Start with the loss you could not fund yourself
Comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party-only arrangements can leave the driver carrying very different losses. Compare accidental damage to your own car, theft, fire and legal liability instead of starting with a premium alone.
Make the driver and use details accurate
Regular drivers, licence status, commuting, business use, ride sharing, garaging and modifications can all matter. Update the insurer or authorised intermediary when a material fact changes rather than assuming the original proposal still fits.
Read excesses alongside the cover
A policy can contain a standard excess and additional amounts for young drivers, theft, glass, hail, high-risk areas or specified events. Test whether the total contribution would be manageable at the time of a genuine loss.
Check security and theft conditions
Some vehicle and location profiles can attract tracker, immobiliser or other security requirements. The FAIS Ombud has highlighted that stated security requirements may be material to theft and hijacking cover, so check the schedule and evidence of compliance.
After an accident, protect people and evidence
Safety comes first. Where safe, record facts, photographs, vehicle details and witnesses; follow the applicable reporting process; and notify the insurer or broker promptly. South African government guidance identifies police reporting and a case number as practical steps where damage occurs.
Do not authorise non-emergency repairs blindly
Policies can have repair authorisation, assessor, salvage or approved-repairer processes. Take reasonable emergency action to prevent worsening damage, then obtain the route required by the schedule before assuming a cost will be recoverable.
Compare policies on the same fact pattern
Use the same vehicle, drivers, value, use, parking and claims information for each comparison. Then compare limits, excesses, exclusions, settlement basis, security obligations and claims support rather than comparing only the monthly amount.
Keep the annual review practical
Review value, drivers, use, address, finance arrangements, security and claims history at renewal. The right question is whether the information and policy still describe your actual risk—not whether last year’s premium was convenient.
A sensible next step
If you are reviewing a quote or existing cover, prepare the schedule and questions for an authorised adviser. Do not submit sensitive information through this first-contact website form.
Request an insurance review