Car insurance can be overwhelming, with all the things you need to consider and those technical terms that insurers love to throw around.
And if you’re unsure about something, chances are lots of other people are too. Feel better? Didn’t think so. We are here to make the process of getting a new policy less scary and answered some of the most common questions.
How does a No Claims Discount save me money?
By providing a No Claims Discount (NCD), which tells insurers how many years you have driven “claim free”, you are able to get up to 60% off your car insurance policy. If you want to switch insurers, your bonus is transferable too, so don’t think you need to stay with the same insurer to benefit from this well earned discount. Being a safe driver really does pay!
Does the area I live in affect my car insurance policy?
No, within T&T, the price of your car insurance doesn’t change according to where you live. However, some insurers may increase your insurance premium if your car is primarily driven in Tobago (rather than Trinidad) or if you are buying Comprehensive cover and your car is not kept in a locked garage.
How old do you have to be to get insurance on your car?
Although in the T&T the minimum age to obtain a driving license is 17, most of the insurance companies won’t provide a policy to anyone under the age of 25. A young driver may drive, but you will need to be added to your parents’ policy and this will definitely increase their premium. There are a few insurers that cover people below 25 but it comes with higher premium.
Does car insurance cover natural disasters and flood damage in the T&T?
If you’re talking Third Party insurance, this cover is not given. And, if you are purchasing Comprehensive cover, some insurers provide “Special Perils” cover for natural disasters and flood, as long as you don’t drive the car during or after the disaster. However, it’s important you read and understand all of the small print on your car insurance policy, or you can easily check at shyft.tt when comparing insurers, under the Policy features section. You can also contact the Shyft Customer service team to ask about any uncertainties you might have.
If I’ve had an accident, what’s the procedure for insurance claims?
Firstly, you need to make sure you have all of the required documents:
- Original police report (or receipt of police report)
- Copy of the vehicle’s insurance policy/certificate
- Copy of the driver’s license
- Completed claim form
Shyft.tt can help you sort all the paperwork out, and you can call us anytime for more information on the steps you need to take or visit us online for more information.
What are the key things I should look out for when buying car insurance?
It’s important the policy covers everything you need it to so read everything carefully to check all of the features important to you are included. Make sure you compare insurers to ensure you are getting the best and most value. Sticking with the same insurer won’t necessarily always be the best strategy, even if your family and friends recommend them. Likewise, the cheapest policy might not offer the best cover for your needs – so always compare both the level of cover and the price.
