The scheme’s non-life insurance division says there is what it calls an “unspoken contract” between drivers and their insurers. If a car is unroadworthy, that agreement is broken and an insurer may refuse to pay.

Edite Teixeira-Mckinon, Chief Ombud at the NFO, explained that many South Africans are not aware of the risks. She said motorists could find themselves without cover if an investigation shows an accident was caused by unroadworthy tyres or brakes. In such cases, drivers would have to pay for their own damages and also for any damage caused to third-party property.

The NFO has urged motorists across SA to service and maintain their vehicles regularly in order to avoid financial loss and legal liability.

–ChannelAfrica–