Choosing the right car insurance is a very important decision. We might not always be able to control what happens on the road, but we can control our car insurance. While we all hope for the best, accidents do happen, and you want to be protected. So whether it’s a small scratch or a write-off, you need an insurance company that will have your back.
With so many car insurance companies trying to get your attention, it can be difficult to know which ones stand on top. To guide you on your search, here is everything you need to know about the top car insurance companies in South Africa.
To help you find the policy that suits your needs and means, it’s good to know the 3 different types of car insurance in South Africa:
Comprehensive car insurance is essentially the full package. It covers injury or damage caused by either your vehicle or another’s. It also covers you if your car is lost, stolen, hijacked or even damaged by a natural event like fire, explosion, flood, hurricane, hailstorm, and more depending on your policy.
Because it is the most comprehensive policy, it’s also usually the most expensive. But insurers often offer flexibility and variation in the policy to match your needs.
Third-party car insurance policies are made to only cover the damage or injury of a third party in an accident. This usually includes hospitalisation costs, death benefits, and property reparation. However, you don’t get any cover on your own vehicle.
Third-party car insurance often has 2 different kinds: Third-party fire and theft and third-party only. Third-party only covers the third party in an accident that you caused. However, on top of covering the third-party, Third-party fire and theft covers your vehicle in the case of a fire or theft. However, for both policies, your vehicle is still not covered in the event of an accident.
Discovery is one of the best car insurance companies in South Africa not only because it offers great prices and a range of plans, but it also provides valuable benefits to its clients. Discovery also offers all its clients access to its reward program, Vitality Drive, which rewards good driving and keeps you safe!
Essential Plan: No excess for accidents caused by third-party, emergency roadside assistance, trauma support, personal liability cover and up to 25% of your fuel and Gautrain spend back every month
Classic Plan: On top of the Essential Plan, you get no excess for weather-related claims, car hire for 30 days when you claim and up to 50% of your fuel and Gautrain spend back every month
Purple Plan: On top of the Classic Plan, you get multi-vehicle benefits which reduce your premiums if you own several cars, the replacement value of a new car if your written-off or stolen car is less than 24 months old and an assigned service executive
OUTsurance is known for its value for money and efficient service. Their famous OUTbonuses give you back 10% of your paid premiums back if you are claim-free for 3 consecutive years. OUTsurance is so confident they have the best prices that if they can’t beat your current premium, they’ll give you R500 cash.
Plus, with OUTsurance you get its Help@OUT emergency home and roadside assistance in case of an empty tank, flat tire or roadside emergency.
Comprehensive car insurance: Cover against loss or damage due to an accident or fires, explosions, storms, earthquakes and other acts of nature with a fixed excess, 12-month guaranteed premiums and up to R5 million in liability cover
Essential car insurance: Designed for unfinanced vehicles over 5 years old and worth less than R125 000 with claims paid out in cash and up to R1 million liability cover
Motor warranty insurance: Designed to pay towards the cost of repairing your OUTsured vehicle following an unforeseen mechanical or electrical breakdown
And... we all love the Outsurance Pointsmen! Thank you!
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King Priceis definitely one of the favourites in South Africa, probably because it is the only insurance service provider that decreases its clients’ monthly premiums to match the decreasing value of their vehicles. Plus, you can save up to 20% when you insure more than 2 vehicles.
Comprehensive cover: Covers accident damage, theft, hijacking and liability cover
Agreed value: Similar to comprehensive cover, except the insured value that's noted on your policy schedule is the amount that your car is covered for, for 3 years, and it doesn't decrease
Theft and write-off: Covers the total loss of your car if written-off, stolen or hijacked, plus damages that occur due to attempted theft or hijacking
Third-party, fire and theft: Covers theft, hijacking and liability for a third party if you caused the accident
Third-party only: Covers accidental damage of a third party in an accident you caused
Collectable car insurance: Covers classic or high-valued cars for accidents, theft and third-party liability.
We of course also love their sense of humour!
Momentum has built a beloved reputation in South Africa as one of the leading car insurance companies with no hidden costs and excellent service. With their reward program, Momentum Multiply, you can get up to 30% on your premiums every year, even if you claim. Plus, get 24/7/365 roadside assistance with Momentum Assist.
Momentum Select: Personalised car insurance where you can customise your cover to match your unique lifestyle
Momentum Priceless: Comprehensive cover for your vehicles including motorcycles, trailers, caravans, and watercraft, plus no excess on windscreen repair and loss or damage of sound equipment
Momentum Envoy: A premier insurance service with comprehensive cover, plus delivery of your vehicle after a repair following an incident that you're insured for and convenient assessment of your vehicle at your residence or workplace
MiWay is known for its affordable, comprehensive and customisable car insurance services. You can choose based on which value to insure your vehicle, including retail value, market value, trade value or special agreed value. MiWay also offers benefits such as 24-hour roadside assistance, WeDrive (a take-me-home service) and an easy claiming process online or via the app.
Comprehensive car insurance: Covers theft and hijacking, damages due to an accident, fire or explosion and natural disasters like hail and floods, liability to other parties as a result of an accident, as well as intentional damage to your vehicle
Third-party, fire and theft: Covers theft, fire-related damages and damages you may have caused to another person's vehicle during an accident
Third-party only: Provides liability cover for any damage you may cause to the property of another person
Total loss: Provides insurance cover to clients for the total loss of their vehicles only due to write-offs, theft or hijack as well as limited third-party liability
1st for Women is an insurance service designed specifically for women and their unique needs on the road, putting women’s safety first. 1st for Women has a range of benefits for women, including Guardian Angel on Call which ensures you get home safe, Guardian Angel Road Assist, medical costs up to R500 due to an accident and optional sound system cover.
Comprehensive Car Insurance: All-encompassing cover for loss, theft, and damage done to your own car, plus fire damage to your vehicle and damage done to third-party property if you’re the cause of an accident.
Third-party, Fire, and Theft Car Insurance: Covers theft and fire damage to your car and third-party damage you may cause in an accident, plus access to a trusted and trackable tow truck that will tow your car to the nearest repairer or storage yard and cover the costs of this following an accident
Third-Party Car Insurance: Covers any third-party damages, costs, and expenses on your behalf
Santam is the insurer of choice for thousands of South Africans as South Africa’s largest short-term insurer. With Santam’s SmartPark, you get lower premiums for driving less. If you drive less than 15 000 km a year, you can save up to 20% on your premiums.
Comprehensive: Covers accidental loss or damage to a vehicle, such as car accidents, theft and hail, plus -third-party cover
Third-Party Only: Covers the amount for which you are legally liable to a third party if the liability relates to the vehicle
Limited (fire and theft): Accidental loss or damage (as a result of fire, lightning, explosion, theft or attempted theft) to a vehicle, including third-party liability
Old Mutual is hailed for its reliability and extensive coverage. Old Mutual’s car insurance, Motorsure, is affordable car insurance that protects you and your car against accidents, fire, theft, and third-party claims.
Cover against road accident damage or loss, attempted or actual vehicle theft or hijacking, damage to your vehicle as a result of fire, theft or natural disaster (e.g. storms, hail and floods) and for third-party claims against you.
Affordable premiums
Towing costs
Replacement of damaged keys, locks or remotes
Access to 24/7 Emergency Assist
Optional car hire
With Budget Insurance, the biggest strength is in the name — it’s an excellent, affordable car insurance option! It’s designed to help you save and ensures your car insurance won’t break the bank. With its Cash Back Bonus, you can start receiving cashback rewards after claimless 2 years until you put in a claim. The more vehicles you insure, the higher the discount you’ll get. Plus, with their Assist Benefits, they ensure you’re really getting value for money.
Comprehensive Car: Covers theft and hijacking, loss, accidental damage and third-party damage
Third-Party Fire and Theft: Covers third-party damage, theft and hijacking, as well as window glass damage
Budget Lite: Designed for cars that have been around the block, the 3 Budget Lite options offer three affordable car insurance options for vehicles in the lower price bracket.
BetterCar: Enjoy all the same excellent cover and benefits you would with our Comprehensive Car Insurance, plus the BetterCar value of your car which is a minimum of 15% than retail value.
Dial Direct is a flexible and affordable insurance service provider, offering bundled deals for you to save on your insurance, including car, pothole and cellphone cover. What puts Dial Direct on the map is its unique benefits of same-day claim payments on certain claims, a Payback Bonus with cashback after 4 years of claim-free cover, easy online and in-app management and towing services at the tap of a button.
Third-Party Only: Covers damage to other vehicles and property where you are deemed to be at fault
Third-Party, Fire and Theft: Covers repairs or replacement of car if it is lost or damaged by fire, plus third-party vehicle or property damage claims
Comprehensive Cover: Protects you again financial loss if you’re involved in a car accident, third-party vehicle or property damage, plus if your car is stolen
Dial Direct also offers other products like Auto Top-Up, Pothole Insurance, Scratch and Dent cover and Motor Warranty.
There you have it! The best car insurance companies in South Africa. Each company offers a unique set of insurance services, so you’re guaranteed to find the perfect one for your needs and your budget.
And remember, a lower premium isn’t always the sign of a better insurance option. It’s important to compare prices but make sure you also choose a policy that will cover all your needs. Choose the one that will help you drive stress-free knowing your insurance company has your back!
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