Covid-19: Use credit life insurance for relief

Since the implementation of the national 21-day lockdown many South Africans have been left unable to earn an income.

While some are unemployed, others are receiving less income due to reduced working hours.

Also read: Covid-19: Another bank offers payment relief

Certain credit providers have announced interim debt relief measures for consumers who have been hard hit by this pandemic.

“The National Credit Regulator (NCR) advises consumers that where applicable, they first consider the option of using their credit life insurance benefit as a relief in this difficult period,” said Nomsa Motshegare, chief executive officer of the NCR.

Also read: Covid-19 – Don’t bank on a payment holiday

A credit life insurance is an insurance that a consumer signs up for when applying for credit or a loan.

The insurance covers the outstanding debt in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as death, retrenchment, unemployment, inability to earn an income, disability and others.

Also read: Covid-19 – Forcing businesses to go digital, fast

Motshegare said that, in the event of the consumer becoming unemployed or unable to earn an income, the credit life insurance cover provides that credit providers must settle/pay the consumer’s debt for a period of 12 months or for the remaining repayment period or until the consumer finds employment or is able to earn an income, whichever period is shorter.

“Many consumers may not be aware that they have credit life insurance in place and that the premium for this insurance is already included in the cost of credit.

“To check if this insurance is in place, consumers must contact their credit providers and where applicable consider use of this benefit to provide relief,” said Motshegare.

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