Difference Between Car Insurance & 4x4 Insurance

As SUVs and 4x4s grow increasingly popular in South Africa, we find more joy in exploring our country's natural beauty. But knowing the difference between car insurance and 4x4 insurance is crucial; because these adventurous journeys are not without risks. At Dialdirect, we want to ensure you enjoy peace of mind, whether you're manoeuvring your 4x4 or SUV through peak traffic or over an off-road trail. This guide is designed to give you a better understanding of what you might be covered for so that you make an informed decision before embarking on your next epic adventure​.

 The off-roading landscape in South Africa is growing

With awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a climate that encourages outdoor adventures, it's little wonder that off-roading is more popular than ever. And there is an abundance of 4x4 trails in every province, from coastal dunes to craggy mountains. Sani Pass is one of South Africa’s more famous and most challenging 4x4 routes. Starting in KwaZulu-Natal, a gruelling, steep climb sees you rewarded with breathtaking views of the Drakensberg. It's a short but remarkable trek — only for very experienced 4x4 owners.

Further out west, the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park offers several off-road trails through a vastly different landscape that is just as captivating as the Drakensberg. You'll pass through rugged kloofs, dry riverbeds, and soft sand. To explore and conquer these — or any of the other spectacular off-road trails available across South Africa[1] — you'll need a suitable 4x4 vehicle or 4WD SUV. Your two-wheel drive SUV and family sedan are best left locked up in the garage back home! You will also need specialised off-road 4x4 insurance that caters to the unique risks that come with owning a 4x4 or SUV. Fortunately, Dialdirect offers insurance tailored for off-road adventures, with comprehensive protection that's as rugged and reliable as your 4x4.

How does off-road insurance differ from regular car insurance?

We get car insurance to protect us against the unexpected — things that can be costly to deal with, like accidents, theft and other damage to our car. But if you're an off-road enthusiast with your own 4x4 or SUV, the standard car insurance policy isn't going to provide the protection you need.

Regular car insurance is designed with the average motorist in mind. These are people who use their cars for travelling to and from work, running errands and family trips that may include long-distance travel — driving activities that typically happen on a tarred road. Regular car insurance is ideal for sedans, hatchbacks and other passenger vehicles that are driven on city streets, town or country roads, and highways.

In contrast, off-road insurance is designed for motorists who see their vehicle as both a means of transport and a gateway to adventure. They feel equally at home driving on a highway as they do over sand, gravel and through mud. For them, a remote, unpaved trail is not that different to a city street; it’s simply an exhilarating experience. 

But off-roading — traversing weather-beaten trails — is not the same as regular driving. And the risks are very different. You deal with rocky and uneven terrain, steep inclines and river crossings. It's not uncommon to end up with severe damage to the undercarriage and frame of your vehicle, along with a buckled rim or a blown-out tyre. Regular car insurance might not cover this damage because of the way in which it was caused.

It's also not often that you will find your standard family car stuck in the mud in a remote riverbed, but tackling a 4x4 trail will expose you to conditions that increase the risk of rolling your vehicle or getting stuck. A standard insurance policy could have limits on the type of assistance available, especially when travelling into neighbouring African countries. With 4x4 insurance, you can venture far from the beaten track with confidence, knowing you're covered for the unique risks that come with off-roading.

What does 4x4 insurance cover?

4x4 or off-road insurance is the same as Comprehensive Car Insurance but with extra benefits. These extra benefits specifically cater to the unique needs and risks that come with off-road driving. As with comprehensive insurance, you're covered for theft, fire, and accidental damage to your vehicle and the property of third parties. However, in addition to accidental damage to your vehicle, you are also covered for repairs relating to non-collision events. This covers damage to your 4x4 vehicle from an off-roading event, such as damage to the undercarriage from rocks and uneven terrain.

Obviously, if your vehicle is damaged while off-roading, there's a good chance you're going to need assistance. Your 4x4 off-road car insurance will also include standard roadside assistance, emergency assistance, and some form of medical assistance. While your insurance should include a repatriation benefit, this is limited to certain African countries, so always check your policy documents to ensure you are covered.

Of course, 4x4 vehicles are designed to be rugged — and this includes accessories you wouldn't find on a regular passenger vehicle. Features like winches, adventure lights, and bull bars are covered up to a certain limit, separately from the vehicle's sound system. It's important to remember that there will always be exclusions: these may be situations for which you are not covered or instances where your coverage is invalidated. Always check with your insurer what these are to ensure you aren't left out of pocket when trying to make a claim.

Get a car or 4x4 insurance quote from Dialdirect

Getting ready to join South Africa's ever-expanding off-roading community? Securing the right insurance will ensure the unexpected doesn't derail your journey. Dialdirect's Comprehensive Off-road Insurance is designed specifically for your 4x4 vehicle and off-road adventures. Submit your information online to receive a personalised 4x4 insurance quote in minutes.

Sources:

[1] All Trails: Best off-road driving trails in South Africa 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.