Traffic department delays won't affect your insurance cover

Despite traffic department delays due to bumpy implementation of the new eNaTIS system, should an insured driver be involved in an accident with an expired vehicle and/or driver's license, Santam, South Africa's largest short-term insurer will settle the

This is according to Caroline da Siva, Head of Portfolio Management at Santam, who says drivers underlying licenses are valid indefinitely.

"Expiry of the drivers license card or vehicle license disk does not affect the authority of the holder to drive a class of vehicle to which these licenses relate.

"Vehicle claims supported by an expired license, whether relating to the driver or the vehicle that has expired during this period of traffic department delays, will be processed.

"Likewise, those holding 24 month professional driving permits that may have expired within the last few weeks, leaving drivers unable to renew will be paid out in terms of their motor policy.

She warns, however, that this approach will be confined to licenses that expired during the period affected by traffic department delays.

Adding, "New vehicle owners can be assured that we will pay out in terms of their policy even if their vehicle is holding 'trade' or temporary plates.

"Once the eNaTIS system is up and running smoothly, valid licenses and plates will once again be a criterion that must be filled in order for claims to be successfully paid out."

She reminds drivers not to forget or neglect to keep these up-to-date in the future.