Caught off guard? Know your rights before it’s too late

Many people assume that if they’re paying a car premium, they are covered if the car is crashed or stolen. Big mistake.

Car claims can crash if you’re not the regular driver or don’t get that tracking device fitted. Or if “private use” excludes parking your car at a conference venue for work. 

Also, beware of “named driver” polices, meaning if something happens - a crash or hijacking - while someone not named in the policy is behind the wheel, your claim will be rejected.

2. Don’t Get Tricked by Your Car Insurance

Do you ever hand your car keys to a valet, car wash, or dealership? If it’s stolen, your insurer might reject your claim. Caroline Woodley learned this the hard way; her R1.3m Ford Everest was stolen from a Ballito carwash by someone pretending to collect it on her behalf.

And her insurer rejected her claim based on a “trickery clause” buried in her policy. 

Check your policy:  The “theft under false pretences when your car is with a third party” is a common exclusion. Shop for consumer-friendly cover - don’t assume you’re safe. 

3. Decode Your KFC Wings

Love KFC wings? Know this: “Dunked” and “Zinger” wings aren’t full wings—they’re winglets (half-wings), either the meaty drumette or flatter wingette. A Streetwise Two will come with a full wing - if you pick a wing. 

The Advertising Regulatory Board flagged KFC’s menu for inconsistency, Zingers are called “succulent winglets,” yet Dunked wings don’t clarify. Competitors like Spur and Chicken Licken blur “wings” and “winglets” too, but pictures help. 

So ask upfront what you’re getting, full wing or part. Don’t assume; “wing” can mean anything. 

4. What’s up with Uber Eats?

Uber Eats has been facing a wave of customer complaints about non-delivered food, with many alleging drivers dump orders, take photos as "proof," and leave with the meal, or never deliver at all. Social media’s buzzing with frustration: 

@MightiJamie’s food was left at the wrong gate, Rashokeng’s driver vanished entirely, and Christine Lord’s CCTV caught her driver photographing her order before riding off. Uber’s response? They claim a “dedicated team” investigates complaints using GPS, driver interactions, and PINs, but refunds often get denied unless you’ve got hard evidence like video. 

Fewer than 1% of deliveries flop, they say, dodging hard numbers. Soon, you’ll be able to upload photographic proof in-app - good news for those with CCtv footage at their homes or offices.

5. Tired of shops insisting on emailing your receipt to you?

You can’t be forced to provide your email address in order to get proof of purchase via email, says Consumer Goods & Services Ombud Lee Soobrathi.

A retailer’s refusal to issue a printed receipt, especially if you ask, defies the Consumer Protection Act’s aim to protect all consumers, not just tech-savvy ones. 

Next time a store pulls this, push back.  If they refuse, note the when and where, and let me know.

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