Car Insurance

by Calyn Ehid

Having the right car insurance cover for your specific needs makes it easy to confidently go about your day and live your best life, that’s exactly why we’ll cover a variety of car insurance products to choose from. No matter the kind of driving needs you have, we’ll explain the different kinds of insurance out there plus key features they should come with.

To start with, most car insurance providers offer you a choice between Comprehensive, 3rd Party Fire, and 3rd Party Only vehicle Insurance cover, so you can take the one that best suits your individual needs.

Reduce Car Insurance

Comprehensive:

When it comes to your well-being and that of your family, we know that you’re a cautious but great decision-maker. That’s where Comprehensive Car Insurance comes into play. It’s an all-inclusive, all-encompassing insurance policy that will cover your vehicle against just about all risks and perils. You’ll also be covered for your own damage as well as the damage, costs and expenses of any third party in the event of an accident that you caused.
Most providers will also include the following great benefits:

  • The towing and storage of your vehicle if it is involved in an accident.
  • Medical costs of up to R500 in the event of an accident.
  • You can add cover against theft and damage to your vehicle’s canopy and sound system to your insurance schedule.
  • You can opt to have hail damage cover included.
  • You can also choose to take the car hire option, which will get you back on the road in no time if your vehicle has been stolen or damaged.

Remember that if your car is financed by a bank, Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance is a must! 

Third Party, Fire & Theft Insurance:

With this policy, you can confidently drive yourself and your loved ones around knowing that you’re covered for the basics, and then some. Third-party, Fire & Theft Insurance will protect your car against theft, fire-related damages, and damages you have caused to another person’s vehicle during an accident.
While this type of insurance does not extend to any accident or accident-related damages to your own vehicle, it does include substantial benefits.
Most providers will also include the following great benefits:

  • The towing and storage of your vehicle if it is involved in an accident may be included.
  • Payment of medical costs up to R500 if any of your vehicle’s occupants are injured following an accident.
  • You can choose to take car hire to get you back on the road if your vehicle has been stolen.
  • You can increase your Third-party Liability Cover to R5 million, R10 million, or R20 million for a small additional fee.
  • You have the option to upgrade this policy to include a number of additional car cover options, such as covering your vehicle’s canopy, sound system, and windscreen.

Third Party Only Insurance:

If you just need the basics so that you can ensure you and those around you are looked after on the road, then Third-party Only Insurance is the cover for you. It will protect your financial well-being and cover expenses, costs, or damages you may cause to another person’s vehicle if you’re in an accident. You will also be covered if your car damages another person’s property. Note that this kind of insurance will cover the other person’s property and not your own.

Most providers will also include the following great benefits:

  • Medical expenses if anyone is involved in an accident up to R500
  • The sound system in your vehicle can be insured along with your policy if you specify cover for it.
  • You’re also able to increase your Third-party Liability cover to R5 million, R10 million, or R20 million for a small additional fee.

Note that most Third-party Only Insurance does not include towing and storage.

You should try to make sure you insurance provider has covers some of these basic features:

Manage your policy online

The fact that you are here now shows that you are probably not the typewriter and fax machine type. You have embraced the power of the World Wide Web and appreciate just how convenient it is to do things in digital rather than in analogue. We echo that sentiment wholeheartedly. That is why you should ensure your provider has an online policy management portal that allows you to make hassle free changes to your policy anytime. No more carrier pigeons or smoke signals required, sign up now to take control of your insurance policy.

Uncomplicated claims process

Tired of having to jump through hoops to claim? Search for providers that are continuously working to improve their processes in order to make it as painless an experience as possible for you. We believe that you should not be ashamed of claiming when you need to, after all, that’s what insurance is for.

Flexible Plans that can be customized

Pick a cover, that gives you the ability to choose your own excess. Choosing to pay a higher excess can significantly reduce the premium.

Insure your vehicle for the right value:

  • Retail value (the recommended insured value – the current selling price on the dealer’s floor as per the Trans Union Dealers Guide)
  • Market value (the average between the vehicle’s retail and trade values)
  • Trade value (the average price that a motor dealer will pay you for the vehicle as per the Trans Union Dealers Guide)
  • Special agreed value (which applies to unlisted, vintage and collectors’ vehicles, caravans and trailers where a valuation is given by an appropriate approved source)

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Which cars have the cheapest insurance?

  • Chevrolet Aveo en Spark
  • Nissan Micra
  • Kia Picanto
  • Toyota Corolla en Etios
  • Ford Figo
  • Nissan 1400
  • Renault Sandero
  • Hyundai i10 en i20

How much does it cost to insure a new car?

The cost of insuring a new car can be more expensive than a slightly older or second-hand model. The price you pay depends entirely on the kind of car you want to insure, the insurer you choose to go with, and your personal info, like how long you’ve had your driver’s license and how old you are. s are refundable, subject to the terms and conditions of the car hire service provider).

Which car insurance is the best?

  • The best car insurance is the kind that offers you a fair and logical cover for your car without compromising your budget. Some providers offer you super quality, super cheap car insurance premiums that decrease monthly in line with the depreciating value of your car.

Do I have to have insurance to buy a car?

  • You don’t have to have insurance to buy a car. However, if you’re taking out a loan from a bank or financing house to pay for your precious new (or new-to-you) car, then it’s compulsory to get comprehensive car insurance
  • Do I need insurance to drive a used car off the lot?
  • In South Africa, you need insurance to drive a used car off the lot if you’ve financed the car. If you didn’t get a loan from the bank, then you don’t need insurance. But you should consider having insurance anyway, because once you drive it off the lot, you’ll be responsible for any costs if you have an accident or if it’s stolen.
  • Can I get car insurance without a driver’s licence?
  • You can’t get car insurance without a driver’s licence in South Africa. Not only is it illegal to drive a car without a licence, but the length of time that you’ve had your licence is 1 of the risk factors that determines your premium.