No matter how good a driver you think you are (and I’m sure you’re just the best), there will come a time when you’re involved in a prang of sorts.

It will clearly be the other driver’s fault, but that won’t change the fact that it’s time to talk insurance.

Here’s where things can get messy and blood pressure can spike, because as many as 43 000 claims a year in South Africa are either partly or fully rejected.

According to Jeff Osborne, Head of Automotive for Gumtree SA, there are a number of reasons for this.

Fasten your seatbelts:

An unlicensed driver was behind the wheel.

Letting others drive your car is your choice. But if they’re involved in any accidents while behind the wheel and do not hold a valid driver’s license, your insurer will not cover the cost of the damages.

The vehicle wasn’t covered for a write-off.

If you are victim of an extremely bad accident and your car is a write-off, your insurer will only be liable if write-off cover is explicitly stated in your contract.

The vehicle has not been roadworthy approved.

Your wipers seem minor things but are an integral part of roadworthy requirements. If you are in an accident and it was caused by vision being obscured due to wipers not working properly, the insurer can kick your claim to the kerb.

The vehicle inspection was not conducted.

When opting for a car cover, the insurance company needs to inspect the car. If this inspection is not completed, the insurer will not be able to validate your claim for anything.

One too many after-work drinks.

If it is discovered that alcohol was the cause of an accident, any related claim will automatically be rejected. Do not drink and drive.

Those are all worth taking to heart, but none more so than that after-work drinks recommendation.

The folks at Gumtree SA know what they’re talking about when it comes to cars, given that they now dominate the second-hand car industry in this country.

Maybe it has something to do with the brilliant selling and buying features they offer (HERE), because we’re all looking for a little help when it comes to landing a good deal.

Hopefully you never need to call on your car insurance, but for now just remember to tick off those tips up top and you can avoid some of those glaring errors.