Cheezy’s show case: Part one
What it means to know your rights and responsibilities Cheezy who had a long day with his colleagues at the
office decided to make a turn at the super market
before heading home, he was just about to leave his
office, a door swung open and caused Cheezy to jump in
surprise. As loud as usual, it was his co-worker, Charles
calling in the whole way. “Are you leaving already? I thought
today we will reach at least seven o’clock. Give me some few
minutes then I will join you.”
Cheezy who is temperamental by nature, became angry and
upset about this pressure to change his schedule, as he knew
that Charles is always delayed and not time-conscious as such.
He looked up, scratching his head and replied unwillingly, “As
if I have a choice, I’ll wait, but you must hurry; I will be reading
my novel while waiting for you.”
After couple of minutes, there comes Charles, “Now we may
go, my friend”. You know my Benz will go faster than your
Ranger, so, you better hurry up.”
Off they go to the parking lot, Cheezy at the front. Getting on
the highway Charles swung in front of Cheezy, who is by then
very annoyed by Charles’ way of reckless driving, with a pen
and a piece of paper in his hand jotting down his to do list.
At first, Cheezy was courteous enough to let him in front, but
Charles showed no appreciation but instead give him a bad look
and continued with what he was doing. Now Cheezy got very
fed-up, looked at his watch, and noticed that the super market
was closing in the next ten minutes. Charles, who was ahead of
him was letting the entire world get in front of his car, including,
taxis and tractors and buses.
Then Cheezy, who was fed up by then, decided to swing in
front of Charles.
Just at that very moment, Charles decided to accelerate and
their cars collided with an oncoming taxi which was in the
wrong lane.
The police officers were on the scene in no time.
Although Cheezy was not happy with Charles’ act, upon
investigation it was decided that each of them should carry his
own liability.
Cheezy took up his case against the taxi driver who was in fact
not the owner of the vehicle.
An agreement was reached between the owner of the vehicle
and Cheezy that the owner of the car will carry the liability.
The car was taken into the garage whereby Cheezy paid the
excess and was refunded by the owner of the car.
His friend Charles was battling with the repair of his very
expensive Benz, and he opted to take it to his friend who had a
panel beating workshop in his back yard, but by then his pockets
had run completely dry and he could no longer afford anything.
What it means to know your rights and responsibilities
As a well-informed consumer:
Know that you have to cover your valuables
It is essential to cover your valuables for unforeseen
circumstances like damage.
Know what insurance excess is
Insurance excess is the additional sum of money that an
insurance company requires policyholders to pay for a loss.
It is usually paid to the garage repairing your car before it’s
driven out of the garage.
Know what Subrogation is
Subrogation is the act of one party (insurer) claiming the
legal rights of another (you the policyholder) that it has paid
for losses.
You (the policyholder) should consult your insurer to know
which claims are subrogated. Subrogation is only applied to
some short-term insurance indemnity policies.
Your insurer will pay to have your car repaired.
Your insurer will then become “subrogated” and has the right
to make a claim against the taxi driver who bumped your car.