Choosing between some of the best Car Insurance providers in South Africa
No matter who you are or what you drive, if you’re lucky enough to own a car in Mzansi, it’s your sanctuary. Your own bubble that gets you to work, does school runs, takes you on weekends away and holidays. Given the size of our country and the length of our commutes, cars are essential - making getting Car Insurance for them equally important.
Choose a car insurance provider that’s best for you
| Provider |
|---|
| King Price |
| Budget Insurance |
| Iwyze |
| Auto & General |
| Nedbank |
| Dialdirect |
| First for Women |
| Old Mutual |
| Miway |
| Pineapple |
| Virseker |
| ABSA |
Car Insurance is only a grudge purchase until things go wrong
We get it. If you were born in the 80s or 90s you can feel like Gen D (Generation Debit Order). Every month-end there’s something else that you know you need to pay for, but really don’t like to, that takes money out of your account. Car Insurance is one of them.
Think of it like this though. When one of the perils of the SA roads leaps out at you - in the form of a pothole, a tight parking bay or a fender bender - your stress levels will be drastically reduced (as will the amount you would have to pay for damages if you didn’t have Car Insurance).
Knowing the different types of Car Insurance
Like cars themselves, not all insurance options are the same so it helps to be savvy and know which type is which - and importantly, which one suits you. Knowing your insurance types might not make for riveting dinner conversation or win you the local quiz night, but it’s useful life knowledge to have.
| Cover Type | Summary | Cover Typically Includes* |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Car Insurance | The most complete protection. It covers theft and hijacking, damage from accidents, and damage you cause to other people's property. If the car is financed, this is often a mandatory requirement from the lender. | Accidents; Theft & Hijacking; Fire & Explosions; Damage to Someone Else's Property; Weather Damage |
| Third Party, Fire & Theft Cover | Covers you for theft and fire damage, as well as damage you cause to others. It does not cover accidental damage to your own car. | Theft & Hijacking; Fire & Explosions; Damage to Someone Else's Property |
| Third Party Car Insurance | The most basic level of cover required by the lender if your car is financed. It only covers the costs of damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property. | Damage to Someone Else's Property |
*Always refer to your policy information for your specific coverage information
Keep your Car Insurance excess in mind
While a lower premium might look attractive initially, how much you have to pay as an excess is a major factor you need to consider when deciding on the right Car Insurance cover. An excess is the amount you have to pay in order for your claim to be paid out, or it is the amount left to pay the vendor after your insurance has paid out.
The amount of your excess is sometimes higher or close to the cost of paying for the repairs yourself. If it’s a minor ding, dent or scratch, it might not be worth paying the excess and paying for the repair out of your own pocket. If the damage to your car is way higher than the excess you’re required to pay (it could be say R50k and your excess is R3000) then it makes sense to claim and pay the excess.
Read our blog on understanding car insurance excess
First, check out hippo.co.za and compare quotes from some of SA’s top insurers side-by-side to take the hassle out of making an informed decision.
What affects your Car Insurance quote
If insurance jargon makes your eyes glaze over, you’re normal. But there are some people who love the technical side of calculating risk. While we won’t go into the details of actuarial science here, these are factors that are considered when quotes are created for you and your Car Insurance.
- Car Value: What you bought it for (retail value), what it would cost to replace it (market/book value) are not the same thing. Cars depreciate over time. Inflation is a thing. Ensure your cover keeps this in mind and is adjusted accordingly.
- Policy Inclusions and Exclusions
- Hail and weather damage.
- Windscreen.
- Towing service for breakdowns.
- Roadside assistance.
- Rental car for when yours is in for repairs.
- Value adds like Tyre and Rim cover.
- Theft of items in the car if broken into.
- Driver(s) age and gender: Whoever drives the car needs to be divulged. Is there only one driver or multiple ones? Each driver’s age, gender and amount of time they’ve had their license affects the quote. Learn more about how age affects car insurance and the car insurance demographics breakdown in South Africa. If you are under 25 and need car insurance, you may have different prices. Make sure to read more about getting insurance under 25.
- Where your car parks: The safer a car is tucked away when it’s parked the lower the quote. Which area you live in is also factored in. If it's a more high-risk area, your quote will generally be higher and vice versa.
- Additional Security requirements: Having a tracking device or alarm/immobiliser system on your car isn’t always a necessity, although some insurers insist on them and they can reduce your quote. You can also get a car tracking quote with Hippo.
- Mileage and usage: The more your car is on the road the more risks it is exposed to. The further you go the more could happen. Whether the car is used primarily for private or business use or both, also needs to be stipulated. You should only know how much to insurance your car for, and understand car insurance value.
- The Province you live in: Various factors influence the average insurance rates per province. Notably crime, traffic, and road conditions. Learn more about how where you live affects your car insurance premium.
Read the complete South African car guide to learn more about the most popular models in South Africa, and information on the various insurance costs
Hippo as your Car Insurance go-to
With everything in one place on hippo.co.za, we take the mission out of finding the right Car Insurance for your car and your wallet. As one of SA’s trusted insurance aggregators, we’ve helped thousands of South African motorists save money every month. It’s not just about finding the best price, but getting the best value for your needs.
- Fill out ONE form and compare 12 Car Insurance quotes side-by-side in a few minutes.
- You can confidently choose which one suits you best.
- No hassles, endless research, call centres or spam.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice. Coverage terms, pricing, and availability may vary. Always review policy documents carefully and confirm current pricing with providers before making any decisions.
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