CAR INSURANCE
What are the cheapest cars to insure in South Africa?
That car-insurance debit order may seem like an unnecessary hit every month, but it’s in your best interest to have it. But have you ever wondered how exactly insurers calculate your monthly premium? Take these factors into consideration the next time you purchase a car and your debit orders may cause you to wince slightly less in future.
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Factors influencing your car-insurance premiums
It all comes down to how much money your insurance company predicts they’ll need to spend to keep your car on the road. These factors include:
Age of the car. Many companies offer discounted premiums if
your car is less than three years old.
Class of the vehicle. The smaller the vehicle, and the lower
the engine power, the lower the premium.
Reliability. Does your car have a reputation for bursting into
flames? Or is it known as the stalwart of the road? The more reliable
the vehicle’s reputation, the better you can expect the premium to be.
Parts availability. Does your car need parts that have to be
imported? Can only specialised mechanics work on your vehicle? If yes,
you can expect to pay higher premiums.
Theft potential. Another important factor taken into account
when calculating your premium is the likelihood of your vehicle being
stolen. Certain cars are more attractive to thieves in South Africa.
It all comes down to how much money your insurance company predicts they’ll need to spend to keep your car on the road.
Insurance isn’t calculated on the vehicle alone. Your insurance provider will take into account your personal profile when doing their risk calculations. The factors they consider include:
Your age. Younger drivers (25 and under) tend to have high
premiums as they’re considered more inexperienced on the road.
Location. Where you live also has an impact on your premium. A
car parked in a garage in a safe area will have lower premiums than
one parked on the street in an unsafe neighbourhood.
Security measures. Fitting a car with an approved alarm system
and a tracking device can bring down your monthly premiums.
Insurance history. If you’ve made a lot of insurance claims in
the past, your premiums will be higher.
Other drivers. Your premium may be slightly higher if, for
example, your teenage son who just got his licence is also driving
your car. Always disclose other drivers to your insurer. Some policies
may not cover the vehicle (or higher excesses may apply) if at the
time of an accident the vehicle is being driven by a driver that
doesn’t appear on the policy.
Your premium may be slightly higher if, for example, your teenage son who just got his licence is also driving your car.
What are the cheapest cars to insure in South Africa?
The Toyota Yaris is a top contender when it comes to cheap car insurance. It’s a safe, compact car that is renowned for its reliability. Parts are widely available nationwide, which contributes to affordable insurance.
The Volkswagen Polo is a popular model in SA across the board, from new drivers to homemakers. They’re readily available and are known for their durability.
The Corsa Lite is particularly popular among new drivers. It’s affordable, reliable and safe, all of which contributes to lower insurance premiums.
The Volkswagen Golf is one of the easiest cars to repair and find parts for, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure in South Africa.
The VW Polo is a popular model in SA across the board, from new drivers to homemakers.
What are the most expensive cars to insure in South Africa?
The cars that are most likely to be stolen in South Africa typically top the list of highest insurance premiums. These include:
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Fortuner
- Toyota Etios
- Ford Ranger
- Nissan 1400 Bakkie
Toyota tops this list as it’s known as a reliable brand in South Africa. Their parts are not only widely available, but are used interchangeably between models. It’s the most common car marque in South Africa, which makes it a desirable option for thieves.
That doesn’t mean you need to give up on your favourite brand, though. Even though the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla and VW Polo have a high risk of being stolen in SA, their reliability and durability tend to balance out their premiums. Your insurance company may require you to fit your car with a tracking device to bring the premiums on these vehicles down.
There you have it. So don’t assume the cheaper the car, the lower the premium. If you’re not sure where to start, visit our car insurance comparison tool. It’s safe, impartial and free!
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PUBLISHED DATE
01 May 2022
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