Let’s be real: Car insurance isn’t exactly something we dream of buying. It’s more like buying toilet paper… You don’t realllllllly want to spend the money, but you’re *really* glad you have it when you need it.
In South Africa, however, car insurance is less about 3-ply lavender-scented luxury, and more about covering your {insert the word you know should end this sentence}. Here’s why:
3 reasons why car insurance is non-negotiable in 2025
Accident damage and total loss: With around 12 million vehicles on the road in South Africa and only 3 million of these being insured, you’ve got a 3 in 4 chance that the other party in an accident isn’t going to be able to cover damage to your car. That’s a lot of risk. And, with recent SA Police Service stats showing 93 cars being stolen every day, you also need a plan to replace your car if it’s lost or damaged due to theft or hi-jacking. Further, if you’ve financed your car, your lender will insist that you have comprehensive cover for it until you’ve paid back every single cent you borrowed.
Life’s little ‘oopsies’: From rogue shopping trolleys that come at your car out of nowhere, to stones that aim unerringly at your windscreen, to hail stones that cause dents the size of rolls of 2-ply, life’s little surprises are often less then delightful. Having insurance goes a long way towards turning your frown upside down after ‘oopsies’ strike.
Third party liability: Picture this: You swerve to avoid a dog, side-swipe a parked car, bash through someone’s garden wall, and end up in their pool. Without third party insurance, you’re paying for that car, wall, pool, and maybe even the chlorine. Yikes. Third party liability insurance covers the cost of your responsibility for this damage.
But, given that not all car insurance options cover all of the above risks, how do you choose the policy that’s best for you and your budget? Here’s a rundown of the 5 car insurance options that King Price offers:
King Price Insurance’s 5 car cover options
Agreed value car insurance: This covers accident damage, theft, hi-jacking, and third party liability. The best part? Your car’s insured value stays the same for 3 years, so you always know what you’ll be paid out.Agreed value cover is perfect if you want consistent cover without worrying about the depreciating value of your car.
Comprehensive car insurance: This option covers everything from minor scratches to full write-offs, theft and hi-jacking, and third party damage. Plus, with King Price (and only with King Price), your premium decreases monthly as your car loses value.Comprehensive cover is your all-in-1 safety net, with a built-in reward for your car’s aging process.
Theft and write-off insurance: This option focuses on the total loss of your car due to theft and hi-jacking, as well as for damage caused due to attempted theft and hi-jacking. However, it doesn’t include accidental (repairable) damage to your car or third party liability. If you want to cover the big stuff on a budget, this is a solid option. However, you should re-read the ‘Third party liability’ paragraph above to see what you could potentially have to cover out of your own pocket without third party cover.
Third party, fire, and theft insurance: This option covers your financial responsibility for damage you accidentally cause to other people’s property, which could prevent million-rand headaches. It also covers the total loss of your car from theft, hi-jacking and fire, as well as damage to your car due to attempted theft and hi-jacking. However, you’ll be liable for fixing accidental damage to your car. This is a balanced option if you want solid protection for potentially expensive calamities and you have some cash stashed away to fix or replace your car following an accident.
Third party car insurance: This option covers your liability for damage you accidentally cause to other people’s property, but it doesn’t cover any costs relating to the total loss of, or damage to, your car, irrespective of how this loss or damage happens. It’s ideal for budget-conscious drivers who want to avoid massive third party bills… And remember, some cover is always better than none.
No matter your car insurance needs, click here or WhatsApp King Price on 0860 50 50 50 for a commitment-free car 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)
