Finding the perfect car insurance for your needs, risks, and budget is a bit like finding the perfect pair of jeans. The style and size are important, as is the fit. However, unlike jeans, car insurance isn’t about appearances. It’s about knowing you have background back-up in case you accidentally damage your or someone else’s car, or someone’s else’s property; or in case your car is lost or damaged in a theft or hi-jacking incident.
And with South Africa’s roads being what they are, going without insurance in 2025 is a risky decision. Some might say it’s even riskier than trying to pass off your ordered-from-China denims as real-deal Levis. Here’s why:
3 reasons why car insurance is essential
Cover for accidents and theft: The numbers don’t lie: 75% of cars on South Africa’s roads aren’t insured and, on average, 93 cars are stolen daily. Comprehensive insurance helps ensure you’re not left stranded after an accident in which an uninsured driver is unlikely to be able to cover damage to your car… And your chance of this happening is 3 out of 4. Some insurance options also cover the loss of, or damage to your car following a theft or hi-jacking or an attempt thereat. Given the statistics, do you really want to leave yourself and your car open to not being insured against this possibility?
Cover for ‘oopsies’: Careless drivers (and ‘parkers’ who aren’t looking properly), hectic hailstorms, and other unexpected incidents that are out of your control can leave your car looking worse for wear. Insurance helps to iron out these creases.
Protection from liability to others: A small lapse in judgment while behind the wheel can lead to big bills if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. Third party insurance ensures that you won’t pay out of pocket for the cost of fixing this damage, or replacing other people’s stuff if fixing it isn’t an option.
But, car insurance isn’t 1-size-fits-all. With so options out there, and not all of them covering every risk, how do you decide which one fits your needs and wallet? Let’s break down the 5 options that King Price Insurance has to offer:
King Price Insurance’s 5 car cover options
Agreed value car insurance: This keeps your insured value constant for 3 years, covering accidents, theft, hi-jacking, and third party liability. Consistency is king with agreed value cover, which is perfect for you if you want a predictable payout.
Comprehensive car insurance: This is all-encompassing cover for accidents, theft and hi-jacking, and third party liability, with premiums that decrease monthly as your car loses value. (Hint hint: King Price is the only insurer in South Africa to offer decreasing premiums.)Agreed value and comprehensive cover are like the Louis Vuitton of jeans, but with a price tag that’s always the cheapest that King Price can offer for your unique risk profile.
Theft and write-off insurance: This protects you from total loss due to theft and hi-jacking, and damage due to attempted theft and hi-jacking, but skips third party liability.If your budget’s tight but you want serious protection against the unexpected, this option delivers… Provided, of course, that you can pay out of pocket for your responsibility to repair or replace other people’s stuff that you’ve accidentally damaged.
Third party, fire, and theft insurance: This is a middle-ground option covering the total loss of your car as a result of theft and hi-jacking (and damage due to attempts to steal or hi-jack your car) as well as loss or damage due to fire, and your third party liability. However, it doesn’t cover accidental damage to your own car. It’s great if you want balanced cover without overcommitting on a monthly basis, and you can afford to repair or replace your own car following an accident.
Third party car insurance: This is bare-bones protection for your liability responsibilities, but it leaves your own car uncovered against any kind of loss or damage. Given that some cover is always better than none, this option is ideal for you if you’re budget-conscious but still want to avoid crippling third party liability costs.
Before you hit the January sales for a new pair of jeans, why not click here or WhatsApp King Price Insurance on 0860 50 50 50 for a commitment-free insurance quote.
Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here. King Price Insurance Company Ltd is a licensed non-life insurer and registered financial services provider. (Reg no. 2009/012496/06 | FSP no. 43862)
