Looking for balloon payment tips that work? Nobody wants that final payment to catch them off guard. The best way to prevent a balloon payment from becoming a financial burden is to plan ahead and manage your vehicle finance wisely. While a balloon payment can make your monthly instalments more affordable, you don’t want to be left scrambling when it’s time to settle the big one. Think about making sure you’ve got a solid plan in place.
The time has come for you to renew your driver's licence. You're probably already dreading dealing with the admin, the queues snaking out the door, and the looks of exasperation on the faces of disgruntled government employees. Our quick driver’s licence renewal guide will help you get it done in no time.
Bakkies are more than just vehicles in South Africa; they're a cultural icon, embodying the rugged, industrious spirit of the nation. From urban centers to remote dorpies, this guide explores the ubiquitous presence of bakkies across the country, and why they hold such a special place in the heart of every South African.
The GWM P-Series is South Africa’s budget-friendly bakkie beast, offering premium features at a fraction of the cost. But why stop at savings on the purchase? With Hippo, you can save on car insurance and reinvest in upgrades, adventure gear, and accessories. Compare and start spending smartly today!
South Africans' love for bakkies runs deep, and 2024 sales prove their popularity isn’t fading despite rising costs. This article explores the best-selling bakkies, their ownership expenses, and insurance premiums. If you're in the market for a new pickup or just curious about costs, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into South Africa’s favorite bakkies!
The BMW 3-Series isn’t just a car—it’s a statement. From corporate lots to shisanyamas, it’s a chameleon of style and success. But owning one doesn’t have to break the bank. Discover how Hippo helps 3-Series drivers stay upwardly mobile by saving R455 per month* on car insurance, freeing up cash for modern-day must-haves.
Secondhand cars have definitely become the preferred option for South Africans hitting the road in the last few years. Don’t believe us? The data backs it up: in the first half of 2024, over twice as many people applied for used car loans compared to new car loans, underscoring how affordability drives consumer choice.
Looking to spice up your savings and lifestyle at the same time? In this month’s "Around the Spend" feature, we dive into the Kia Rio, a compact yet vibrant car with a Brazilian flair that’s made waves in South Africa. From saving on car insurance with Hippo to spending on everything from shades to swimwear, here’s how you can bring a bit of Rio’s zest into your everyday life.
Most new cars come with a motor warranty or service plan that helps you pay for a certain number of services or repairs for a set number of years or kilometres. However, if you have an older car this plan might have run out, meaning it’s up to you to foot these bills. OR, you can be a smart cookie and extend or take out another motor warranty or service plan. In this piece, we explained what these plans are and what to consider when getting one
Car dings, dents, and scratches are a frustrating part of vehicle ownership. From shopping trolleys to stone chips and mystery scratches, damages happen anytime. This guide helps identify different types of damage and offers advice on addressing them, whether through simple fixes or using scratch and dent insuranc.
In this edition of Hippo's Around the Spend, we take a fun look at the popular Hyundai i20 and explore other iconic "i" products you could buy with the money you save by using Hippo. From tech gadgets like Apple's iPhone and iMac, to everyday essentials like ID cards and I&J’s crispy fish, we dive into how much you can stretch that R390* monthly saving. Whether you're a young driver in Gauteng or simply curious about where your savings can take you, Hippo is here to help you compare and get the best deals, quickly and easily.
Ah, the joys of car ownership: the wind in your hair, the open road, the gentle purr of the engine... until, of course, it all goes horribly wrong. A blinking light, a rattling sound that just won't go away and – bham! You're left with a hefty bill for repairs. And that, friends, is why you should always take out a Service Plan.
Over the course of the past decade, Porsche has claimed the South African Car of the Year (Coty) title four times. 2020's winner was the Jaguar I-PACE, which costs about the same as a two-bedroom apartment in northern Joburg. Much like the glory days of Top Gear, you'd be forgiven for thinking that SA's Coty jurors had become... what's a nice way of saying this?... out of touch.
A seismic shift occurred in the South African car market at the end of 2020, as the Competition Commission released new regulations concerning vehicle servicing and maintenance. Informally known as the Right to Repair, it permits car owners to use any service provider and non-original parts to maintain their vehicles – without losing their manufacturer warranty.
If you own a car, you may have noted that you didn’t get a reminder notice this year about renewing your licence. Have you checked on your windscreen for when your licence expires? Unfortunately, AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) is currently not sending these notices out, which may mean that many people have either forgotten to renew them or may not know how to do it…
Buying a car is a big financial commitment and figuring out how you're going to pay for it beforehand is the best way to make sure you stay within your budget. If you want to buy a car and are looking for ways to save on the monthly repayments, you might be considering a balloon payment or residual value loan.
Tesla Motors unveiled their latest development in autonomous vehicle engineering at their Tesla Autonomous Day event on April 22 in Palo Alto, California. Tesla CEO and South African born billionaire Elon Musk took the opportunity to woo Tesla investors with the new FSD Computer Assembly hardware, the chip that Elon Musk says makes the Tesla the only financially viable option for consumers and ready to ship.
The future is electric! We’ve been hearing that sentiment for quite some time. Despite the impracticalities around charging them, hefty price tags, and possibly even higher car insurance premiums, electric vehicles are finally coming into realisation. Companies are frantically playing catch-up with Tesla, but will they ever get there?
Your car is one of the most important items you can insure, so it’s a good idea to regularly check that you’re covered correctly. That’s what Car Insurance Day is for. Think about it – when last did you read through your policy to make sure it was up to date? If, say, your child has just started learning to drive, you’d likely need to tell your insurer to update the regular drivers on your policy; if you don’t, an accident claim could be rejected.
Toyota South Africa is firmly on top of the automotive pedestal. Outselling other vehicle manufacturers regularly, it’s considered to be a go-to brand for many drivers. Few brands have a grip on the automotive market quite like Toyota does in South Africa, and this has helped the company build an extensive customer base that’s loyal to them.
While you may be very happy with your two-door set of wheels, if you’re planning on starting a family or are about to expand, it may be time to upgrade to a family car. Once the baby is here you’ll need a car that can take the child seat, pram and the toys. To help you make the right selection, here are some favourites for a family car in South Africa.
You’ve probably heard that most accidents happen around the corner from where a driver lives, however, several studies show you run the maximum risk of being involved in an accident if you drive on certain days and times. Researchers from North-West University (NWU) ran the stats on fatal car accidents to figure out the periods when drivers are most vulnerable to fatal car accidents on South African roads, and what type of car accidents are most common.
When thinking about car write-offs, an image that often comes to mind is a mangled wreck destined for a scrap yard. While extensive damages are often enough to warrant the car being written off as ‘beyond repair,’ in many instances the car is just not worth repairing even though it still looks to be in decent condition.
Poor road conditions can make driving a real challenge for motorists and can even result in vehicle damage or an accident. Potholes - a common sign that a road is deteriorating– are widespread throughout South Africa; according to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), 48% of the city’s roads have been identified as being in “poor” or “very poor” state while a poll by Wheels24 also ranks East London, Durban and Bloemfontein’s roads below top standard.
If going to the movies is one of your favourite leisure activities, then you know how expensive it has become to go and see the latest blockbuster on the big screen. Considering the price of a cinema ticket nowadays, it’s easy to see why many adults prefer to watch new releases at home on their laptops or flat screens rather than opt for the movie-theatre experience.
Whether you’re buying your first car or your third, purchasing a car is a big deal. Considered to be the second biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, after buying a house, purchasing your next car takes careful consideration. If you’re in the market for a new car, chances are the market has changed, prices are higher, and newer models are on offer every year. With so many options available, even experienced buyers look for guidance on what to look out for when buying a new car.
So you’ve turned 18, you’ve got your learner’s licence, and you’ve decided it’s time to take the big test so that you can get yourself out onto the open road. While it’s an exciting time becoming a legal driver, the whole process can seem a little daunting. From booking your test to finding the right instructor, there are a number of steps you have to complete and forms you have to submit to get the process rolling, and it can all get quite confusing.
South African motorists are locked in a seemingly constant battle with the high cost of fuel. The price of petrol has already climbed by 49 cents per litre in May and 82 cents per litre again in June. Forecasts now show we may be on track for another possible rise in July, while some even predict that it could cost R20 per litre to fill up our tanks by the end of 2019 if the rand continues its weak streak against the dollar.
We all want our beloved car to last as long as possible on the road. After all, some of us invested a small fortune in it and expect it to run well and look good whenever we take it for a drive. But, this is not always possible since your vehicle starts to depreciate the moment you drive it from the showroom floor.
One of the biggest concerns you may have in the aftermath of a car accident, is figuring how to seek compensation to fix or replace your car. A car accident can be a devastating and scary incident but it’s important to handle yourself correctly to achieve a positive outcome. Once you’ve assessed your own injuries, notified the police, and exchanged information with the other driver, you can get started determining the damages to your car and get the claims process started.
Driving in South Africa has its fair share of difficulties, from navigating potholes, to dodging taxis and getting delayed in roadworks. On top of this, there’s the chance of a flat tyre or even a fender bender. And while no one can predict these situations, you can deal with them far more effectively if you have the essential tools in your car. Whether you’re a regular road tripper or just rely on your car to get you to and from work everyday, having an emergency car kit makes a huge difference when you break down. Here are some essential items to put in your emergency car kit, to help you deal with car emergencies that you may find yourself in.
Many car owners choose to put their own stamp on their new set of wheels. Some may go to extreme lengths to make their car stand out on the road as seen in the popular television show Pimp My Ride, while others may make a few tweaks here and there. They may add modifications to enhance the performance of the car or simply to do cosmetic upgrades. Even used-car shoppers will likely come across a car with custom parts installed.
In the aftermath of a car accident, one of the first things that Car Insurance companies do before processing a claim, is pinpointing who is partially or fully to blame. The company usually takes into account the police report describing circumstances that led to the accident and the actions of the drivers involved to conclude who is responsible for damages.
Organising a honeymoon can be the last thing on a couple’s mind while planning a wedding and looking forward to the big day, but it’s important to consider it before you tie the knot. According to The Wedding Expo, couples only allocate about 10% of their wedding day budget to their honeymoon, and as wedding plans come together and the budget grows almost daily, a honeymoon can become a daunting and expensive trip to plan.
More than 50 million vehicles are recalled worldwide every year due to safety-related defects or problems. In South Africa, Ford made headlines this year after issuing a safety alert for its 1.6-litre engine Kuga models, some of which caught fire as a result of engine overheating conditions. Ford also withdrew its entry-level Figo and Ikon models mid-2017 because it has found these vehicles’ power steering high pressure hose poses a burn hazard.
Many people who enter the market for their first car can be overwhelmed by the countless financing options available. While almost every car buyer can apply for a vehicle loan, not everyone has the same credit history. In light of the ongoing economic troubles across the country, car buyers are finding it more difficult to secure funding for a brand-new car. Blacklisted or under-debt-review consumers are especially drawing the short straw when it comes to loan approval.
May 2017 saw a fuel price hike of 49 cents per litre for 93 and 95 petrol, and a 30 cents per litre hike for diesel after a weakened Rand following President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle. While analysts predict a possible decrease in fuel prices in June, the average South African motorist has to foot the bill until then.
BusinessTech reports that Nissan is collaborating with the uYilo e-Mobility programme to put on trial a system that enables electricity reserves in the LEAF's battery to be distributed to homes where it can be used for cooking and lighting. The experiment was implemented to help uYilo – a manufacturer of electric mobility technology – develop their charging technology in South Africa.
New vehicle sales in South Africa have increased by 3.7% from January 2016 to January 2017, a welcome improvement from the previous year of sales that saw an 11.4% drop from 2015 to 2016. With an increase in sales, and a seemingly spiked interest in new vehicles from the South African consumer, Hippo.co.za decided to take a look at the top 10 most searched for car brands in South Africa, according to the Google’s keyword planner search results.
This article presents several road scenarios that show the importance of mastering the art of defensive driving. Spotting and avoiding road hazards in time will not only ensure a safe driving environment for yourself and other road users but will also keep your driving record spotless (hint: Car Insurance companies take your driving record in consideration when calculating your premium and many will ask if you’ve had additional training).
Buying a car is usually one of the bigger financial ventures you'll take on in your lifetime. Whether you're in the market for a newly arrived model or intend to approach a used-car dealer, a key step in the car-buying process is figuring out how you're going to pay for it. With the year-on-year increase in car prices, many prospective buyers find that Vehicle Financing is the only way they'll be able to afford their dream car.
There seems to be an app for everything these days, from fitness tracking, photography and deal finders, to translation and even travel. So if you plan to travel around the country in the near future you might be wondering which of the thousands of travel apps might be worth getting hold of to help you have the best experience. You want to see all the big sites, find the best accommodation and do it all within your budget. Luckily, exploring and dining in a new city has never been easier with the help of some locally built apps that we’ve listed.
Every car runs the risk of malfunctioning at the worst possible time, which is why it's best to have Car Insurance so that you can protect yourself in the event of a car accident that may result from mechanical failure. Fortunately, you don't always need to be a mechanic to know when something is wrong with your precious set of wheels. Most of these problems can actually be detected by just listening, feeling and being alert while driving.
Buying a first car is a huge decision for both parents and the young adult who’ll actually be driving it. Motives can often differ however, with the driver typically being focused on aesthetics, trends and fuel costs. The parents, though wanting to take the above into account, may still be more concerned with safety features and mechanical soundness – and, of course, Car Insurance options.
Insurance companies usually look at demographic factors such as age, gender and location as one way to measure the risk profile of Car Insurance policy holders. For example, vehicle accidents are considered to be more frequent amongst male drivers 25 years and younger, hence this group tends to pay a higher rate on their Car Insurance premium.
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