Understanding Your Insurance Options

Explore every type of cover available in South Africa. Select a category to learn what it covers, what to watch for, and how to get the best deal.

Comprehensive Car Insurance

The most complete vehicle protection available. Covers your car, other vehicles, people, and property regardless of who is at fault.

What Is Covered

Accident damage to your car and third parties
Theft and hijacking of your vehicle
Fire and explosion damage
Natural disasters including hail, flooding, and storms
Third party property damage
Windscreen and glass replacement
Emergency roadside assistance
Car hire while yours is being repaired

Typically Excluded

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Using your car for business without disclosure
Unlicensed driver at the time of accident
Wear and tear and mechanical breakdown
Pre-existing damage not declared at inception
Racing or speed testing on a track
Cargo and personal belongings inside the vehicle

Factors That Affect Your Premium

Your Location
High-risk suburbs attract higher premiums
Excess Amount
Higher excess equals a lower monthly premium
Car Model and Age
Newer, more expensive cars cost more to insure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an excess and how does it work?+
An excess is the amount you agree to pay when you claim. If your excess is R5 000 and your repair costs R20 000, the insurer pays R15 000. A higher excess typically results in a lower monthly premium.
Does my insurer pay retail or trade value?+
This depends on your policy. Retail value is what you would pay a dealer for a similar car. Trade value is what a dealer would pay you. Always clarify which basis applies before signing.
Can someone else drive my car and still be covered?+
Most policies allow other licensed drivers to use your vehicle, but the regular driver must be disclosed. Some policies apply an additional excess if a non-listed driver is involved in an accident.

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Third Party, Fire & Theft

A middle-ground option that is more affordable than comprehensive cover while still protecting against your biggest risks. Ideal for older vehicles or tighter budgets.

What Is Covered

Damage you cause to other vehicles and property
Injuries caused to third parties
Theft and hijacking of your vehicle
Fire damage to your car
Roadside assistance on some policies

Not Covered

Accident damage to your own vehicle
Hail, flood, or storm damage to your car
Windscreen repair or replacement
Car hire while yours is being repaired
Mechanical or electrical breakdown

Is Third Party, Fire & Theft Right for You?

This policy makes sense when your vehicle's value does not justify a comprehensive premium. Typically this means vehicles worth less than R100 000 where you could manage a repair or replacement independently.

Good choice if
  • Your car is older or fully paid off
  • You have a tight monthly budget
  • Your vehicle has a low retail value
Reconsider if
  • Your car is financed and the bank requires comprehensive
  • You commute daily through high-risk areas
  • You cannot afford to repair your own car out of pocket

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Third Party Only and TPFT?+
Third Party Only covers damage and injuries you cause to others only. Third Party, Fire and Theft adds protection for your own vehicle against theft, hijacking, and fire damage.
Will TPFT cover a hijacking?+
Yes, most TPFT policies include hijacking under the theft category. Always check the specific wording of your policy as some insurers treat hijacking and theft as distinct events.

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Mechanical & Extended Warranty

Protect yourself from costly mechanical and electrical breakdowns once your manufacturer's warranty has expired.

Typically Covered

Engine failure and internal components
Gearbox and transmission faults
Electrical system failures
Air conditioning and cooling systems
Turbo and supercharger failures
Roadside assistance and towing
Car hire while your vehicle is being repaired

Not Covered

Routine maintenance including services, oil, brakes, and tyres
Accident damage, which falls under car insurance
Pre-existing conditions at the time the policy started
Damage caused by neglect or missed services
Cosmetic damage and bodywork

Plan Tiers Explained

Basic
Engine, gearbox, and drivetrain only. Best for older or high-mileage vehicles on a budget.
Premium
All-inclusive cover plus car hire, accommodation assistance, and extended towing benefit.

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Home & Contents Insurance

Your home is likely your most valuable asset. Make sure it and everything in it is properly protected.

Buildings Cover

The structure of your home including walls, roof, and floors
Outbuildings, garages, and boundary walls
Fixed fixtures such as baths, geysers, and built-in cupboards
Swimming pool and paving
Fire, flooding, and storm damage

Contents Cover

Furniture, appliances, and electronics
Clothing and personal belongings
Home office equipment
Jewellery and valuables up to policy limits
Theft and burglary cover
Power surge and geyser damage

Important Tips for SA Homeowners

Insure for Replacement Cost

Always insure your home for what it would cost to rebuild from scratch, not its market value. These figures can differ significantly.

Geyser Cover Is Critical

Geyser bursts are among the most common home insurance claims in SA. Confirm your policy covers the geyser and any resulting water damage.

Update Your Sum Insured Annually

Building costs rise with inflation. Review your buildings cover each year to avoid being underinsured when you need to claim.

Specify High-Value Items

Jewellery, artwork, and collectibles may have sub-limits on standard policies. Specify them separately for full replacement cover.

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Life Insurance

Ensure your family is financially protected if the worst happens. Life cover is one of the most important financial decisions you will make.

Types of Life Cover in South Africa

Term Life Cover

Covers you for a specific period such as 10 or 20 years. If you pass away during that term the lump sum is paid out. Usually the most affordable option.

Whole Life Cover

Covers you for your entire life. Premiums are higher but the payout is guaranteed whenever you pass. Often includes an investment element.

Disability Cover

Pays a lump sum or monthly income if you become permanently disabled and can no longer earn an income. Often bundled with life cover.

Critical Illness Cover

Pays a lump sum on diagnosis of a listed serious illness such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke to help cover treatment costs and lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much life cover do I need?+
A common rule of thumb is 10 to 12 times your annual salary. The correct amount also depends on your outstanding debt, your family's monthly expenses, education costs, and any existing savings or investments.
Does life insurance cover suicide?+
Most South African life insurers exclude suicide within the first 24 months of the policy. After that waiting period, most policies do provide cover. Always check your specific policy schedule.
Can I be declined for life cover?+
Yes, insurers may decline cover or add exclusions based on your health, age, or occupation. However, some insurers specialise in higher-risk individuals. We can help match you to the right provider.

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Medical Aid

South Africa's private healthcare system is world-class but expensive. Medical aid gives you access to private care without the financial burden.

Medical Aid Plan Types

Hospital Plan

Covers private hospital admission only, with no day-to-day benefits. The most affordable option for younger, healthy individuals.

Network Plan

Full benefits restricted to a designated network of doctors and hospitals. Lower premiums than open plans.

Key Medical Aid Terms to Know

Medical Savings Account (MSA)

Your allocated day-to-day benefit pool drawn from for GP visits, scripts, and dentistry.

Co-payment

An amount you pay yourself on top of what the scheme covers. Often applies when using a non-network provider.

Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs)

By law, all medical schemes must cover the diagnosis and treatment of 271 conditions and 25 chronic diseases in full.

Formulary

The approved medicine list your scheme will pay for at full benefit. Generic alternatives are often encouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be refused medical aid in South Africa?+
No. Open medical aid schemes cannot refuse membership based on your health status or age. Late joiner penalties may apply if you have never had medical aid cover previously.
What is the difference between medical aid and health insurance?+
Medical aid is a registered scheme governed by the Medical Schemes Act and provides comprehensive healthcare cover. Health insurance is a gap product that complements medical aid and cannot replace it.
When can I join a medical scheme?+
Most South African medical schemes allow joining at any time of year. However, some plan changes only take effect on 1 January. Check with your specific scheme for details.

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Funeral Cover

Give your family the dignity they deserve. Funeral cover ensures loved ones are not burdened with costs during an already difficult time.

What Funeral Cover Typically Includes

Lump sum payout within 24 to 48 hours of an approved claim
Cover for main member and spouse
Cover for children and extended family members
Repatriation of remains including cross-border
Grocery benefit on some policies
Tombstone benefit on some policies

Key Considerations

Waiting Periods

Most policies have a 3 to 6 month waiting period for natural death. Accidental death is usually covered from day one.

Cover Amount

Average funeral costs in SA range from R15 000 to R50 000 and above. Ensure your cover amount is sufficient.

Extended Family

Many SA families include parents and in-laws on a single funeral policy. Premiums increase per additional member added.

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Business Insurance

Protect the business you have worked hard to build. From sole traders to SMEs, we will help you find the right cover.

Types of Business Cover

Commercial Property Insurance

Covers your business premises and contents against fire, theft, flooding, and more.

Public Liability

Protects your business if a customer or third party is injured or their property is damaged on your premises.

Business Interruption

Covers loss of income and ongoing expenses if your business is forced to close temporarily due to an insured event.

Professional Indemnity

Covers claims made against you for professional errors, omissions, or negligent advice in your field of work.

Fleet and Commercial Vehicle

Insures your business vehicles from a single delivery vehicle to an entire fleet.

Cyber Insurance

Covers costs related to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and cyber liability. Growing in importance for all businesses.

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