Car insurance remains, for many, a ‘grudge purchase’, and difficult economic times have resulted in this sentiment becoming increasingly entrenched amongst South African consumers. Attitudes towards short term insurance intermediaries have, furthermore, not always been positive, with many questioning the value these advisors add.

Prevailing economic conditions have brought the affordability of insurance cover into question for many South Africans. The reduction in disposable income currently being experienced by many households has resulted in consumers deeming their insurance premiums unaffordable and either cancelling their policies or defaulting on payments.

Financial advisors and insurance intermediaries are fully aware of the need to gather all relevant information in terms of the client’s personal and financial circumstances. Working within the financial parameters applicable to each client is something that professional intermediaries are trained to do. Advising clients on affordability is therefore an important aspect of the service offering they provide.

Insurance products purchased directly from insurers, although perceived as both convenient and cost-effective due to the absence of a ‘middle man’, do not always offer comprehensive information in terms of product options and policy structures. A consumer’s ability to make informed insurance purchase decisions is therefore hampered to some extent when buying ‘direct’. Critical information, such as hidden costs in terms of excesses, insured amounts and exclusions (excess charges on a claim, for example, may cost more than an entire year’s insurance premiums) is often not shared.

Another important, and often money-saving, benefit associated with obtaining professional help is that of the support provided in the event of a claim. Intermediaries act as an invaluable ‘go-between’ during the claims process.

It is, however, important that consumers utilise the services of professional financial and insurance intermediaries. The Financial Services Board (FSB) has introduced a number of pre-requisites aimed at ensuring the soundness of the financial services industry in the public interest. These include being suitably qualified, having exemplary records in terms of credit-worthiness and ethical conduct, as well as sufficient operational capacity to provide clients with a professional service. It is therefore important that associated services are derived from FSB registered suppliers.

An affiliation with professional bodies such as the Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA) is also advisable as these institutions are committed to maintaining professionalism within the financial and intermediary sectors.