Discover the Easiest Way to Find the Best, Cheapest Car Insurance (2024)

Nobody wants to pay more than they have to for car insurance. In fact, many of us would rather not pay for it at all if it wasn’t such a necessity. We’ve all been spending to the limit to make our December more merry. And that probably means you’ll want the most affordable car insurance possible (so that the premiums don’t knock out your breath in Janu-worry). 

So, how do you get the cheapest car insurance in South Africa this 2024? There are many options out there, but how do you know which will work best for you? Here’s a straightforward guide to help you find the best, most affordable car cover for your needs the easiest way possible.

3 Ways to Find the Best Cheap Car Cover for You

1. Research and Compare Yourself.

You can take three approaches. Firstly, by doing your own research to understand the insurance companies, their cover options, their fees, and how their offering stacks up against that of competitors. This approach to finding the best cover can take a lot of time and effort and can become confusing or overwhelming. 

If you give your information to an insurance aggregate service, you could end up getting call after call from a list of insurers with endless offers. Many insurers offer online quote services on their websites, but when we researched these in 2023, it turned out that many of these processes would end up in a call anyway and did not tend to remain fully online.

2. Let Experts Find You the Best Option.

The second approach is the one we recommend, where you allow the insights of professionals with years of experience in the industry to do all the searching for you. You simply fill in an online form, then they match you with the ideal insurer for your needs.

The insurer then calls you with an obligation-free offer. You can accept it, or you could look for other offers if you wanted to. The choice is yours. Based on our experiences, this is still the easiest way to get the cheapest, best car cover for you. 

3. Try an InsurTech App.

The third method would be via the newer InsurTech companies such as Naked and Pineapple, both of whom offer fully online insurance policies via a mobile app. You would need to apply and accept your cover terms and conditions through their app by chatting with a bot after downloading the application onto your mobile phone.

This process can include snapping photos and recording videos of your car, uploading documentation, and more. Although these claim to be an extremely affordable car insurance product, our research has indicated that you aren’t guaranteed to save and might actually pay more monthly with an InsurTech app. For example, a New Chery Tiggo 4 Pro cost R1500 monthly at Naked, but only R860 at King Price for the same driver and vehicle.

What to Look at When Considering Your Options?

1. Look Beyond the Price Tag

It’s tempting to jump at the cheapest car cover quotes, but let’s pause for a second. Not all policies are created equal. When considering insurers, it’s crucial to look at their reputation for customer service, claim processing speed, and overall reliability. Think of it as dating—looks (or prices) aren’t everything!

2. Comprehensive Cover vs Third-Party Car Cover

Now, let’s dissect the types of cover. Comprehensive car insurance covers you for just about everything, from accidental damage to theft. On the other hand, third-party car insurance offers basic protection, covering damage you may cause to other vehicles.

For many, comprehensive is the wisest choice, offering a wide range of cover benefits. However, if you’re driving an older car or have budget constraints, you might want to consider cheaper cover options.

3. Monthly Premiums and Excess

Understanding your insurance premium and excess is as important as knowing the rules of the road. The monthly premium is what you pay regularly to keep your cover active. Think of it as a subscription to peace of mind. The excess, however, is what you pay when you make a claim. It’s like a co-payment at the doctor’s — a bit painful, but necessary.

4. Options for Different Driver Profiles

Whether you’re a regular driver or an occasional road-tripper, your cover needs will vary. Insurers often consider your driving history, credit score, and even the type of car you drive. It’s a bit like a financial personality test, and the results can significantly impact your premiums.

5. Is Cheapest Really Best?

The cheapest car insurance isn’t always the best. What you save in monthly costs, you might pay in headaches if the company has poor customer service or slow claims processing. Or, for example, if the company is not eager to pay out claims, you might be paying a premium for financial benefits you’ll never see. Some policies also have many benefits that are unnecessary but push up the price, or conversely the price is very affordable, but some of the cover you need is not part of the package. 

6. Tailoring Your Cover to Your Needs

Think of your car insurance policy as a bespoke suit. It should fit your specific needs perfectly. From adding extra cover for sound equipment to opting for a higher voluntary excess to lower premiums, customising your cover can save you a lot of money in the long run.

This is particularly useful for drivers with specific needs, like an add-on for portable possessions if you’ve often got your laptop in the car. Or if your vehicle is used in a unique way, such as business cars, fleets, trucks, and collectible vehicles. Since different types of vehicles face different risks, the cover they each need will differ.

What Could Make Your Premiums More Pricey?

1. Your Driving Record

Your driving record is like your academic transcript for the road. Insurers look at it closely. If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, you might be considered a high-risk driver, which could increase your premiums. Conversely, a clean driving record can lead to cheaper car insurance rates. It pays to be a model driver!

2. Credit Scores

In the financial world, your credit score speaks volumes, and it’s no different in the car insurance realm. A good credit score could lead to affordable car insurance premiums, as insurers see you as a responsible individual. It’s another reason to keep your credit in good standing.

3. Different Vehicle Types

Your vehicle type heavily influences your insurance options and costs. Insurance for a motorcycle, a collectable car, or a standard family sedan varies significantly. Each vehicle has its own risk profile and insurance requirements, much like different ships require different navigation strategies.

4. Hidden Costs

Beware of hidden costs lurking in the fine print of your policy. These could include admin fees, cancellation fees, or charges for optional extras. It’s crucial to read your policy schedule carefully.

5. The Economic Climate

The economic climate can affect insurance rates. Factors like inflation, economic downturns, and industry trends can impact the average price of car insurance. Staying informed can help you anticipate changes in premiums and adjust your policy accordingly.

Your Insurance, Your Choice

In the end, finding the best car insurance is about balancing cost, coverage and comfort. Whether you opt for comprehensive car insurance cover or a basic third-party policy, make sure it suits your lifestyle and budget. Remember, the best policy is one that gives you peace of mind—and that’s priceless. Ready to get started? Fill in the form on this page to find your best, cheapest car insurance today!