Statistics show that 65% of South Africa’s 8 million licensed vehicles are uninsured. This means over half the drivers you share the road with aren’t covered. Unfortunately, not everyone will take responsibility if they cause an accident or injure you in a traffic accident. Taking out car insurance with sufficient cover will help protect you and your finances.

Another reason to consider car insurance is the peace of mind it offers. Imagine your vehicle breaking down on a dark, deserted road or, worse, being involved in an accident. With car insurance, you have access to reliable assistance — including towing, repairs, and even replacement vehicles.

The best car insurance offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. It should protect you from unexpected costs like accidents, theft, and natural disasters. But with so many options available, finding the right policy can be overwhelming. Here are some tips:

• Make sure your policy includes essential coverage like liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance.
• Choose a deductible that balances affordability and out-of-pocket costs.
• Compare premiums from different insurers to find the most competitive rates.
• Look for an insurer with excellent customer service and a hassle-free claims process.

At Supercompare, we simplify the process of getting insurance quotes to help you choose the right coverage for your budget. We recommend only reputable insurers with a track record of high-quality services and flexible solutions.

Choose car insurance from a company that looks after its clients. Reputable insurers offer 24/7 roadside emergency assistance and services as standard on their plans. This gives you an extra layer of security when your vehicle breaks down or needs a jump start while you’re stranded. Some companies can also help you with a flat tyre or send a locksmith if you lose your key or get locked out.

If you don’t use your personal car frequently — such as if you mainly use a company vehicle or work from home — your insurer may offer a reduced premium and potentially save up to 20%.

Insuring a new car is typically more expensive than a second-hand or slightly older model. Your premium ultimately depends on the type of car you’re insuring and your choice of insurance company. Additionally, insurers consider your personal details — particularly your age and how long you have had your driver’s licence. Risk factors like your claim history may also be taken into account.

The type of insurance you choose will also affect the costs to insure your new car. Third-party insurance is a more affordable option but offers limited coverage. It primarily protects you against legal liability for damage to other vehicles or property. In contrast, comprehensive car insurance is generally more expensive but provides broader coverage, including damage to your own vehicle caused by accidents, theft, or natural disasters.

Some cars are simply cheaper to insure than others because they have lower repair costs, higher safety ratings, and/or less risk of theft. Here are some of those car models:

• Compact cars like the Nissan Micra, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10, Hyundai i20, Renault Sandero, and Ford Figo
• Budget-friendly sedans like Nissan 1400, Toyota Etios, and Toyota Corolla

The age and make of your car directly impact your insurance costs. Older vehicles with lower market values are generally cheaper to insure. Vehicles assembled locally often come with lower premiums because replacement parts are more readily available. Cars that are equipped with advanced security features (such as trackers and immobilisers) usually have more affordable insurance rates, too.

Yes, there are some ways to minimise your car insurance premiums.

• Choose the right vehicle. A less expensive car generally has lower repair and replacement costs, leading to lower insurance premiums.
• Maintain a clean driving record. Avoid accidents and traffic violations to reduce your insurance costs. Completing defensive driving courses can sometimes lead to lower premiums, too.
• Invest in security features for your car to lower your insurance costs. Garaging your car can also reduce the risk of theft and vandalism and potentially lead to lower premiums.

If you’re financing your car, you’ll typically need to provide proof of car insurance to the lender before they finalise the loan. This is because the lender wants to protect their investment in case of accidents or theft.

If you’re buying a car outright with cash, you may not be legally required to have car insurance immediately. However, it’s mandatory to have insurance in place as soon as you drive the car off the lot.

Once you drive that vehicle off the lot, you’ll be responsible for any expenses if an accident or theft occurs. Being insured will protect you from unforeseen expenses, so you won’t have to worry about dipping into your savings or borrowing money from your family or friends. Ultimately, car insurance will protect you and your finances from any unexpected expenses related to your vehicle. Driving without insurance is against the law and can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential license suspension.

Yes, you do. You can’t apply or get approved for car insurance in South Africa if you don’t have a valid driver’s licence. Insurance companies use your driving history to assess your risk and determine your premium, which is why having a clean and long driving record can often lead to lower insurance rates.

In addition to your driver’s license, you’ll need to provide the following documentation to your insurance provider:

• Your vehicle’s registration certificate: Make sure it’s in your name. If your car is financed, make sure the document includes the name of the financial institution or bank.
• Vehicle details: VIN, engine number, make, model, and year
• Your personal details: Proof of residence, ID number, name, contact details, address, bank details, and driving history

Use Supercompare to get a quote from different insurance companies and find the most competitive car cover that meets your needs and budget. When evaluating policies, be sure to look into factors like coverage (how much protection it offers), excess amounts (your out-of-pocket expense in case of a claim), and premiums (the cost of the insurance).

Once you choose a policy, gather all the necessary documents — like your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of address. Fill out the insurance company’s application form, making sure that you’re honest and accurate when providing information about your driving history and personal details.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the policy or claims process if you’re unsure about anything.

Most car insurance providers offer additional coverage options that allow you to tailor your policy to your specific needs. Here are some popular add-ons:

• Car hire cover – This coverage can provide you with a rental car if your insured vehicle is stolen or written off or while it is undergoing repairs due to a covered accident.
• Rims and tyre cover – This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle’s rims and tyres in case of accidental damage.
• Classic car cover – Do you own a classic car? specialised insurance can provide comprehensive coverage, including protection against theft, vandalism, and accidental damage.

Of course! Many insurance providers offer comprehensive protection for these types of vehicles, with coverage often extending to neighbouring African countries.

Are you buying a new 4×4? Make sure to insure it before taking it out on the road. Reputable insurers offer specialised 4×4 insurance packages that cover full off-road use according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

To ensure peace of mind during your adventures, you can also buy additional coverage such as:

• Roadside assistance to cover breakdowns, towing, and emergency repairs
• Electrical and mechanical cover to protect against unexpected failures

Investing in comprehensive car insurance lets you enjoy your outdoor pursuits without worry.