Category: Manage Portal

  • WHAT YOUR EXTENDED CAR WARRANTY ACTUALLY COVERS

    WHAT YOUR EXTENDED CAR WARRANTY ACTUALLY COVERS

     

    Nothing takes the sparkle out of a lovely day faster than car trouble, especially when you’ve got places to be: A big jol with the mates, brunch with someone special, or a trip home after proudly telling everyone how smoothly your new-to-you baby runs. Then comes the clunk, the cough, and then the silence. Like a Mzansi soapie cliffhanger, your car gives one last dramatic gasp… and dies mid-scene.

    Right there outside the office. Or worse, at the fast-food drive-thru with everyone watching your public fallout with your car. Welcome to the world of mechanical and electrical betrayal, and the reason it pays to know exactly what your extended car warranty covers (and what it doesn’t).

     

    What Is an Extended Car Warranty and Why Does It Matter?

    Think of a car warranty as your ride’s safety net. It’s an agreement between you and your insurer that says: “If something goes wrong unexpectedly, we’ve got you.” In other words, if a covered part fails due to a mechanical or electrical fault, they’ll cover the costs to repair or replace it (so you don’t have to spend the kids’ uniform money).

    Here are a few reasons why having car warranty cover is a great idea:

    • Saves You Money: Modern cars are tech-heavy, and fixing major parts like the engine or electronics can be pricey. A warranty helps keep surprise costs off your plate
    • Less Stress, More Driving: Knowing big repairs are covered lets you enjoy the journey without worrying about what might go wrong
    • Manufacturer-Certified Repairs: Warranty repair work is usually done by certified pros using genuine parts, so your car stays in top shape

     

    What Does an Extended Car Warranty Cover?

    Your extended car warranty isn’t there to fix every “eish” car moment under the sun. It’s designed to protect you from mechanical and electrical breakdowns, the big-ticket problems that make your car tap out when you least expect it.

    Here’s what’s typically covered under your extended car warranty:

    Covered under warranty
    Engine & gearbox Your car’s heart and spine.
    Cambelt The part that keeps everything moving in harmony.
    Electronic ignition  You cannot start any trip without it.
    Air conditioning Because December traffic without A/C is pure torture.
    Steering, fuel, & braking systems The unsung heroes that turn your car from a driveway ornament into a smooth ride.

    When your car’s electronics and mechanics blow, your mood follows suit, and so does your budget. That’s why having cover for the big stuff is so important.

     

    How Much Car Warranty Cover I Can Get?

    At dotsure.co.za, we don’t do one-size-fits-all. We check all the boxes, so you can enjoy cover that suits your ride and lifestyle.

    Finding a plan your wallet won’t fight with? Check. Cover for cars up to 15 years old? Check. Protection for 60+ mechanical and electrical bits and bobs? Big check. Now that’s what we call an Extended Car Warranty. Our goal is to keep you on the road longer, with fewer tow truck selfies on your camera roll.

     

    What’s Not Covered (Or Why Your Claim Got Declined)?

    This is where the heartbreak happens. Like we said, warranties won’t cover everything, no matter how nicely you ask.

    Not covered under warranty
    Wear and tear If it’s just worn down by time, it’s a job for a maintenance plan.
    Pre-existing damage That rattle you “ignored” since 2021.
    Unapproved mods Your dropped suspension dreams can void your cover.
    Neglect Skipping a service, so consider a service plan.
    Scratches and dents Cosmetic damage won’t make the list.
    Accidents That’s your car insurance’s job.

     

    RELATED: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN & WEAR AND TEAR; WARRANTY EXLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS

     

    What’s the Difference Between a Warranty, Service Plan, and Maintenance Plan?

    They might sound like the same thing, but these three have very different personalities.

    • Warranty: Steps in when something breaks
    • Service Plan: Handles the regular checkups like oil changes, and spark plugs
    • Maintenance Plan: Covers both your services and wear-and-tear parts such as brakes and wiper blades

    Your warranty saves you when things go wrong, your service plan keeps things ticking, and your maintenance plan makes sure you never have to worry about those “what’s that sound?” moments.

     

    ServiceXtender: Optional Support for Maintenance and Repairs

    Cars get older. Parts wear out. And servicing? Well, that’s your car’s leg day – you can’t skip it. Our ServiceXtender gives you a little extra backup for those maintenance costs from oil changes and filters to spark plugs and other essentials, helping you stay road-ready without the financial sweat.

    It’s like giving your car a self-care budget. Just add it to your Extended Car Warranty for that extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Simply log into your Manage Portal to update your cover.

     

    The Everyday Things That Can Void Your Warranty

    Sometimes it’s not the damage, it’s the driver. Even small oversights can void your warranty. Car warranties come with rules, and breaking them is like ignoring your GPS – things take a turn for the worst. Here’s how to avoid the “claim declined” heartbreak:

    • Stick to your service schedule
    • Use an industry-recognised specialist
    • Avoid using generic parts from that one cousin’s “friend” or cheap parts
    • Tell your insurer about any major changes
    • Don’t use your car for business when your policy says personal use only
    • Don’t skip payments or services

    At dotsure.co.za, our worry-free warranty gives you a 30-day grace period from policy start to catch up on services, plus freedom to use any industry-recognised specialist.

     

    How to Get the Right Car Warranty Cover for You

    Before you set off on one of those spontaneous long weekend missions, road trips, grocery runs, or whatever – take a moment to check your car warranty. Know what’s covered, what’s not, and if you’re unsure, reach out. We’ll help you figure it out.

    Why? Because sometimes, the real buzzkill of any journey isn’t the traffic… it’s your car’s gearbox. Car parts have impeccable timing (the bad kind), and when they do, you’ll want dotsure.co.za on your side.

    Don’t wait until you’re popping the bonnet and staring into the engine like it’s a maths paper, before you act. Get Extended Car Warranty cover that goes the extra mile, with protection for over 60 mechanical and electrical components, and payouts made directly to you for full control and peace of mind.

    When life throws you a mechanical curveball, let us help you get the situation straightened up.

     

    RELATED: CAR MAINTENANCE PLAN VS SERVICE PLAN VS MOTOR WARRANTY

     

     

    Ts & Cs apply.

  • HOW DOES A CAR WARRANTY WORK? A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

    HOW DOES A CAR WARRANTY WORK? A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

     

    It doesn’t matter how many YouTube videos you watch, unless you’re a mechanic or dotsure.co.za, most of us have an experience point (XP) level of minus 100 for repairing and replacing car parts, which is why a car warranty is a must-have for expert peace of mind. But how does an extended car warranty actually work? Let’s explore how to sign up, what your extended warranty covers, and how to claim.

     

    How To Sign Up For An Extended Car Warranty

    1 – Click the link below to get a quote:

    Quote Now.

    2 – Fill in your details:

    Share your name, surname, contact number, email address, and ID number.

    Provide details about your car: model, make, year, and mileage.

    3 – Choose your plan:

    Pick between 7 different pricing and cover options, which you can upgrade or downgrade anytime.

    4 – Sign up:

    Once you’ve signed up, there’s a waiting period of 30 days, and then you’re covered!

     

    What Does It Cover?

    Mechanical and electrical failures: We cover up to 60 components in your car that break due to mechanical or electrical failures. Plus, you can take your vehicle to any Retail Motor Industry (RMI)-approved workshop anywhere in SA, and we’ll pay the claims directly to you.

    Emergency roadside and medical assistance: Get help when you need it most at no extra cost!

    RELATED: AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES ON THE ROAD

     

    How to Claim

    If something goes wrong, claiming with dotsure.co.za is simple:

    1. Head to an approved provider:
      • Take your car to an RMI-approved workshop of your choice.
    2. Notify us:
      • Log in to your Manage Portal to submit your claim or contact our team directly.
    3. Submit your documents:
      • Have your policy number, breakdown report, and any required forms ready.
    4. Relax, while we handle the rest:
      • One of our consultants will contact you to process your claim!

     

    Seamless Cover

    Easy, right? Do you know what’s not as easy, though? Driving without a warranty and the ‘shift’ hits the fan. Life’s unpredictable; take back a little control and get covered with our extended car warranty today!

  • THE COST OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP TRANSFERS IN SA

    THE COST OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP TRANSFERS IN SA

     

    So, you’ve bought or sold a car; what’s next? Changing ownership is not just about signing papers. A process (and some costs) are involved. Don’t worry. We’ve broken it down from how to change your vehicle ownership to making sure you and your new car are covered every step of the way, too!

     

    How Much Does Vehicle Ownership Cost?

    The cost of changing ownership depends on where you are and what’s required. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical expenses:

    • Change of Ownership Fee: This is capped at R330, as gazetted in May 2023.
    • Roadworthy Certificate: Expect to pay between R500 and R800 per vehicle at a roadworthy inspection centre.
    • Vehicle Licence Fees: These vary by province and car type, ranging from R500 to R1 500.

    Pro Tip: Costs can change, so double-check with your local licensing department before starting the process.

    RELATED: THE HIDDEN COSTS OF CAR OWNERSHIP.

     

    Steps to Transfer Ownership

    Changing ownership is easier when you know the steps. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

    1 – Get Your Documents Ready:

      • Both the buyer and seller need to provide copies of their IDs and proof of address.
      • The seller must hand over the vehicle registration certificate.
      • A valid roadworthy certificate is required.
      • A Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form (both buyer and seller need to sign this).

    Find all the forms you need here at the NATIS website.

    2 – Visit the Licensing Department or Post Office:

    Fill in the Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form and submit all the documents.

    3 – Pay the Fees:

    These include the ownership transfer fee and any outstanding licence fees.

    Pro Tip: Any changes to the vehicle owner or title holder’s details must be reported to the relevant registering authority within 21 days of the change.

    For a full guide, links to forms, and who to contact, check out this article by the SA Government: Change owner or title holder particulars for a vehicle.

     

    What About Your Car Insurance?

    Don’t forget to cancel your car insurance if you’re selling your car.

    Upgrading to a new ride? Update your policy to match your new vehicle. At dotsure.co.za, we make adjusting your motor insurance online quick and hassle-free! Simply sign in to your Manage Portal!

     

    Why It’s Worth It

    Changing ownership isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s peace of mind. Knowing your car is correctly registered in your name (or the new owner’s) avoids potential issues down the line. For example, if the new owner gets a speeding fine for a car still registered under your name, guess who’s paying? That’s right, you’ll be sent the fine.

    For seamless car insurance to match your new (or new to you) ride, visit dotsure.co.za today. We’ve got your back every step of the way!

  • ARE YOU COVERED IF SOMEONE ELSE DRIVES YOUR CAR?

    ARE YOU COVERED IF SOMEONE ELSE DRIVES YOUR CAR?

     

    We’ve all been there: you’re too tired to drive, have an unplanned drink at a holiday party, or simply need a favour. Handing over your car keys might be the safest option, but it comes with an important question: Does your car insurance cover you if someone else drives your car With car insurance from dotsure.co.za, you can customise your policy to suit your needs, ensuring peace of mind during the festive season or anytime you need someone else behind the wheel. Let’s explore your options.

    What Does dotsure.co.za Motor Insurance Cover?

    Under dotsure.co.za’s comprehensive car insurance, there are three main driver options you can choose from to tailor your cover to your driving habits. Plus, you can manage all of these driver options via our 24/7 Manage Portal, where you can easily turn this option on or off, based on your needs.

    RELATED: Driving Clarity: Get on Track With FAQs

    1. Open Driver Policy

    The most flexible option: anyone with a valid driver’s license and your permission can drive your car, and you’ll still be covered if something goes wrong. Whether it’s a family member, a friend or even a trusted colleague, you won’t have to worry about claims or repair costs.

    • Pros: Maximum convenience; anyone you trust can drive your car.
    • Cons: Highest premiums because of increased risk.

    2. Nominated Driver Policy

    Ah, the perfect middle ground. With this option, you can name a specific person (or a few) to drive your car. These individuals are listed on your policy schedule, ensuring they’re covered while keeping your premium lower than with an open driver policy.

    • Pros: More affordable than open driver cover.
    • Cons: Only nominated drivers are covered.

    Ideal for families, this policy works well if you have a spouse or frequent co-driver.

    3. Single Driver Policy

    This option ensures that only you are insured to drive your car. If affordability is your top priority and you’re the sole driver, this is the best choice.

    • Pros: Lowest premiums.
    • Cons: No cover if someone else drives your car.

    If you rarely or never let others drive your car, this option keeps your premium as low as possible.

    How to Check or Update Your Car Insurance Policy

    Not sure which driver option you have? It’s easy to check:

    1. Log into the 24/7 Manage Portal to view your policy, make changes or activate/deactivate driver options based on your holiday plans.
    2. Prefer the personal touch? Contact dotsure.co.za on 0861 368 7873 or email [email protected] for assistance.

    With flexible car insurance from dotsure.co.za and easy management, you can focus on enjoying the journey without worrying about the “what-ifs.”

  • THE GIFT OF PROTECTION: WHY CAR INSURANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

    THE GIFT OF PROTECTION: WHY CAR INSURANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

     

    Reassess Your Insurance This Festive Season

    There’s nothing like Dezemba in South Africa! The sun is shining, friends and family are coming together, and the air is alive with all the vibes of a true Mzansi Summer! With all the festivities, the last thing you want to worry about is your car insurance premiums or your budget!

    The holidays are the perfect time to review your cover with us. Are you not driving your car on weekends? Maybe you’re jetting off somewhere, so you won’t be using it at all.

    With dotsure.co.za’s Name Your Price™,  we allow you to adjust your motor insurance policy, ensuring it works for you this festive season.

    It’s also a great time to review your car maintenance. Check out our 5 Car Maintenance Tips You Should Know.

    Customise Your Car Insurance Cover for the Holidays

    Name Your Price™ is the Build-A-Bear of insurance. You can customise your cover to fit your needs and your pocket. Because over the festive season, we know saving money is probably the best gift you could give yourself.

    How to save on car insurance this festive season:

    Weekend Driving: Staying in for movie marathons or family braais? Switch off weekend driving and fill those Christmas stockings with the savings you just scored!

    Night-Time Driving: Are you using this holiday to relax and have no desire to make any plans past 21:00? Then, turn off the night-time driving cover and lower your premium.

    Frequent Driver: Are you taking a holiday break from your usual daily commute? Simple: pay less if you’re driving less. Plus, you’ll have some extra change for those island cocktails you’ve been dreaming about.

    Hail Cover: If your holiday spot is sunny and hail-free, turn it off and save!

    Windscreen Cover: Are you planning to drive on smooth highways instead of bumpy gravel roads? Turn off this cover and get an extra gift with your discount.

    Driver Options: If you’re the only driver for the summer, switch to the single-driver option to reduce costs.

    RELATED: Are You Covered if Someone Else Drives Your Car?

    Get Festive Ready

    We’re all about giving you control over your car insurance without worrying about how much you’re spending. Not just over the holidays but all year round! If saving money is your thing, and it should be, go to your 24/7 online Manage Portal and tailor your cover now!

    PS: Speaking of the festive season, we have some fantastic gift ideas for car lovers! If you need some gift inspiration, read our latest blog here:  The Ultimate Gift Guide For Car Lovers This Festive Season

  • THE ULTIMATE FESTIVE SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE

    THE ULTIMATE FESTIVE SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE

    Festive season, holiday season, Dezemba, aka: Silly Season! We know that the South African holidays can come with their share of risk and chaos! From unpredictable storms to opportunistic crime, here’s our festive season survival guide to being prepared so you can enjoy those cocktails instead of relying on them. 😉

    Here’s how to protect what matters most:

    1. Lock down your home

    If you’re travelling, don’t leave your home vulnerable.

    • Test your alarm, lock valuables away and ask a trusted friend or neighbour to check in. Your plants and your pocket will thank you later!
    • Use timer switches on your lights or smart cameras to create the illusion of someone’s home; you’re less likely to be targeted if your house doesn’t look “empty”.
    • Update or review your building and contents insurance; burglary claims often spike at this time of the year.
    • And remember, resist the urge to post your travel plans on social media. Letting the world know you’re not home for a few weeks is like handing over your keys and asking for trouble.

    2. Ready your car for road trips

    Wherever you’re headed, if you’re hitting the road, your car needs attention.

    • Schedule a service and check essentials such as tyre pressure, fluids and brakes.
    • Make sure your insurance includes emergency roadside assistance. You’ll thank yourself later.

    Our car insurance cover has your back if you’re stranded. Read more about that here: After-hours Emergencies on The Road.

    We also have a complete road trip checklist just for you!

    3. Secure your valuables

    Portable possessions such as phones, jewellery and holiday purchases are easy targets for thieves.

    • Don’t leave valuables such as handbags or shopping bags in your car, if you do, keep them out of sight!
    • Update your insurance to cover new items and gifts. You can manage your policies with us from the 24/7 Online Manage Portal.

    4. Prepare for storms and power cuts

    A South African summer means thunderstorms and power cuts for some parts of the country. For the entire country, load-shedding is always a risk!

    • Clear gutters, trim trees and check your roof for leaks.
    • Protect your electronics with surge protectors and find out if your policy covers things such as spoilage if your freezer fails. RIP to all the lost gammons out there!

    5. Stay safe when staying home

    Even if you’re not travelling, always keep safety in mind!

    • Set your alarm, lock gates and park your cars securely.
    • Be cautious with open flames and overloaded plugs. Candles are great for ambience, but not if they are near flammable festive decorations.

    Enjoy worry-free festivities with insurance

    The holidays are for celebrating, not stressing. With dotsure.co.za, you’re covered for life’s unexpected twists. Get a quote or review your policy today at 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!

  • HOW TO MANAGE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY ONLINE

    HOW TO MANAGE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY ONLINE

     

    Your Guide to dotsure.co.za’s Manage Portal

    In today’s digital age, managing your insurance policies shouldn’t be a hassle. With the convenience of dotsure.co.za’s online Manage Portal, staying on top of your coverage, payments, and claims has never been easier.

     

    Policies

    Once logged in, you’ll gain access to a comprehensive overview of your insurance policies.

    • View Policy Details:

    Get all the necessary information about each of your policies. Having this information readily available helps you stay informed about your insurance needs.

    • Upgrade or Downgrade Policies:

    Life changes, and so do your insurance needs. Whether you’re planning to increase your coverage or adjust it to better fit your current circumstances, you can easily upgrade or downgrade your policies with just a few clicks.

    • Add Policies:

    Need additional coverage? No problem! You can add new policies directly through the portal, saving you time and the hassle of dealing with paperwork or making phone calls.

    • Access Policy Documents:

    Forget rifling through stacks of paperwork. Our portal provides convenient access to all your policy documents, ensuring that you have everything you need right at your fingertips.

     

    Personal Details

    Keeping your personal information updated is crucial to ensure the accuracy of your insurance policies. With our Manage Portal, you can effortlessly update your details whenever you need to. Whether you’ve moved to a new address, changed your phone number, or updated your email, you can easily make these changes online.

     

    Transactions

    Stay on top of your payments and premiums with the transaction features offered.

    • View Payments Made:

    Keep track of your payment history, including dates and amounts paid. This feature provides transparency into your financial transactions with us, helping you stay organised and informed.

    • View Premiums Due:

    The portal allows you to view upcoming premium due dates, ensuring that you’re always aware of when payments are due and can plan accordingly.

     

    Claims

    Filing insurance claims can be a stressful experience, but our online solution aims to streamline the process and alleviate some of that stress.

    • Submit a Claim:

    Whether you’ve been in an accident, experienced property damage, or had to take your pet to the vet, you can easily submit a claim through the portal.

    • View Claims in Progress:

    Wondering about the status of your claim? Our portal provides real-time updates on claims in progress, keeping you informed every step of the way.

    • View Processed Claims:

    Need to reference a past claim? The portal keeps a record of all processed claims, allowing you to review details such as claim amounts, dates, and resolutions.

     

    Managing your insurance policies doesn’t have to be a headache. With dotsure.co.za’s Manage Portal, you have all the tools you need to stay organised, informed, and in control of your coverage.