Insurers have a secret formula for calculating car insurance premiums, and it's more closely guarded than the recipe for those 11 herbs and spices. But we're going to give you a sneak peek into how it works...
We've all had the cold calls: "Sir/Madam, did you know that you're paying too much for your car insurance premium?" Then they say something like, "We can help you pay less, guaranteed!" But if they can offer you a better price, surely that means you're paying too much—and why? And how do insurance companies go about working out your car insurance premiums? Here's a guide to understanding how your premium is calculated.
When calculating premiums, your insurer will consider personal details like age, sex, and marital status. In fact, they'll analyse your risk profile with the intensity of a crime-solving detective—but instead of looking for fingerprints, they're collecting data on your driving history (yes, that time you connected with a pole probably will affect what you're going to have to pay—sorry!), credit score, and where you live and park at night.
To get a better idea of how your risk profile is calculated and how it affects your premiums, take a look at our detailed guide: How insurers calculate your risk profile.
There are a couple of things that can add even more to your car insurance premium, such as:
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So how do you know if your insurer has given you a fair premium or if they're 'taking you for a ride'? The only way to be sure you're not overpaying is to regularly review your car insurance.
Think about it: over the past year, a lot could have changed—maybe you got married, moved to a different area, or landed a new job that's a lot closer to home. Any one of these could affect your insurance needs (and premiums!) in a good way.
By regularly comparing what you're paying to what else is out there, you can make sure that you have the right protection and policy for the lifestyle you're living now. And just like you might have changed over the past 12 months, you can be sure that the insurance market has too—there might be new products available at more competitive prices. And if you're not regularly comparing, that means you could be getting a better deal, but just... aren't.
Remember those call centre agents we mentioned earlier? They're all competing for your business, so why wouldn't you shop around to find the best deal?
And you can forget 40-minute phone calls and requesting quotes from different insurers — who has the time (or the energy!)? Hippo.co.za makes getting and calculating car insurance quotes easier than ever by offering you quotes from 10 leading insurers all in one place. And it will literally only take you two minutes. Easy, right?
We've given you all the bad news about what might affect your premiums, but the good news (yes, there actually is some good news!) is that there are a couple of things you can do to reduce your monthly car insurance payments:
Here are a few things worth noting:
Insurers calculate your premium based on risk factors like your profile, the car you drive, how you use it, and past claims. It's all about balancing risk vs. reward.
Make, model, age, engine size, theft risk, and value all play a role. A flashy car usually equals a higher premium.
Absolutely. Secure overnight parking can reduce your risk—and your premium. Street parking increases it.
Yes. Many insurers (including Hippo.co.za) let you plug in your details and get an estimate before committing. Great for budget planning!
Use Hippo.co.za to calculate and compare premiums before you buy. No guesswork—just clarity.
Better insights = better savings.
Welcome to our comprehensive Car Insurance Guide, where we've meticulously compiled essential information, tools, and insights designed to assist you in navigating the complex world of car insurance.
Comprehensive Cover: Offers extensive protection against financial losses from a wide array of incidents involving your vehicle.
Third Party, Fire and Theft: Not only covers damages to others but also protects your car against theft or fire damage.
Third Party Only: Safeguards against the costs of damage to other people and their property, without covering your own vehicle.
Vehicle Use Classification: Helps differentiate personal vs business use, which can affect your policy and premiums.
Insurance Premiums by Age: See how your age affects your car insurance costs and what to expect at different life stages.
Insurance Premiums by Province: Discover how location influences your premium, with insights from various regions in South Africa.
Insurance Demographics: Learn how gender, income, and lifestyle impact car insurance rates and risk profiles.
Exploring Car Insurance Options: Understand the different levels of coverage available to suit your needs.
Impact of Excess on Premiums: Learn how your insurance excess can influence the cost of your premium.
Affordable Car Insurance: Tips for finding cost-effective car insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Insurance Claim Process: A straightforward guide to filing a claim with your insurer.
Car Guide: A guide to South Africa's car brands and typical insurance costs for each.
Car Insurance Values: Understand how different value types (market, retail, trade-in) affect your cover and payout.
Car Insurance Premium: Key tips to reduce your premium and what factors determine your monthly cost.
Put yourself in the driver’s seat of your dream car and keep it looking brand-spanking new with value-added insurance products, provided by trusted and reliable South African insurers.
Scratch & Dent
Can't stand to look at those little scrapes, scratches, and dents that tarnish your otherwise-brilliant-looking car? Scratch & dent will pay to repair small blemishes.
Tyre & Rim Guard
South African roads are full of potholes—this we all know. Protect your tyres and rims from damage caused by bad road conditions.
Car Tracker
Many insurance providers prefer for you to have a vehicle tracker installed in your car to minimise the chances of it being stolen, or to assist in recovering a stolen vehicle. Some insurers even offer discounts for it!
Motor Warranty
Extend your manufacturer’s warranty and get cover for the repair or replacement of certain vehicle components.
Service Plan
Keep your vehicle in the tippest, toppest shape with a service plan and cover the costs of scheduled services.
Scratch & Dent
Can't stand to look at those little scrapes, scratches, and dents that tarnish your otherwise-brilliant-looking car? Scratch & dent will pay to repair small blemishes.
Tyre & Rim Guard
South African roads are full of potholes—this we all know. Protect your tyres and rims from damage caused by bad road conditions.
Car Tracker
Many insurance providers prefer for you to have a vehicle tracker installed in your car to minimise the chances of it being stolen, or to assist in recovering a stolen vehicle. Some insurers even offer discounts for it!
Motor Warranty
Extend your manufacturer’s warranty and get cover for the repair or replacement of certain vehicle components.
Service Plan
Keep your vehicle in the tippest, toppest shape with a service plan and cover the costs of scheduled services.
Scratch & Dent
Can't stand to look at those little scrapes, scratches, and dents that tarnish your otherwise-brilliant-looking car? Scratch & dent will pay to repair small blemishes.