Quotes · compare like-for-like

Car Insurance Quotes: How to Get and Compare Them

The cheapest monthly premium isn't always the cheapest policy. Once you add the excess, the insured value and what's left out, the ranking often changes. Here's how to get car insurance quotes you can actually compare, plus a form to request quotes in one go.

What you need before you ask for a quote

  • Your ID number, and the regular driver's ID and licence date if that's someone else.
  • The car's year, make, model and registration (or VIN), and any extras like mag wheels or a canopy.
  • Where the car is kept overnight: garage, carport, behind a gate or on the street.
  • Your claims history for the past three to five years.
  • Whether the car is financed, and whether it has an approved tracker fitted.

How to compare car insurance quotes properly

Line up every quote against the same checklist. If one insurer is much cheaper, the reason is almost always in one of these rows.

CompareWhy it matters
Cover typeComprehensive, third party fire and theft, and third party only cover very different things. A cheaper quote may simply be for less cover.
Insured valueRetail value pays out more than market or trade value if the car is written off or stolen.
Basic excessA fixed amount or a percentage of the claim. A R2,000 difference in excess can outweigh a year of small premium savings.
Additional excessesExtra amounts for young drivers, new licences, single-vehicle accidents, night-time or windscreen claims.
Car hireWhether you get a car while yours is being repaired, and for how many days.
Liability limitThe maximum paid for damage you cause to others. Limits range from about R250,000 to R5 million or more.
ConditionsTracker requirements, overnight parking rules and who may drive the car.
RewardsCash back and driving rewards are only worth counting if you're confident you'll qualify.

Why quotes for the same car differ so much

Each insurer prices risk differently. One might be cautious about your suburb, another about your car's model or your age. Some reward low mileage, others reward claim-free years or good driving measured by an app. That's why getting three quotes almost always pays off.

How to get a cheaper (budget) car insurance quote

  • Choose a sensible excess. Raising it lowers the premium, but only choose one you could pay tomorrow.
  • Insure the right value. Over-insuring costs money every month, and most insurers only pay what the car is actually worth.
  • Match cover to the car. For an older car you own outright, third party, fire and theft can cost much less.
  • Ask about security discounts. An approved tracker, a garage and an immobiliser can all lower the price.
  • Drop what you don't need. Optional car hire, extra drivers or night cover you never use add to the premium.
  • Review every year. Premiums rise at renewal; getting fresh quotes is the easiest way to check yours is still fair.

Looking for Budget Insurance (the brand)? See our Budget car insurance quote guide.

A tracker can lower your premium

Many insurers require an approved tracker on higher-value cars, and most give a discount when one is fitted. See which trackers insurers accept or estimate your saving.

Compare trackers

Get quotes directly from insurers

Prefer to quote yourself? Our guides explain how each insurer works and what to check.

Direct insurer

OUTsurance Car Insurance

OUTbonus: cash back after three claim-free years.

How you buy: Direct: online or by phone

Read the guide →
Direct insurer (Santam group)

MiWay Car Insurance

Three cover levels and an excess you can adjust.

How you buy: Direct: online, app or phone

Read the guide →
Direct insurer

Discovery Car Insurance

Vitality Drive rewards for good driving, including fuel cash back.

How you buy: Direct: online or in the Discovery Insure app

Read the guide →
Direct insurer (Telesure group)

Budget Car Insurance

An annual payment holiday and a cash back bonus after two claim-free years.

How you buy: Direct: online quote or call-back

Read the guide →
Insurer (broker and direct)

Santam Car Insurance

Santam CashBack after three claim-free years.

How you buy: Through an intermediary (broker), or a direct online quote

Read the guide →
Comparison site (not an insurer)

Hippo Car Insurance

Several car insurance quotes from one form.

How you buy: Online comparison, then you buy from the insurer

Read the guide →

All car insurance companies in South Africa →

Car insurance quote questions

How many car insurance quotes should I get?+

At least three. Premiums for the same car and driver can differ a lot between insurers, and you only see that by comparing. Include at least one direct insurer and either a broker or a comparison site.

Does getting a car insurance quote affect my credit score?+

A quote isn't a credit application. Some insurers use credit information as one factor when they price a policy, so ask the insurer if that matters to you. Either way, getting several quotes won't count against you the way several loan applications might.

What information do I need for a car insurance quote?+

Your ID number, the car's year, make, model and registration, where it's kept overnight, the regular driver's licence date and claims history, and whether the car is financed. Having it ready makes each quote quicker and more accurate.

Why is my car insurance quote so expensive?+

The usual reasons are a high-theft model, a high-risk area, a young or newly licensed driver, recent claims, or a low excess. Try a higher excess, check whether an approved tracker earns a discount, and compare third party, fire and theft cover if the car is older.

How do I get a cheap car insurance quote?+

Compare at least three insurers for the same cover, choose an excess you can genuinely afford, insure the car for the right value, ask about tracker and multi-car discounts, and consider third party, fire and theft for an older car. If you're looking for the Budget Insurance brand specifically, see our Budget car insurance quote guide.

Is a quote the same as being insured?+

No. A quote is only a price. You're covered only once you've accepted, the policy has started and you've paid (or the debit order is in place). Keep your old policy until the new one is confirmed in writing.

Tracker Prices SA is an independent information site. We are not an insurer or a licensed financial services provider, and nothing here is financial advice. Insurer details are summarised from each insurer's own published information, last checked September 2026. Cover, benefits and prices change, so always confirm them in your quote and policy wording. For a complaint about an insurer you can contact the free National Financial Ombud Scheme.