Introduction
This document describes all details of car insurance as included in the car rental agreement and its terms and conditions.
Background
It is important to be aware and understand that there are significant differences compared to Western countries regarding car insurances and responsibility in case of damages. For example, in most of the Southern African countries such as Namibia and Botswana, it is not obliged to have any car insurance. In practice this means, that the majority of the cars do not have any insurance at all and that the owners and/or car users are personally responsible for any damages and compensation in case of an accident or damages.
Standard Excess
All rental cars have a standard third party insurance the client/renter is responsible for the excess level of the remaining 10% during the agreed rental period. The exact excess level is different per vehicle class. The chosen excess level will be deducted from the Credit Card (VISA or MasterCard) of the contract holder, which is required before hand over of the vehicle. This deduction will be refunded when the car is returned and there are no damages reported. Besides the general exclusions, terms & conditions, with this type of insurance, glass and tyre damages are not covered and will be the responsibility of the client. Please note that the client is always liable for the damages of the rented vehicle up to the chosen level of excess, independent of who caused the accident or who is guilty, meaning this is also applicable in case the damages or accident is caused by a third party.
Reduction of the Excess
In case the client prefers to rent a vehicle with a lower excess level than standard excess, then an additional fee per day will be charged. It is possible to reduce the excess to Zero
Please note that the excess can only be reduced when the vehicle rental is 8 days and longer.
Reduced Excess 1 and 2 and 3
Reducing the level of excess helps to reduce cost in case of an accident in which a third party is involved. The damage to the rented vehicle as well as the third party damages (no excess applicable) is covered. Important: Reduced Excess 1 and 2 and 3 exclude damages to tyres, windows and damages as a result of single vehicle accidents or damages as a result of sandstorms.
Reduced Excess 4
Additionally included in the Reduced Excess 4 are:
Important: Reduced Excess 4 cannot be compared with the European “Voll Casco” or “All Risk” insurance, where all damages are covered independent of the cause or the guilt.
Single Vehicle Accidents
Losing the control over the car and rolling the car, bumping a tree while reversing the car, accidents without involvement of a third party are single vehicle accidents. And the Client will be liable for N$ 140 000-00 and all recovery cost.
Coverage by the insurance company
In above-mentioned policies the damages are covered in case:
In case the renter is in breach of the rental contract or any of AS Rental Conditions, the renter will be liable for an amount of up to N$ 140 000-00 and all recovery cost.
Traffic accident
The used definition of a traffic accident is: an accident with the vehicle where another vehicle is involved, or where a pedestrian is involved, or where an animal is involved.
IMPORTANT: an accident without involvement of other parties (single vehicle accidents), like e.g. rolling the car is not covered with Reduced Excess 1 and 2 and 3 (only with Reduced Excess 4). Also not when you tried to avoid hitting an animal crossing the road.
Negligence
This is the situation when the driver and/or the passengers are not behaving according to the law, the terms & conditions of the rental agreement or general regulations. Examples of negligence, when the insurance does not cover the damages are:
Exclusions
Damages which are not covered by the insurance:
Speed Limit
Within city limits and in National Parks: 60 km/hour, Gravel roads: 80 km/hour and Highways: 120 km/hour.
AS speed regulations do overrule road signs indicating 100 km/hr. At 125 km/h the vehicle makes a “beep” tone, indicating that the driver is driving over the maximum speed allowed on highways. Please be informed that all our vehicles are equipped with a GPS Tracking System (Black Box).
IMPORTANT: If you exceed this speed limit all insurances and Reduced Excesses lapse and become invalid.
Theft
Theft of the vehicle is covered in case the client behaved responsible, the vehicle was locked and in case the client can deliver the original car keys (Except in case of carjacking).
Exchange vehicle:
In Case the Rental Company decides to send an Exchange vehicle due to whatever circumstances, The Renter will have to sign a new Rental Agreement with new Rent for the rest period, and new Excess, this time not reduceable. AS withholds the right to send any type of Vehicle.
Tyre damage
The minimum profile of the tyres is 5 mm (3 mm for spare tyres) for all 4×4 Vehicles.
Tyre damage is not covered (except for Reduced Excess 4). In case of a puncture or a damaged tyre, the renter can try to have it fixed or can choose to purchase a new tyre. When returning the car the renter will be charged for the damaged tyre as the damaged tyre has to be replaced by a new one. Repaired tyres are not accepted.
Tyre and Windscreen insurance:
The Client is able to Buy an Insurance for Tyre and Windscreen Damages, this insurance will cover 2 damaged Tyres and Windscreen Damages. Please note that side Windows and rims are not covered by this insurance .
Sandstorm
In case of a sandstorm, stop the car immediately and try to look for temporary shelter. If this is not possible, then continue driving with a very low speed. Damages caused by a sandstorm are not covered by the insurance (except for Reduced Excess 4). Sandstorms do mostly occur at the coast and in case of an eastern wind.
Police report is compulsory
It is demanded to have a full police report in case of damage or theft. When you are able to take pictures this is advisable at all times. (Failing in doing will void your insurance cover)
Towing cost
Towing cost in Namibia in case of a technical breakdown are covered by the rental company. The towing cost in case of an accident, negligent, excess wear and Tear and not covered damages are always for account of the client.
‘Claim handling’ fee
The administrative cost related to a damage (called ‘claim handling’) is for the account of the client.
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