Insurance & Roadside Assistance In South Africa
1.
Comprehensive Insurance (Most Popular & Safest)
What it covers:
Accidental damage to your car.
Damage you cause to other vehicles or property.
Theft or hijacking.
Fire, floods, storms, hail.
Sometimes includes roadside assistance, car hire, or scratch & dent cover.
Who should take it:
Anyone with a financed car (banks require it).
Owner of newer or high-value car.
Estimated Cost:
R800 – R2,500/month (depends on car value, location, driver age, claims history).
Example: a 2018 Toyota Corolla might be ±R1,200/month, while a 2022 VW Golf GTI might be R2,200/month.
2.
Third-Party, Fire & Theft Insurance
What it covers:
Damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property.
Theft or hijacking of your car.
Fire damage.
What it doesn’t cover:
Accidental damage to your own car (if you crash, you’re on your own).
Who should take it:
Older cars (where comprehensive premiums may be higher than the car’s value).
Budget-conscious drivers.
Estimated Cost:
R400 – R900/month.
Example: a 2010 Toyota Yaris might cost around R500/month.
3.
Third-Party Only Insurance
What it covers:
Only the damage you cause to others’ vehicles or property.
What it doesn’t cover:
Theft, fire, natural disasters.
Any damage to your own car.
Who should take it:
Very old or low-value cars.
Drivers who just want legal protection if they crash into someone else.
Estimated Cost:
R150 – R400/month.
Example: a 2005 Tazz or Citi Golf could be insured for ±R200/month.
4.
Other Things to Consider
Excess Fees: You usually pay R2,500 – R6,000 out-of-pocket per claim.
Cash Back Bonuses: Some insurers (e.g., Outsurance, Discovery) give you money back if you don’t claim.
Tracker/Fitted Alarm: Can lower your premiums if your car has a tracking device.
How to get Insurance
Step 1: Decide on the type of cover
Comprehensive (best for new/financed cars).
Third-Party, Fire & Theft (middle ground).
Third-Party Only (cheapest, only covers others).
Step 2: Shop around for quotes
Compare at least 3–5 insurers (e.g., Outsurance, Discovery Insure, Hollard, MiWay, King Price).
Use online quote tools or call insurers directly.
Compare premium price, excess fees, and included benefits (like roadside assistance).
Step 3: Provide required information
Insurers will ask for:
Personal details (ID number, address, contact details).
Car details (make, model, year, mileage, VIN/chassis number, engine number).
Where the car is parked (garage, street, security estate).
Driving history (accidents, fines, previous claims).
Whether the car is financed (bank details).
Step 4: Submit required documents
Most insurers will require:
South African ID or Passport
Proof of Address (municipal bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
Proof of Income / Employment (sometimes for financed cars)
Car Registration Papers (NaTIS)
Vehicle Finance Documents (if still under bank finance)
Previous Insurance Details (if you had cover before — helps lower your premium)
Step 5: Get the car inspected (if required)
Some insurers ask for a pre-inspection at an approved centre or via photos of your car.
This confirms the condition of the car when cover starts.
Step 6: Review the policy & accept
Check the monthly premium, excess, exclusions (e.g., some don’t cover pothole damage).
If happy, sign the policy agreement (electronic or physical).
Debit order is set up for monthly payments.
Step 7: Receive your proof of insurance
You’ll get a policy schedule (summary of cover) and an insurance certificate.
Keep this in your car — needed for police roadblocks or accident claims.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is usually included with comprehensive insurance or sold separately by companies like the AA (Automobile Association).
Typical Services Covered:
Towing Service (breakdown or accident) – usually free within 50km, then R12–R15/km thereafter.
Flat Battery Jumpstart – free.
Flat Tyre Assistance – tyre change using your spare.
Fuel Delivery – they bring 10–20 litres of fuel; free, but you pay for the fuel itself.
Locksmith Services – help if you’re locked out (often covers R500 – R1,000 of the cost).
Overnight Accommodation / Car Hire – in some packages if you break down far from home.
Estimated Pricing:
Included in Comprehensive Insurance: Usually free (already built into premium).
As an Add-On (with cheaper policies): Around R40 – R90/month.
AA Standalone Membership (no insurance required):
R1,200 – R2,000/year depending on plan.
Example: AA Advantage plan ± R150/month, AA Advantage Plus ± R250/month.