Your insurer’s reason for being is to look after you throughout your life’s journey… Just like the partner you share your life with. So, before making a forever commitment, it makes sense to research different insurers as diligently as you might stalk a potential first date’s socials.

King Price Insurance’s client experience partner Wynand van Vuuren breaks down the life stages when the right insurer will support you through tough times:

When life happens. We know that life doesn’t always go according to plan and that’s why we protect your car, your home and just about everything in it, your phone and engagement bling, and in fact nearly all your precious things, against accidental loss and damage.

When you’ve borrowed money. If you finance your car, and it’s stolen or written-off, you still need to pay the financing house every cent you committed to. This is why it’s compulsory to have comprehensive insurance before you can drive out of the showroom. Topping up with shortfall cover will help ensure that any difference between what you owe, and what your car is worth at the time of the loss, will be paid out as well.

When it’s your fault. If you accidentally damage something that belongs to someone else, you’re legally responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing it. This is called third-party liability and, if you can’t afford comprehensive car insurance, consider another option that includes liability cover. This could save you from having to pay for your liability out of your own pocket.

When every cent counts. These days, you can’t buy much for R1. But did you know that you could insure your bicycle, golf clubs, hearing aids, and motorbike gear for just R1 every month? Sure, there are a few terms and conditions, but every relationship is built on solid ground rules, right?

When you need some help: Nothing makes insurers happier than helping you get back on your feet when you need to claim. But, to help keep you happy all the time, King Price also offers a number of value-added, benefits, like 24/7 access to emergency accident, roadside, medical and home assist. Like a rental car if yours is out of action; and like a safe drive home when it’s not a good idea to drive yourself. And, of course, there’s the happiness that comes with having peace of mind.

When you don’t know what to do: King Price is committed to teaching our clients how to minimise their risks before they need to claim. We talk to consumer media regularly, we blog, we’re on social media and LinkedIn, and we’re always happy to share learnings from our years of experience… Because prevention really is better than cure.

“When you’re looking for an insurer to spend the rest of your life with, make sure that you talk the same language: Everyday English, with no tricky legalese. Simple policy documents and even a joke or two go a long way towards taking that ‘awkward first date’ feeling out of doing a quote or submitting a claim. And, you should only partner with an insurer that’s always available, so that managing your policy (and even adding that engagement ring) is easy and convenient no matter how late your Valentine’s date ends,” says Van Vuuren.