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By: Youlon Naidoo, Executive Head: Claims and Procurement
2022 may have been the year of ‘return to normal’, but it has also had a significant impact on South African wallets, from soaring fuel prices, intermittent load shedding, all the way through to the increased cost of living forcing us to be more resourceful with our finances. Fortunately, being resourceful has never been a problem for the people of Mzansi!
Carpooling is in fact becoming increasingly popular in South African cities, as residents band together to ease the pinch and turn the drive from stressful to enjoyable. This form of ride sharing offers numerous benefits beyond cost saving, enabling carpool mates to reduce the stress associated with long stints in heavy traffic, connect with colleagues and neighbours and lower their carbon footprint in the process.
However, this increasingly popular form of collective travel does come with a few forewarnings. It’s important to consider the implications on your car insurance policy should you be making any form of profit from your daily commute, as this could result in complications should you need to make a claim.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind to make your carpool moments memorable, instead of stressful:
DO
Prioritise safety. If you’re regularly ferrying passengers around, it’s vital that you ensure that your car is roadworthy and not to skip any routine maintenance checks on your vehicle. Regularly give your tyres, windscreen wipers, brakes and lights a once-over to reduce the risk factor for both yourself and your fellow commuters. And ensure you have working seat belts for all passengers.
DON’T
Be inconsiderate. If you’re sharing a small space, it’s important to consider the needs of your fellow passengers. So, whilst long telephonic catchups and simulated guitar solos might be amongst your favourite things to do while at the wheel, they might not be as well received by those looking to decompress after a long day at work.
DO
Dial down the anxiety. Not only does carpooling afford you the chance to save a few Randelas, but it also offers up countless other health benefits. By taking your foot off the pedal every now and then, you can significantly alleviate the stress caused by navigating busy streets, so why not seize the moment and use it for some introspection, meditation or reading – activities that have been proven to have a positive effect on both mood and overall equilibrium.
DON’T
Overlook your car insurance policy. It really is important to protect the moments that matter to you and enable you to live your way. If you’re carrying multiple passengers on a regular basis or earning some sort of profit for the service you provide, your car isn’t technically being used in a strictly personal capacity. It is therefore in your best interest to stay within the bounds of your insurance policy or consult with your insurer if you’re unsure to make sure your policy has you covered in the event of an accident, theft or injuries sustained by any of your fellow carpoolers.
DO
Connect. Carpooling offers you a unique opportunity to connect and network with fellow passengers in a relaxed and intimate setting. Instead of cursing the traffic and airing your frustrations on fellow drivers, you can use these hours on the road to foster real and meaningful connections, as well as to establish key professional contacts that could come in handy at a later stage.
Adaptation and collaboration have always been fundamental pillars of South African culture, and the increasing popularity of carpooling is testament to this unique mindset. After all, by going alone we can go fast, but by going together we can make every Rand go so much further.
MiWay is a licensed non-life insurer and Financial Services Provider (FSP 33970).