In South Africa’s dynamic insurance market, several factors determine how much you pay to protect your vehicle. While driver profile and location matter, two of the most impactful contributors to your monthly premium are the car’s age and the brand you drive. In this comprehensive 2025 breakdown, we explore how these two elements shape insurance costs, what brands are considered higher risk, and how savvy buyers can reduce their premiums.
1. Why Car Brand Plays a Big Role in Insurance Pricing
Brand Reputation and Repair Costs
Insurance companies assess brands based on:
- How much repairs typically cost
- Parts availability and sourcing
- Brand reputation for reliability and safety
For example:
- Toyota and Hyundai often come with lower premiums due to local parts availability and cost-effective maintenance.
- BMW and Mercedes-Benz carry higher insurance costs, primarily due to expensive OEM parts and specialized repair services.
Theft Risk by Brand
Some car brands are targeted more by thieves. A high theft risk = higher premiums.
According to tracking firm statistics in SA:
- Toyota Hilux and Fortuner are frequently stolen.
- Volkswagen Polo remains a common target in urban areas.
- Brands equipped with factory-fitted tracking systems tend to get better insurance rates.
2. Car Age: The Value Depreciation Dilemma
New Cars Cost More to Insure
A new vehicle holds higher retail value, which increases your insurer’s liability in the event of a write-off or theft.
Other reasons premiums are higher for new cars:
- More desirable to criminals
- Higher repair costs due to advanced technology
- Greater exposure during the financing period
Older Cars Aren’t Always Cheaper
Surprisingly, older cars don’t always result in significant insurance savings:
- Parts might be scarce or discontinued.
- Higher mileage and age mean more wear and tear, increasing breakdown risk.
- Vehicles that are over 15 years old may only qualify for limited cover types or incur loading costs.
3. Insurance Costs by Brand Category
| Brand Tier | Premium Range (Comprehensive) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota, Hyundai, Kia | R400 – R900 | Affordable repairs, reliable, less stolen |
| Volkswagen, Ford | R700 – R1,200 | Moderate repair cost, some models high-risk |
| BMW, Mercedes-Benz | R1,200 – R2,500+ | Luxury, complex systems, higher repair costs |
| Chery, GWM, BAIC | R600 – R1,000 | Growing brands, mixed reliability reports |
Note: Figures based on average quotes from top South African insurers.
4. What Role Does Your Car’s Model Play?
Even within a brand, your specific model affects the premium:
- High-performance variants (e.g. GTI, AMG, ST) → much higher premiums
- Basic spec models with smaller engines and more safety features → lower rates
- 4x4s and bakkies used commercially → often face higher risk profiles
Also, fuel type and engine capacity influence the risk score. Diesel models, due to theft risk and replacement costs, are sometimes more expensive to insure than petrol counterparts.
5. Understanding the Underwriter’s Logic
Factors Beyond Age and Brand
Insurers in South Africa weigh:
- Driver age – Under 25 = highest premium group
- Gender – Statistically, male drivers attract slightly higher risk loading
- Location – Areas with high crime or accident frequency cost more
- Use case – Business vs private, and average distance driven annually
These, when combined with your car’s brand and age, form the base of your monthly premium calculation.
6. Practical Examples (2025 SA Market)
Case 1: Young Driver with New VW Polo
- Driver: 22-year-old male
- Vehicle: 2024 Polo 1.0 TSI
- Premium: ~R1,400/month
- High-risk age bracket, common theft target, recent model
Case 2: Experienced Driver with Older Hyundai i20
- Driver: 35-year-old female
- Vehicle: 2018 Hyundai i20
- Premium: ~R650/month
- Lower value, older model, secure suburb, clean record
7. Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium
a) Choose Brands with Local Parts Support
Cars with wide parts networks (Toyota, Renault, Isuzu) are cheaper to fix—and insure.
b) Add a Tracker or Immobilizer
Installing an advanced GPS tracker or upgrading your alarm system can drop your premium by 10–20%.
c) Opt for Higher Voluntary Excess
Agreeing to cover a larger portion of claims can shrink your monthly premium—ideal if you drive safely and have savings for emergencies.
d) Consider Telematics or Usage-Based Insurance
New insurers like Naked, Pineapple, and OUTsurance offer app-based tracking. Drive well, and they’ll reward you with lower premiums.
8. AUTO24 Helps You Make the Smarter Choice
AUTO24 doesn’t just sell used cars—we guide you to make smarter, financially sustainable decisions by offering:
- In-platform insurance estimation tools
- Transparency on expected maintenance and running costs
- Special offers when you bundle insurance with your vehicle purchase
Our growing fleet of trusted brands includes Chery, GWM, Hyundai, BAIC, Toyota, and more—curated with insurance friendliness and total cost of ownership in mind.
Conclusion
Car insurance in South Africa is more complex than just ticking a box. Your vehicle’s brand and age can swing your premium from affordable to expensive. Understanding this dynamic empowers you to:
- Choose a vehicle that fits your budget—not just in price, but in running and insurance costs
- Negotiate better quotes with insurers
- Unlock long-term savings by maintaining low-risk status
As the market shifts, choosing wisely—especially through platforms like AUTO24—can help ensure your next car is not just a great drive but an affordable one too.
