Purchasing and owning a home is not easy. While this is a great economic investment, it also comes with a great degree of responsibility. Part of this responsibility is to protect the home with a valuable home insurance policy. Some people might think, “the mortgage is already expensive enough. Why add the additional cost of a home insurance policy?” Well, there are several very important reasons why.

Protect Against Disasters

The number one reason why people should invest in a home insurance policy is that it can protect against disasters. In addition to severe storms, there are also electrical fires and structural problems that could lead to significant home damage. Many families are not able to pay for these expenses out of pocket. This is where a home insurance plan can help.

Theft is Often Covered

Unfortunately, theft is a part of society. Families could have valuable items in their home that they might not be able to replace if stolen. This could include jewelry, clothing, and electronics. With certain types of home insurance policies, loss due to theft might also be covered. This is where it becomes important to read the policy closely to know what is covered and what isn’t.

Required By Lenders

Some lenders even require a homeowner to purchase insurance prior to signing off on the loan. This is because the lender wants to protect their investment in the home as well. If this is required by the lender, it might be helpful to meet with an agent to find the appropriate policy.

Invest in Home Insurance Today

Ultimately, the number of reasons to protect a home with a home insurance policy is endless. These are only a few of the many examples. Do not wait for a catastrophe to strike before investing in a home insurance policy. Get prepared with the safety blanket of a homeowners’ insurance plan

Want to know more? Call us toll free on 0800 600 143 or 392 8264. You can also Whatsapp us at 370 2722 and get a free quote, or visit our web site www.alphadirect.co.bw for more details.

Why Car Insurance Is Vital to Low and Middle Class Income People

Why does car insurance matter so much to those who are in low income or middle-class income levels? In most situations, a lack of coverage can be devastating if an incident occurs. And, contrary to what many believe, it is not uncommon for an accident to happen.

Considering What Could Happen

For those who own a vehicle or who operate a vehicle for any need, there is the risk that something could go wrong. For example, an accident could occur due to no fault of the driver, but perhaps a malfunction of the vehicle itself. When this happens, it can cause a significant amount of financial loss for the property owner – both in terms of the loss and damage to their own vehicle but also to the damage to another party’s vehicle or property.

Insurance Offers a Low Cost Fail Safe

One of the key advantages to having car insurance is that it helps minimize financial loss. If an incident such as this occurs, it not only impacts the driver who has lost his or her car, but also the ability to get to and from work. It can limit a student’s ability to get to school. Yet, a comprehensive car insurance policy can be very affordable. And, with it, there is a significant amount of less risk and less financial strain.

For low and middle class families, having proper car insurance can mean the difference in replacing a vehicle and maintaining at least the same quality of life and suffering significant financial ruin. With an accident that causes medical loss, property damage, and liability concerns, the driver would be faced with years of trying to repay his or her debt. Yet, with car insurance, this is eliminated and no risk exists.

Want to know more? Call us toll free on 0800 600 143 or 392 8264. You can also Whatsapp us at 370 2722 and get a free quote, or visit our web site www.alphadirect.co.bw for more details.

Many individuals can benefit from third party motor insurance. This type of insurance covers the driver from a wide range of losses, like damage to another person’s property. Here’s what you need to know about this type of insurance.

How Does It Work?

In third party motor insurance cover, the insurer provides protection for an the damage caused to others (third parties) by an individual’s property or actions thereof. If you are sued or in any other situation held legally liable for the damage to another person’s belongings as a result of driving your car, the insurance covers the costs of damages to the other person’s property. For example, if you have this type of cover in place, and you damage another person’s car, the policy covers the damage to the other individual’s property.

It does have some limits. For example, this type of cover does not protect your car if you were drunk or the driver does not have a valid driver’s license. Also, bodily injury is not covered under Botswana’s third party insurance policies because it is covered by the Motor Vehicle Accident Funds (MVA Fund).

Why You Need It

The costs of any of these situations can be very high. A single accident can create significant financial loss due to damage to the other party’s vehicle as well as your own vehicle. Most of the time, third party motor insurance coverage remains affordable, but it can provide significant financial protection if an accident occurs.

Individuals should compare all of their options and choose a policy properly fitting to their needs. Third party motor insurance is often required under law in other countries while in Botswana it is not a pre requisite. However it is recommended that anyone driving or owning a car at minimum has third party insurance to cover their potential liability to the third party.

Want to know more? Call us toll free on 0800 600 143 or 392 8264. You can also Whatsapp us at 370 2722 and get a free quote, or visit our web site www.alphadirect.co.bw for more details.

During the festive season, it’s possible you’ll experience a wide range of good things, but you also face more drivers on the road, worse driving conditions, and potentially dangerous situations. Imagine the many drivers darting to and from locations to finish up their holiday shopping. There are more people on the streets and many more distracted drivers. This is why you need to take the steps necessary to minimize risk to you and your family. Being a safe driver is important during this time of the year. These tips can help you.

Beware of Drunk Driving

With the festive holiday season comes more drinking and celebrating. This often leads to more people on the road driving intoxicated. In many areas of Botswana, the increase in the number of people arrested and charged with drunk driving rises during the festive season. If you plan to head out to a party and drink even a small amount, don’t get behind the wheel. And, as a driver, you need to be more aware of those who you share the road with, as they may be more likely to be under the influence.

Take the Time to Drive Safely

Even if you are not in a rush and do not feel your driving is impacted during the festive season, it does impact other drivers. You have no control over those you share the road with and that means you need to improve your driving habits to minimize risks. Keep the following tips in mind:

Drive the speed limit. Slowing down can really help you to adjust to other drivers’ actions.
Follow road rules. Aside from staying within the speeding limit, it’s also important to drive slower in construction zones and to stop more frequently for pedestrians.
Wear your seat belt. Even if you are a very careful driver, your seat belt is a must for avoiding the actions of other drivers.
Check your tyres. Ensure the air pressure meets the manufacturer recommendations.
Ensure your lights are working properly so other vehicles see you slowing down.
Use a lower gear when going up wet, steep inclines.
Drive at least 2 or 3 car lengths from the person in front of you.
Purchase higher quality tires for wet, colder weather.
Apply pressure to brakes slightly when you need to stop in water. Steady pressure reduces the risk of swerving.
Have your vehicle completely inspected by a trusted professional before the festive season starts.
Also realize that there are more people likely to be involved in accidents. This increases the number of emergency vehicles on the road. Be sure you can easily pull out of the way of these vehicles.

Protect Yourself Financially

Being a safe driver is important, but you also need to take steps to minimize the financial risks associated with a simple accident. If you are involved in an accident, you should have car insurance in place to help cover the losses. This can give you the confidence you need when heading out onto the road during this busy driving season. If you don’t have adequate car insurance, request a quote for it today.

The holidays are a time for joy and merriment, but they are also a time when people are rushed, busy, and not thinking about what they are doing. As a result, they could put you at risk on the road if you don’t take precautions to stay safe.

Homeowners need property insurance coverage for their home. Many factors play a role in determining which policy is best for your specific property. When you work with your insurer, ask key questions about what the policy covers and what it does not. One key question of concern relates to the amount of coverage the policy offers. Is it enough protection for your belongings?

How Much Do You Own?

A quick look around your home can show you just how many assets you own. If a fire occurred at your home, imagine what the damage could be. The structure is only one element. You would also lose the contents of your home including your personal belongings. The insurance policy you select should cover all of these items by providing a coverage limit that’s high enough.

To determine if you have enough property coverage, obtain an appraisal of your home and contents. It is important, at the very least, to estimate the value of your belongings yourself. A few key things to consider includes the following.

What is the cost to rebuild your home? Your home insurance policy should not be based on the resale value of the property, but rather on the actual cost to rebuild it. Rebuilding can be significantly more expensive than the current market value.
What are your belongings worth? Consider your clothing, appliances, home furnishings, and other valuables. Estimate a value of these items. While you do so, create a home inventory. Use photos or a list to write down a description of the item and an estimated worth. Add this up to determine if your property insurance offers enough contents insurance to protect you.
What high-end valuables do you own? Most home insurance policies have a per-item limit. If you have very expensive items, such as jewelry, antiques, expensive electronics, or other very valuable items, it is important to have a special insurance rider on your policy to cover the value of these items.
To have the property amount of insurance for your home and belongings, you need to take a closer look at your property’s value. Estimating these values can help you to make sure your policy offers comprehensive protection to you. Work closely with your insurance agent to ensure you have proper coverage at the best value possible. Don’t put your finances at risk because you don’t have enough coverage.

House insurance is a valuable investment. It can seem as though this type of purchase isn’t one that you need to make. After all, you do not file claims very often. In some cases, it is possible to reduce the risks your home faces on a day to day basis. You can take care to ensure it is safe from theft and that your belongings are secure. Yet, there are other situations where this just isn’t possible.

How Can Home Insurance Protect Against Weather Events?

One such event is the weather. Weather is unpredictable and, in nearly every situation, it is impossible to avoid the negative outcome that it brings. This is when home insurance becomes so important. Imagine the following situations.

A tree is struck by lightning, falling and hitting a home. The cost of the damage to the roof or other structures is often covered by home insurance.
That same tree is sitting in the yard and needs to be removed by a professional. Insurance can cover those costs.
A home is damaged when lightning strikes it, causing a fire to start. Home insurance can help in this situation as well.
Weather damage from a windstorm can tear through a home, damaging windows and the roof. Home insurance can help to ensure the home is safe and protected.
Hail damage strikes a home’s outbuilding or garage, damaging the siding or the windows. Many home insurance plans can also cover this type of loss, protecting the homeowner.
Weather-related damage can be significant or minor. Yet, making those repairs to make sure the home remains safe and well protected are often expensive. Without proper insurance, homeowners will need to pay for the damage themselves. This includes small marks on the siding to large fires that destroy the structure. With the right type of insurance coverage, though, the cleanup and restoration work can be helped by the insurer, up to the amount of coverage the policy offers.

Homeowners should take the time to ensure they have home insurance, but also make sure that they have enough coverage. Many policies have limitations and exclusions, or types of storm damage not covered. With the right level of protection and a sound understanding of what can be expected from any home insurance plan, property owners can feel better about their financial security whenever a storm rolls into the area.

There is nothing like a drive out into the country, to a local park, or just to a friend’s house with the entire family. Yet, as a parent, you know that every time you step into a vehicle with your child, you are putting them into a potentially dangerous situation. Most of the time, parents are very careful drivers, doing everything they can to protect their children. Yet, having a safe car and a high-quality auto insurance policy is not enough. These tips can help you to keep your kids safe on the road.

#1: Keep them busy

Allow your children to bring a few toys with them to keep them busy. The less distracted you are behind the wheel, the more protected your children will be. Your goal is to ensure that 100 percent of your attention is on the road in front of you.

#2: Always use proper seat belts and car seats

Check your local laws to learn what the rules are for safety belts and car seats. However, realize that, until your child is the size of an adult, the belts and fastenings in a vehicle will not fit them properly. For that reason, you may want to keep them in a seat or adjust their belt to ensure they are protected.

#3: Keep your eyes on the road

Parents may find themselves interested in what their son or daughter is doing. This may seem like a great time to have a long conversation. However, even when you are engaging your child in conversation, you are distracted from the road in front of you.

#4: When there’s a problem, pull over

You want to get where you need to be quickly, but driving with a baby that is crying or two children who are arguing is not easy to do. Don’t do it. Pull to the side of the road and try to find a solution instead of just pushing through it. This takes the stress off you and gives you a bit of peace of mind at the same time.

When there is an accident, your auto insurance is here to protect you financially. However, there is no doubt that protecting your child before such an accident occurs is more important. With a few safe driving tips like these, you can reduce those risks significantly.

Homeowners need property insurance coverage for their home. Many factors play a role in determining which policy is best for your specific property. When you work with your insurer, ask key questions about what the policy covers and what it does not. One key question of concern relates to the amount of coverage the policy offers. Is it enough protection for your belongings?

How Much Do You Own?

A quick look around your home can show you just how many assets you own. If a fire occurred at your home, imagine what the damage could be. The structure is only one element. You would also lose the contents of your home including your personal belongings. The insurance policy you select should cover all of these items by providing a coverage limit that’s high enough.

To determine if you have enough property coverage, obtain an appraisal of your home and contents. It is important, at the very least, to estimate the value of your belongings yourself. A few key things to consider includes the following.

What is the cost to rebuild your home? Your home insurance policy should not be based on the resale value of the property, but rather on the actual cost to rebuild it. Rebuilding can be significantly more expensive than the current market value.
What are your belongings worth? Consider your clothing, appliances, home furnishings, and other valuables. Estimate a value of these items. While you do so, create a home inventory. Use photos or a list to write down a description of the item and an estimated worth. Add this up to determine if your property insurance offers enough contents insurance to protect you.
What high-end valuables do you own? Most home insurance policies have a per-item limit. If you have very expensive items, such as jewelry, antiques, expensive electronics, or other very valuable items, it is important to have a special insurance rider on your policy to cover the value of these items.
To have the property amount of insurance for your home and belongings, you need to take a closer look at your property’s value. Estimating these values can help you to make sure your policy offers comprehensive protection to you. Work closely with your insurance agent to ensure you have proper coverage at the best value possible. Don’t put your finances at risk because you don’t have enough coverage.

When it comes to buying house insurance, you likely have numerous options to choose from and the goal of finding the least expensive policy you can. That in itself would be a big mistake. The right home insurance policy for you needs to address all of the risks your property faces and, perhaps most importantly, it needs to focus on providing you with peace of mind. What are the most common mistakes people make when buying house insurance?

#1: Not Having Enough Coverage

Underinsuring a home is a very common and very risky matter. If you do not have a high level of coverage in place, even if you have an active policy when a storm hits, you could be losing out. Do not take out just enough insurance to cover the amount of your mortgage. Most mortgages are only for 80 to 90 per cent of the property’s value, leaving you to foot that remaining 20 per cent yourself out-of-pocket for losses.

#2: Believing You Have Flood Insurance

A secondary risk that’s quite common is assuming you have flood insurance. The average home insurance policy does not cover floods. If you live near an area that may flood, such as a high-risk zone, you likely don’t have insurance if you only have a standard house insurance policy. However, should a flood occur, your home could sustain significant damage. What can you do? Purchase a rider or additional flood insurance policy that shores up any weakness in your current policy to minimise risks and costs.

#3: You Haven’t Found All of the Savings Available to You

You could be missing out on key home insurance discounts if you have not asked for them. Many people do not realise just how many discount opportunities are available for items such as home security systems, installing deadbolt locks on the home, installing a monitored home security system, having a fence around your property, and even just living in a safe city. If you have yet to do so, request that your insurer take a closer look at the potential savings opportunities available to you and adjust your policy (or secure a new one) to keep your costs.

Are you making these mistakes with home insurance? The good news is you can search for a new policy and secure a lower cost offering or update your existing policy for more affordability.

The investment in household insurance is one of the best decisions you can make. Many times, people believe the biggest benefit from this type of property insurance is the protection it provides to the structure of your home. It does provide protection from fires and vandalism, of course. However, it also offers protection for many of the valuables you have within your home. As a new homeowner, it is important to remember what types of coverage you have and what it protects.

Home Electronics and High-Value Items

Many homeowners invest in electronics especially if they’ve purchased their first home. From televisions to computer equipment, you may spend a significant amount of money right from the time you move in. Add to this your home’s appliances and other types of electronics or high valued items and you may be putting a lot of money into your new home. Your property insurance needs to protect all of that value.

Before you agree to a property insurance policy, review it. Be sure that the amount of coverage selected (whether you select the basic policy or a higher level of coverage) needs to be enough to cover all of the contents of your home. Contents insurance will cover your home for a variety of factors. However, there is a limit to this level of protection. Your policy needs to cover the value of all electronics and other content in your home to be fully protected.

Electronics are protected in most cases. Some insurance policies will specifically require a list of the types of equipment or electronics you have as well as information verifying their value, such as a receipt from the purchase of the item. Adding the items specifically to your policy can help to make sure you have protection to cover the value from an incident. This may include theft, vandalism, fires, flooding, and other risks covered by your property insurance.

While you may not think about the value of each piece of clothing or furniture you have, it is important to consider the value of your electronics in comparison to the value of your property and contents insurance coverage. If necessary, it may be beneficial to add additional protection to your policy to safeguard these high valued items. Talk to your insurance agent about the right level of coverage for your specific needs in contents and property insurance.