First Time 4x4 Insurance Buyers
Written by Susan Reynolds   
Monday, 17 August 2009 09:23
Every type of vehicle insurance has to be tailored toward the specific vehicle it is insuring. In the case of 4x4?s, insurance coverage has to cover the excess risks and hazards that are sometimes involved. Regular car and truck owners are not always subject to these risks and receive lower rates. Before you choose an insurance company to go through, make sure you know all of the facts on 4x4 insurance. This will help you choose a plan that best fits your needs.
by SusanReynolds


Every type of vehicle insurance has to be tailored toward the specific vehicle it is insuring. In the case of 4x4?s, insurance coverage has to cover the excess risks and hazards that are sometimes involved. Regular car and truck owners are not always subject to these risks and receive lower rates. Before you choose an insurance company to go through, make sure you know all of the facts on 4x4 insurance. This will help you choose a plan that best fits your needs.

4x4 vehicles are specifically singled out because they can handle off road driving. Insurance companies have much more to worry about with off road driving, especially in vehicle damages. If you choose to use your 4x4 on the street only you can lower your insurance premiums. Off road coverage is extra and will cover damaged incurred from popped tires, broken windshields, or dents. If you choose to drive off road without purchasing the extra insurance your policy will cancel out until you return to the road. You may choose to be covered for only a few days if you are going out for a short excursion.

Other than off road driving, 4x4 insurance is nearly the same as regular car insurance. You can choose between liability, comprehensive, or collision coverage or a combination of the three. The coverage you receive can vary greatly, but it will depend on how much you are able to afford on insurance. Some policies will cover the damages of accidents while others will focus on vehicle damage from fire, vandalism, and theft. Make sure you thoroughly read over what your company covers in the policy, since the details vary.

4x4 insurance is more expensive than regular insurance largely because of the fact that the parts cost more to fix and replace. Small, mass produced cars have more parts available, and they are often less expensive. 4x4s may require you to get extra insurance to cover parts that are not considered stock. If you get into an accident and receive damage to these additions, the insurance company will not pay to replace them unless you have specific insurance for it. This can be particularly frustrating for people with wide screens, a common 4x4 addition.

Salvage retention rights are offered directly to 4x4 drivers, especially those who participate in off road driving. These rights allow you to use the parts of your 4x4 vehicle. Even if you make changes and add on other parts your 4x4 will still be insured. If your 4x4 happens to get totaled you can retrieve the parts for future repairs while still being compensated for the damages. Salvage retention rights are difficult to come by on other vehicles, buy you will sometimes see them applied to 4x4?s. If you want this as part of your coverage you will have to be sure to request it first.

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Susan Reynolds is the webmaster for a leading South African Insurance Provider who specialises in Car Insurance Options.