- Understand Your Options: Explore different car insurance providers to find the best fit for your needs, whether it’s comprehensive coverage or third-party only.
- Consider Coverage Levels: Evaluate the type of coverage you need—full protection or just the basics—based on your car’s value and your driving habits.
- Compare Costs and Benefits: Look at the premiums, deductibles, and additional benefits offered by each provider to make an informed decision.
- Check Customer Reviews: Research customer feedback to gauge the reliability and service quality of different insurance companies.
- Tailor Your Policy: Choose a policy that matches your budget and coverage requirements, ensuring you get the protection you need without overspending.
We’re fighting the urge to make obscene nudity jokes to tell you the bare details of car insurance in South Africa. Allow Pineapple to uncover the stark naked truth about what the industry’s future looks like and how that’ll affect motorists.
S.A.’s motor vehicle insurance market is an essential component of the financial sector, and it is projected to reach a market volume of US$3.42 billion (R64,6 billion) by 2028.
It’s safe to say that business is good in the short-term insurance space.
But, with this dynamic market constantly evolving due to trends like Usage-Based Insurance (UBI), claims automation, and the growing demand for electric vehicle coverage, you need an insurer that’s willing to move with the times.
Modern drivers need modern solutions; insurers that are responsive to evolving trends and remain committed to delivering quality service are the future!
Naked Insurance: Short-Term’s New It-Girl
If you were to ask the company to describe itself, Naked would say it’s an organisation, “[w]ith sh*t-hot tech and a talented team, we’re flipping the old insurance model on its head to build something that actually does what it’s supposed to”.
No, really, that’s a direct quote taken from their website.
Founded in 2016, Naked has been on a mission to build insurance people love.
Naked enhanced value for money by using technology and an unconflicted business model to help people experience insurance positively.
Car Insurance Providers Like Naked
That then, begs the question, which short-term insurer can go toe-to-toe with the standard set by Naked Insurance?
We think we have the answer.
Here’s a list of the six Discovery Insure alternatives you can choose from:
- Pineapple Tech
- Dotsure Car Insurance
- Santam Switch Insurance
- OnePlan Insurance
- King Price Insurance
- Momentum
.png)
Pineapple
(Of course, we’d place ourselves at the forefront; it’s our list and we’ll top it if we like it.)
First launched in 2017, Pineapple is a digital insurance provider that makes insurance simple and accessible. Our innovative use of technology, customer-centric products, and P2P (peer-to-peer) model represents a shift from traditional insurance. We offer instant, affordable online insurance; a minute and a half is all it takes to get a quote and start your coverage.
The P2P insurance model consists of a small group of individuals with common interests who combine their premiums to insure against risks.
Coverage Options And Plans Offered
Pineapple offers fully comprehensive insurance, providing protection against accidental damage, third-party accidents and non-collision-related events like extreme weather (including hail), fire, theft, vandalism and hijackings.
Policies also include free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and Drive Less Get Blessed (30% of your premium back for driving under 300 km per month).
Pineapple is all about offering premium insurance at a fraction of the cost. Clients are also free to insure individual items (a.k.a. All-Risk Cover), providing flexibility and saving money by not over-insuring. Plus, you get a discount on your monthly car insurance premium for insuring multiple cars.
Coverage starts from a daringly low R570 per month*; that’s R19-ish a day for fully comprehensive coverage!
If you don't believe me, get a quote now and see for yourself. As a matter of fact, let me help you out: click here.
*Premium is risk profile dependent.
Unique features and benefits
- Drive Less, Get Blessed. Motorists can get up to 30% of their premiums back each month they drive under 300km.
- Generate a quote, activate a policy, submit a claim and request assistance, all at the tap of a button. Online insurance for your convenience.
Pineapple Car Insurance Reviews: The People Have Spoken
“The service was very good with quick responses👌” – Ntoetsi, 23 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“Pretty nifty company, don't know where they came from, but the word definitely needs to spread! Always on point and to the point. Was just checking something on their CLEAN, SMOOTH app and thought I'd pop them a message; even tho the support line says they will only be back on Monday, an agent named Themba (Doubt it's a bot) got back to me before I could put down my phone - with an answer and not an excuse. Love it! 5*” – Eugene L, 24 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“The agent was very helpful and kind.” – Tshegofatso T, 26 Feb 2024. ★★★★
For more, check out Pineapple’s page on Hellopeter.
Dotsure
Dotsure Ltd. arrived on the scene in 2011 with the aim of revolutionising the insurance industry through the use of technology. This approach caters to a tech-savvy audience looking for convenience and flexibility in their insurance services. Dotsure aims to create seamless insurance experiences and continue to make a meaningful difference in the world, starting with South Africa.
Coverage Options And Plans Offered
Dotsure offers various car insurance coverage options for drivers from all walks of life. Motorists can opt for the classic Comprehensive Coverage (protection against accidental loss or damage to the insured vehicle due to a specific insured event) or the similarly crafted Comprehensive Cash Settlement option (once-off cash payment to settle valid claims).
Other options include Third Party, Fire And Theft, Third Party Only and Total Loss.
Dotsure offers competitively priced comprehensive car insurance that clients can further customise to suit their budget.
Dotsure asks, “Why pay for what you don’t use?”
They allow you to remove coverage you don’t benefit from, such as hail and weekend cover, for example, meaning you only pay for the insurance you need.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any ‘starting from’ prices anywhere online.
Dotsure Car Insurance Reviews: The People Have Spoken
“Very professional and happy with the service received.” – Janice, 26 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“I just signed up and the treatment and friendliness of the lady helping me was amazing. I got a clear understanding of what I signed up for and she was very knowledgeable. Great service from Dotsure!” – Tanya, 24 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“I would like to write a review about dotsure.co.za Quick service and very helpful. Got all the information and questions answered in one phone call. Thanks to Bernadine Bence. Definitely a 4/5.” – Heila, 18 Dec 2023. ★★★★
For more, check out Dotsure’s page on Hellopeter.
Santam Switch
In 2020, Santam acquired a majority shareholding (51%) in JaSure (established in 2018), an app-based digital insurance provider offering insurance for motor vehicles and portable possessions (cellphones, laptops, photographic equipment, bicycles, musical instruments) among others. The company was rebranded to Santam Switch, thus birthing a new insurtech (insurance technology) company.
Santam Switch provides comprehensive car insurance with the added benefit of giving you more control. They allow you to switch your coverage on/off, depending on your usage.
Coverage Options And Plans Offered
Santam Switch’s fully comprehensive coverage offers standard protection against accidental, malicious and weather-related damage and classic collision-related incidents for the vehicle’s full retail price. Their policy also allows you to only pay for what you use; Snatam Switch adds up the days you’ve had your cover switched on and then charges you at the end of the month.
Santam Switch’s insurance policy prices are all about flexibility and affordability. As mentioned, their comprehensive insurance allows you to switch it on/off based on your needs.
You simply pay for what you need, thereby saving you money for the times you’ve opted to switch your coverage ‘off’–thus, the same ‘Santam Switch’. To put this into context, you can choose to turn your insurance ‘off’ when your car is stationary, meaning you save when your vehicle is parked.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any ‘starting from’ prices anywhere online.
Santam Switch Insurance Reviews: The People Have Spoken
“I would [like] to appreciate Santam for the most effective service rendered when I made a claim I was updated all the time and the process was hassle and very quick.” – Rirhandzu M, 08 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“Had an overall great experience friendly staff over the phone very professional. I would highly suggest them to friends and family. Keep up the good word guy.” – Philip, 30 Jan 2024. ★★★★★
“Twice claimed, twice covered. I'd bet on them for a third. *Touch wood*.” – Timothy G, 21 Sep 2023. ★★★★
For more, check out Santam Switch’s page on Hellopeter.
OnePlan
OnePlan believes in simple insurance that’s easy to use, understand and apply. Since selling its first policy (a health plan) in 2009, OnePlan has added car and home insurance products to its repertoire. Recognising that many South Africans struggle to afford medical aid memberships, car insurance and home contents cover, OnePlan continues to strive to provide affordable coverage options.
Coverage Options And Plans Offered
Oneplan believes that insurance should make life easier, not more complicated. That’s why they give simple and affordable insurance plans without sacrificing quality. The insurer has an array of insurance products, each aimed at protecting all that’s near and dear to you. This includes pets, health, gap and car & household insurance.
OnePlan has designed its car and household insurance in a way that lets you choose and manage your premium directly from your smartphone through its app or online self-service portal.
Their car cover, specifically, is adjustable, letting you add as much as you can afford with their flexible cover slider.
OnePlan Insurance Reviews: The People Have Spoken
“Their assistance has been outstanding. I was assisted all the way. I had an issue and both the app and the Consultant that I called assisted me with ease.” – Lucy M, 6 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“I needed to make a new card and update my information. The assistant, Patience, made the process so easy.” – Rizwana H, 22 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“Quick and easy assistance.” – Zanele, 11 Jan 2024. ★★★★
For more, check out OnePlan’s page on Hellopeter.
King Price
After thinking, ‘Our cars are worth less each month, so why should we keep paying more to protect them?’ Gideon Galloway founded King Price in 2012. Since then, King Price has remained determined to make a difference in the lives of the people of Mzansi. King Price has introduced more coin-saving products like R1 insurance, pay-as-you-drive cover, agri insurance, and more. Gideon and the royal court have also embarked on a quest to establish a kingdom in Namibia.
Coverage Options And Plans Offered
King Price offers comprehensive car coverage with a promise that your premium will decrease monthly. This coverage protects you against accident damage, theft and hijacking. It also covers damage you may accidentally cause to other cars or property. They also offer third-party, fire and theft, third-party only, collectable car insurance and theft and write-off.
King Price promises discounts of up to 20% for comprehensively covering more than one vehicle with them.
They also offer optional extra cover for car hire, car warranty, credit shortfall, sound equipment and other equipment.
King Price’s car insurance policy also gives their clients premiums that decrease monthly as their car loses value.
King Price Insurance Reviews: The People Have Spoken
“Very [helpful] and friendly staff.” – Elna L, 26 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“The lady that helped me was friendly, helpful and answered all questions I had. Decided to move all my insuranced items over to King Price because of this.” – Clayton, 23 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“So far they have been very supportive and understanding in every situation.” – Luke, 26 Jan 2024. ★★★★
For more, check out King Price’s page on Hellopeter.
Momentum
Momentum Insure has taken a holistic approach to safety and short-term insurance. They provide benefits benefits that make you feel safe so that you can live life with confidence. Momentum helps you avoid getting dealt a financial blow from the theft, loss or damage of your most treasured possessions - your car, home, wealth, equipment and more. Their short-term insurance options offer tailored protection to fit your lifestyle and keep you and your loved ones safe.
Coverage Options And Plans Offered
Momentum’s affordable and comprehensive car and home insurance protects you, your vehicle and your home. Coverage benefits roadside, home, medical and legal assistance 24/7/365, plus their Safety Alert’s panic button keeps you and your loved ones safe when feeling unsafe.
Momentum Insure offers car insurance solutions like fully comprehensive car insurance coverage to no excess on selected cover options suited to your budget, lifestyle, and stage of life.
You can earn up to 30% cash back on your paid premiums yearly (even if you claim).
Momentum Insurance Reviews: The People Have Spoken
“Very helpful and willing to accommodate my request.” – Frans D, 26 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“Great fast efficient.” – Etienne, 22 Feb 2024. ★★★★★
“Had great experience.” – Makhosonke M, 11 Dec 2023. ★★★★
For more, check out Momentum Insure’s page on Hellopeter.
Conclusion
In the quest to strip down the complexities of choosing the right car insurance, we've laid it all out, leaving nothing to the imagination. Leading insurance providers such as Pineapple, Naked Insurance, Dotsure, Santam Switch, OnePlan, King Price and Momentum Insure each offer unique benefits, setting them apart in the industry.
So, whether you're a young driver looking to insure your first ride or a seasoned motorist seeking innovative coverage, there's a policy out there that fits like a glove.
That aforementioned perfect policy is simply a click away. The best part? It only takes 90 seconds to get a quote.
Choose Pineapple’s budget-friendly comprehensive cover for your vehicle insurance needs now; no ifs, ands, or butts.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article was obtained from the respective insurers' websites and reflects the status at the time of writing. Please be aware that products, services, and offerings are subject to change and may have evolved since this article's publication date. We recommend consulting directly with the insurance providers to obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information. The publisher of this article assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies or changes in the information provided or for any reliance placed on this information.
Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.
Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.
Team Pineapple
Team Pineapple comprises our company’s top talents, who are dedicated to creating clear, high-quality content on essential vehicle insurance topics. This diverse group, including actuaries, accountants, data scientists, and insurance professionals across South Africa, collaborates to produce enlightening and empowering articles.
Each piece is thoroughly researched, factually accurate, and rigorously reviewed to ensure quality.
*We say they’re the finest because we want them to keep writing for us!
