driving

Driving during curfew. Image via Adobe Stock

Level 2: Just when you thought it was safe to take to the road

Lockdown Level 2 may be something to celebrate, but driving still means following COVID-19 guidelines, says MasterDrive.

driving

Driving during curfew. Image via Adobe Stock

With COVID-19 Level 2 restrictions in place, South Africans will be rejoicing that they can travel between provinces. However, the curfew remains in place, and drivers should consider the consequences of being involved in an accident during this time.

So says the managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, who says that insurers the company consulted have advised that a claim for a crash after curfew would not be rejected on those grounds alone. They, however, encourage drivers to avoid being on the road after 10pm unless there is an emergency.

What must be noted is that different companies could have diverging views on curfew transgressions, cautions Herbert. All drivers should ascertain their suppliers’ stance on curfew driving and what their views would be regarding legitimate curfew driving.

Cancelling insurance

Drivers trying to reduce their monthly expenses should not cancel their insurance premiums.

“Even if you will still be working from home for the foreseeable future, cancelling your insurance can have negative consequences. Insurance is there to protect you when the unexpected happens, whether this is vehicle theft or a crash. As crime is expected to rise in the coming months, cancelling insurance is a risky decision.”

The opportunity for accidents to occur

“Accidents can occur on the open road, or even if you are taking a short trip to your local shopping centre. Researchers have found that about 50% of all crashes take place five minutes away from home because people drive short distances with an ‘auto’ mindset, and face an increased chance of being involved in a parking lot collision or being distracted while they drive,” says Herbert.

 Other disadvantages of cancelling insurance for a brief period include:

  • Higher premiums once you resume insurance coverage as your risk profile will be higher. 
  • Breach of a contract if your vehicle is financed, which can put you at risk of losing the vehicle.

In both of these instances, it pays to know where you stand.

“Find out what your coverage will be if you drive after curfew, or if you qualify for a reduction while working from home during Level 2,” says Herbert.