Bank insurer

Absa Car Insurance: How It Works and What to Check

Absa sells car insurance through two routes: Activate, a fully digital policy you quote, buy and manage in an app, and iDirect, where you deal with a consultant by phone. Both are underwritten by Absa's own insurer, Absa Insurance Company Limited.

The headline benefit Absa promotes is getting part of your motor premium back for good driving. Like any rewards scheme, the real value depends on how you drive and the conditions attached, so read the rules before you let the reward decide for you.

What stands out

• Absa advertises up to 40% of motor premiums back for driving well (check the qualifying rules in the policy wording).
• Two ways to buy: the Activate app for self-service, or iDirect if you'd rather speak to a person.
• Optional add-ons include credit shortfall cover, scratch and dent cover and mechanical breakdown warranty.
• 24-hour emergency assistance and an online portal to submit and track claims.

What to check before you accept a quote

• How the driving reward is measured and paid, and whether it needs an app running on your phone.
• Whether Activate and iDirect quotes differ for the same car and driver. They are separate channels.
• If your car is financed through Absa Vehicle Finance, whether you're free to insure with another insurer (you normally are, as long as the cover meets the finance terms).
• The basic excess and any additional excesses, for example for young or newly licensed drivers. See what excess means in car insurance.
• Whether your car needs an approved tracker. Many insurers require one above a certain vehicle value. See insurance-approved trackers.

How to get a Absa car insurance quote

1. Have your ID number, the car's year, make, model and registration, and your licence date ready.
2. Get an Activate quote online, or ask iDirect for a quote by phone.
3. Compare the premium, the basic excess and any additional excesses against at least two other insurers before you accept.

Comparing is easier when every quote is for the same thing: the same cover type, the same car value (retail or market value) and similar excess. Our guide to comparing car insurance quotes has a checklist.