    Related: SA’S TOP DOG-FRIENDLY HIKING SPOTS

     

    Essentials for Your Dog’s Hiking Bag:

     

    1. Water Bowl and Fresh Water

    Just like you, your dog needs frequent water breaks. A lightweight, collapsible water bowl makes offering water wherever you are accessible. It’s also crucial that you carry enough water for both of you.

     

    2. Dog-Friendly Hiking Snacks

    Who doesn’t love a snack? Keep your dog energised on the trail with some high-protein, pet-friendly snacks!
    Pro tip: Bring extra snacks in case the hike takes longer than expected.

    If you’re in the mood to bake, check out our pet-friendly peanut butter treats here – 4 RECIPES FOR PETS WHO LOVE PEANUT BUTTER

     

    3. First Aid Kit for Pets

    Accidents can happen, especially when we’re outdoors. Along with your first aid kit, pack a pet-specific first aid kit with:

    • Tweezers (for ticks or thorns)
    • Antiseptic wipes
    • Bandages and gauze
    • Emergency contact numbers for the nearest vet

     

    4. Waste Bags and a Portable Scoop

    You know that saying, “Leave it the way you found it?” Well, keeping nature clean is part of being a responsible pet parent. Bring enough waste bags and maybe even a portable scoop to make cleanup easy. No one wants to step in your dog’s mess!

     

    5. Comfort Gear

    While being outdoors may seem like their natural habitat, keeping them comfortable will mean you both enjoy the adventure even more! Depending on the weather and trail conditions, consider packing a small towel for muddy paws or a bandana you can wet to keep them cool.

     

    6. Identification and Safety Gear

    Even if your dog is microchipped, hiking in new areas can bring unexpected challenges. Make sure your dog wears a collar with updated information, such as your name, address and contact number.

     

    7. Leash and Harness

    Finally, the most important thing is a sturdy harness and leash!
    Our top hiking tip for dogs: Bring both a standard leash and a longer lead; the latter gives your four-legged adventurer some freedom on safe, open trails.

     

    Always Be Prepared!

    Being prepared is critical to a safe and fun-filled adventure in nature with your pet. With the right gear and a bit of planning, your dog will be ready to race you on any trail!

    For extra peace of mind, ensure your furry companion is covered with SA’s #1 Pet Insurance** – dotsure.co.za!

    **Voted SA’s #1 Pet insurer 2023/2024. The Star, Die Burger, Beeld, City Press

  • HOW TO GIVE BACK TO PETS IN NEED THIS NOVEMBER

    HOW TO GIVE BACK TO PETS IN NEED THIS NOVEMBER

     

    Creating Soft Landings for Animal Charities in SA

    While many of us are gearing up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday during November, we thought we could find a way for you to Give Back this November too. Whether you want to donate, volunteer or participate in a charity event, here’s how you can make a difference for pets in need across South Africa.

     

    Support Local Animal Charities

    Many animal welfare organisations in South Africa do incredible work, from providing shelter and vaccinations to rescuing and rehoming pets. Here’s a quick look at some trusted organisations you can support:

    • SPCA: With branches across the country, the SPCA focuses on rescue, adoption and animal welfare. You can make SPCA donations or adopt a pet from a nearby shelter.
    • AACL (Animal Anti-Cruelty League): This organisation rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals, working tirelessly to prevent animal cruelty.

     

    Support Local Foundations

    From helping animals in underprivileged areas to running and raising money for dogs, these organisations provide soft landings for animals across South Africa in many ways.

    These are only a few. There are so many more online. Search for an animal charity near you and show your suppawt!

     

    How to Get Involved

    1. Donate to Pets in Need

    Monetary donations help charities cover vet bills, food and operational costs. You can also support them by donating food, blankets, toys and cleaning supplies.

    2. Volunteer Your Time

    Shelters always need extra hands. Volunteer to walk the dogs, clean kennels or foster kittens and puppies until they are adopted.

    3. Spread Awareness

    Share your favourite charities and how others can help show their support too. Spreading awareness about animals in need is one of the easiest ways to give back this November.

     

    The Power of Soft Landings

    At dotsure.co.za, we exist to provide Soft Landings to our people, policyholders, and communities. It is our responsibility to do good, think good and be good. Consider giving back this November. A small act of kindness can give pets the second chance they deserve.

  • JUST CANCELLED YOUR CAR INSURANCE? WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

    JUST CANCELLED YOUR CAR INSURANCE? WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

     

    What could go wrong you ask? Well, everything! Even if you’re the most careful driver on the road, other drivers aren’t always so careful and could crash into your car. Your car is always at risk of being stolen or hijacked. The wise thing to do is to cut back on unnecessary costs or chat to your service provider about what options are available to reduce your premium, rather than just cancelling your cover.

     

    1. Murphy’s Law

    Thanks to Murphy, you’ll always need to claim, almost immediately after you have cancelled your car insurance. And that’s only the top of the long list of things that could go wrong.

     

    1. Times may be tough, but they’re also unpredictable

    Accidents do happen. So, what happens if you collide with somebody else? How will you pay for third-party claims against you? Insurance – that’s how!

     

    1. You could pay more on future premiums

    Cancelling your current insurance policy could affect your premiums in the future. Your insurance history counts, and it can affect your future insurance quotes. Someone with a 6-year history qualifies for a more affordable rate than someone with a 1-year history. Continuous cover history matters too, meaning that you may go back to a 0 to 1-year history if you decide to cancel your insurance for a few months.

     

    1. High-risk, low-reward

    If you stay insured and keep your claims to a minimum, you can build a low insurance-risk profile. Insurers love low-risk clients and reward them with better premiums. On the other hand, you could become a high-risk client if you keep cancelling your car insurance. Which means, insurers could charge you higher premiums.

     

    1. You could struggle to get cover again

    The more you cancel your vehicle insurance, the more high-risk you become. Some insurers could go as far as to decline your application if they consider you to be too high-risk.

     

    1. It could cost you more than you save

    If you are involved in an accident, you might be liable to pay for all damages (to your car and the other person’s) out of your own pocket. Future insurance quotes could be higher than what you are currently paying as well.

     

    1. You could be left paying for a car you don’t own

    Theft, fire, and hijacking are three events that can happen to anyone at any time. They’re often just a case of bad luck. You could lose your car and still owe the bank if your car isn’t paid-up.

     

    1. You could be found in breach of contract

    If your vehicle is financed by a bank, you could be in breach of contract. Almost every car financing agreement requires the owner to have a comprehensive car insurance policy while the outstanding amount is being paid off. If you cancel your car insurance, you could be violating the terms of your financing agreement and your mechanical baby may be repossessed.