Insurer (broker and direct)

Santam Car Insurance: Broker or Direct, and What to Compare

Santam is one of South Africa's oldest and largest short-term insurers and part of the Sanlam group. Traditionally it sells through intermediaries (brokers), who advise you and handle your policy, but you can also get a direct quote online.

Santam also owns the direct insurer MiWay, so if you're comparing the two, you're looking at two different ways of buying from the same group.

What stands out

• Buy through a broker or get a direct quote online.
• Santam CashBack: Santam says you get 10% back after three claim-free years.
• SmartPark, a discount aimed at drivers who don't drive much.
• Claims through Santam's 24/7 line, app or client portal.

What to check before you accept a quote

• Whether your broker is quoting Santam only or comparing several insurers for you.
• Broker fees, if any, on top of the premium.
• How SmartPark measures your mileage and what happens if your driving increases.
• 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 Santam car insurance quote

1. Ask a broker for a Santam quote, or use Santam's online quote form.
2. If you use a broker, ask for at least one other insurer's quote for the same cover.
3. Check the excess structure and the CashBack rules before you sign.

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.