The Automobile Association has released a statement urging South African motorists to insure their vehicles.
But the release also includes rather a telling statistic. According to the AA, between 65% and 70% of the 11,4 million registered cars in the country are not insured. By our maths, that means there are nearly eight million uninsured registered vehicles roaming around South Africa.
Of course, the problem extends further than that. In fact, the AA estimates that up to 800 000 vehicles in South Africa are either unregistered or classified as unroadworthy. And, naturally, these are uninsured, too.
“Consider that you are driving on a four-lane highway with three cars ahead of you, four behind you, and one on either side of you,” the AA posited.
“If you are uninsured, five or six of these cars will also be uninsured. If you are involved in a crash with one of them, chances are neither of you will be able to afford the resulting expenses,” the Association warned.
The AA urged motorists to cover themselves “adequately”.
“Some people may argue that the costs of insurance are simply too high. Our view is that the costs of non-insurance are higher, and that failing to properly insure your vehicle places you at a greater financial risk,” the AA said.
