Don’t let potholes or tyres puncture your budget

Have you ever thought about the origin of potholes? According to trivia expert and columnist LM Boyd potholes, date back as far as the 15^th and 16^th centuries, where potters would dig up chunks of clay road surfaces to make their pots. The people who used the roads knew who had made those holes and so dubbed them “potholes.”

Thanks to extreme weather conditions, the lack of maintenance and a significant increase in heavy vehicles using our roads, potholes have become a significant challenge on our country’s roads. 2009/2010, in particular, saw a sizeable increase in potholes due to heavy rainfall during the summertime. Water is the primary cause of potholes on bituminous roads with the costs to vehicles, in terms of damages and accidents, running into the millions. Research from the Automobile Association (AA) found that 60% of our country’s roads are in “poor” condition. That often applies to more rural regions where farms are based, and farmers need to know if their insurance will cover these losses.

Emil Pretorius from Santam Segment Solutions Agriculture says, “Potholes can result in significant losses for farmers due to damage and other causes like an unseen or concealed object damaging a tyre. It is important to remember that any kind of vehicle used on a farm is at risk. At Santam we understand the risks involved and therefore the extensions that our farmers need to take note of in terms of potholes, damage to tyres and 4 x 4 tyre cover.”

He continues, “Through Santam’s extensive network of brokers and intermediaries, you can secure your peace of mind by knowing that you are covered no matter where you are on the country’s roads or beyond.”

Santam suggests that you bear the following in mind when considering your cover:

Tyre damage for non-Agri vehicles:

• Damaged tyres are not only costly but dangerous. Fortunately, damage to a tyre caused by an impact with a pothole, expansion joint or manhole cover in the road will be approached in the same manner as an impact with a kerb stone.
• The damage will be considered to be as a result of an impact and the policy should respond.
• Damage to the rim is not a prerequisite and damage to a tyre alone will be covered in terms of the policy.

Damage to tyres (tractors, harvesters and implements used for agricultural purposes):

The cover under this section of the policy is extended to include total loss of and irreparable damage to the tyres of the vehicles mentioned above, caused by any unseen or concealed object whilst on the road or other surface, provided that:

• The insured shall, at his/her own expense, have all damage and wear and tear assessed by one or more reputable tyre retreaders/suppliers to assess whether or not the tyre can be repaired.
• The corresponding, undamaged tyre in the set of tyres will also enjoy the cover, but only if the vehicle manufacturer deems it necessary or required.
• The insured is responsible for the first amount payable of 10% of the claim, with a minimum of R500.
• Wear and tear at the time of the loss or damage is not covered in terms of this extension.
• The insurer’s liability shall not exceed R30 000 per event however there is an option to increase the limit at an additional premium.