You’ve only gone and done it. You’ve treated Bertha, your 4-wheeled baby, to the works and she looks good. It was pretty expensive to upgrade your bakkie with a custom canopy, some alloy wheels, and a powerful aftermarket sound system, but it was worth it. Think of the braais, the road trips, and the stares from the neighbours…
Just don’t forget about us.
You see, if you haven’t told your insurer (AKA us) about these extras, you might be in for a nasty surprise if you’re ever in the awful position of having to put in a claim.
Not all upgrades are automatically covered
The basic truth of the matter is that not all upgrades are automatically covered. We’d go so far as to say as pretty much no upgrades are simply covered without having to whisper so much of as a word to your insurer, whoever they may be.
In the case of comprehensive car insurance, you’ll find that this policy typically covers your car as it was at the time of purchase. This includes factory-fitted features and standard specs.
Anything added afterward? That needs to be specified separately.
This includes:
- Canopies and bull bars.
- Mags, rims, and specialised tyres.
- Aftermarket sound systems.
- Roof racks, winches, tow bars, or spotlights.
- Custom paintwork or decals.
- Security upgrades (e.g. alarms, immobilisers).
If these extras aren’t specified, they won’t be included in your payout if your car is stolen or written off.
Real-world risk: R20,000 gone in seconds
Let’s say you’ve spent R15,000 on a sound system and R8,000 on mags, and it’s a proud day indeed. But then your bakkie gets stolen. Naturally, you’ll be expecting your insurer to cover the full replacement value and will be most upset to discover that they’ll only cough up for the base model. Your disappointment is understandable… After all, that’s more than R20,000 out of your own pocket.
Sadly, this happens when the extras you’ve added haven’t been listed on your policy. So, let’s see about getting the right cover for your extras.
How to get the right cover for your extras in 4 easy steps:
- List every aftermarket add-on. Even small mods add up.
- Keep proof of installation and purchase. This makes claims faster and more accurate.
- Update your policy after each new upgrade. Don’t wait for renewal time.
- Consider specified radio cover too. It protects your non-standard sound system or infotainment unit from theft or damage.
The king’s got your back
Warmer weather means more road trips, more car meets, and more reasons to show off your bakkie or car. It’s also peak season for theft and smash-and-grabs, especially if those fancy extras are visible. If your car is a target, make sure your insurance is ready to respond.
To put it another way… In the kingdom of car insurance, security is king, and it’s time to let your car’s defences reign supreme.
So, what are you waiting for?
WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 or click here for a commitment-free quote for car insurance that you can be sure-sure about.
1. Are aftermarket upgrades automatically included in car insurance?
No. Most upgrades must be listed and specified separately for them to be covered.
2. What kinds of extras should be specified?
Items like canopies, bull bars, mags, sound systems, tow bars, and any non-standard accessories should be specified.
3. What’s specified radio cover?
It’s additional cover for non-factory-fitted radios or infotainment systems. Without it, your claim for a stolen or damaged sound system could be rejected.
4. Can I add extras to my policy after taking out insurance?
Yes. You can update your policy at any time to reflect new upgrades.
5. Will these extras increase my premium?
Yes, but usually only slightly, and it’s worth it for the value you’re protecting.