How much do South Africans save by switching car insurance? Independent research tells all.

At long last, South Africa is showing small signs of economic recovery. Inflation has cooled a little and optimism is flickering back. Yet ask almost any household how things feel day to day, and the answer is still: tight.

Why South Africans are switching insurance in 2025/2026

Groceries still cost more than they used to. Fuel spikes come around when you least expect it. Salaries haven’t quite caught up. So while the headlines might sound hopeful, most people are still managing their money with caution, calculators, and crossed fingers.

That pressure shows up clearly in how South Africans think about insurance and other financial products. People aren’t switching on a whim anymore. They’re switching with intent: looking for real savings, better benefits, and providers they can trust.

We say it often: comparing on Hippo can save you money. But instead of just asking you to take our word for it, here’s the proof.

Key findings: average savings when switching in 2025

Independent Kaufman Levin & Associates research shows that South Africans who switch after getting a quote on hippo.co.za are making real, meaningful savings across insurance and other financial products.

Some key takeaways from the independent report:

• South Africans comparing and switching insurance/financial products on Hippo achieved significant savings.
• Car Insurance switchers (81%) saved an average of R539 monthly.
• Customers switching multiple products, where one product was Car Insurance, saw the biggest gains: 96% saved, averaging R1,208 monthly.
• The motivation has shifted from escaping pain points to actively seeking gains like better benefits, discounts, and clearer value for money.
• Proactive savers aged 20–35 saved the most.
• The Western Cape showed consistently higher-than-average savings.
• For non-savers, trust and experience (relationship breakdowns/poor service) remain key drivers for moving.
• Comparing on Hippo is a low-effort way to ensure consumers are not overpaying.

Hippo unpacks the report in more detail below.

Switching is no longer about frustration

In tougher times, the decision to switch insurance used to be driven by pain points like bad service, rising premiums, and excesses that felt unfair. Those still matter - but we’ve noticed that something has shifted.

According to Hippo’s latest independent KLA research, customers in 2025 were switching less reactively and more strategically. The focus has moved from “what am I trying to escape?” to “what can I gain?”

Among customers who are saving, the top reasons for switching are now:

• Better product benefits
• Discounts and cashback rewards
• Clearer value for money

For customers who aren’t saving, the story is different. Relationship breakdowns and poor service delivery remain the biggest drivers, reminding us that value isn’t just about price. Trust still matters, and perhaps most importantly, experience still matters.

The savings aren’t theoretical; it’s actual money back in South Africans’ pockets

Let’s talk numbers.

Among South Africans who switched their Car Insurance with Hippo in 2025, 81% made a positive saving. That’s slightly lower than 2024, but here’s the important part: the average monthly saving was R539, which is higher than previous years.

People may be switching a little more selectively, but when they do switch, they’re saving more. It gets even more interesting when customers compare and switch across multiple products (including Car Insurance).

In that group:

• 96% made a positive saving
• The average monthly saving was R1,208

This is meaningful money back into monthly budgets, and it’s being achieved without changing cars, homes, or lifestyles.

Younger South Africans are leading the savings charge

Another interesting pattern emerges when you look at age.

Savings in 2025 are being driven by younger customers, particularly those aged 20–35. Within that group, under-30s are saving well above the national average.

Older age groups (36–60) are still switching, but they’re saving noticeably less than in previous years. This suggests that younger consumers are more proactive, more comfortable comparing, and quicker to move when the numbers don’t add up. We’ve also covered how age affects car insurance premiums.

That’s not a sign of recklessness or disloyalty. It’s financial confidence.

Who saved the most? Savings by age group

Geography tells its own story

Savings across Gauteng track closely with the national average, which makes sense given its size and economic footprint. The Western Cape, despite having a smaller base of positive savers, consistently delivers higher-than-average savings, suggesting that when people there do switch, they do it decisively. Take a look at how premiums differ by demographics too.

The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal show more modest savings compared to previous years, highlighting how economic pressure plays out differently across provinces.

Comparison works everywhere, but the impact depends on timing, awareness, and willingness to act.

Savings by province: Western Cape vs Gauteng vs KZN

Comparing quotes is a low-effort way to get ahead

When money feels stretched, big financial moves can feel intimidating. But comparison isn’t signing on the dotted line — it’s just taking a look.

You don’t need to switch everything. You don’t even need to switch today. But by comparing, you make sure you’re not overpaying for something you could get for less. And as we continue into 2026, that kind of confidence is worth a lot.

Compare car insurance quotes on Hippo

Here’s the consistent thread through the data: customers who switched after receiving a quote from hippo.co.za are seeing real results.

Hippo works because it removes the hardest part of saving money: the effort. Instead of phoning around, decoding fine print, or sticking with a policy because “changing feels like admin”, comparison puts everything side by side, clearly, transparently, and without pressure.

Hippo gives you a clear view of what’s out there, what it costs, and what you could save. The research backs it up. The savings are real. And in a climate where every rand matters, knowing your options is one of the easiest wins available.

You don’t have to switch. You just get to compare. Compare with Hippo & save today!