In 2025, car insurance is more important than ever for South African drivers. But with multiple cover types available, many motorists still ask the key question:
Should I choose comprehensive insurance — or would third-party cover be enough?
Both options offer different levels of protection, affordability, and peace of mind. The right choice depends on your vehicle, your risk appetite, and your budget. In this article, we’ll help you understand which insurance suits your needs — and why.
1. The 3 Main Types of Car Insurance in SA
Before you compare policies, it’s critical to know what each cover actually provides.
Comprehensive Insurance
Covers:
- Damage to your car (even if you’re at fault).
- Damage to third-party property.
- Theft or hijacking.
- Weather events (hail, fire, flood).
- Added extras: windscreen cover, towing, roadside assistance.
Third-Party, Fire & Theft Insurance
Covers:
- Damage to third-party vehicles or property.
- Theft or hijacking of your car.
- Fire damage.
Does NOT cover:
- Accidental damage to your own car.
Third-Party Only Insurance
Covers:
- Damage to another person’s property/vehicle.
Does NOT cover:
- Damage to your car.
- Theft or fire.
2. How Much Does Each Insurance Type Cost?
General Cost Ranking (From Highest to Lowest Premium):
- Comprehensive
- Third-Party, Fire & Theft
- Third-Party Only
Example 2025 Premiums:
| Vehicle | Comprehensive | Third-Party, Fire & Theft | Third-Party Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Haval Jolion | R1,000–R1,400/month | R600–R900/month | R400–R600/month |
| 2015 Ford Fiesta | R700–R1,000/month | R450–R650/month | R250–R400/month |
Factors That Impact Premiums:
- Vehicle age & value.
- Driver’s age, history & risk profile.
- Location (urban drivers pay more).
- Security: tracker, alarm, parking.
- Annual mileage.
3. Why Choose Comprehensive Insurance?
Pros:
- Complete peace of mind.
- Protects your own vehicle — repairs, theft, weather, third-party damage.
- Essential if car is financed (banks require it).
- Valuable for high-risk areas or frequent drivers.
Cons:
- Higher monthly premium.
- May not be cost-effective for older vehicles.
Best For:
- New or nearly new vehicles.
- Vehicles worth R300k+.
- Financed cars.
- Daily commuters/high mileage drivers.
- City drivers exposed to high traffic & crime.
4. Why Choose Third-Party Only Insurance?
Pros:
- Lowest legal premium available.
- Covers third-party liability — legally required in SA.
- Great for tight budgets.
- Suitable for older, low-value cars.
Cons:
- Does NOT cover damage to your own car.
- Does NOT cover theft/hijacking or weather-related loss.
Best For:
- Cars worth under R100k–R150k.
- Older run-around cars.
- Occasional use vehicles.
- Experienced drivers with low risk.
5. Why Choose Third-Party, Fire & Theft Insurance?
Pros:
- Affordable mid-tier option.
- Covers theft, hijacking, and fire — major risks in SA.
- Covers third-party liability.
Cons:
- No accidental damage cover for your car.
Best For:
- Mid-value used cars (R150k–R300k).
- Second-hand cars with good market value but not worth full comprehensive.
- Drivers wanting basic theft protection without full cover cost.
6. How Does Vehicle Value Impact Your Choice?
New Vehicles:
- Comprehensive is almost always the best choice.
- You’ll want to cover all risks.
- Required by banks if financed.
Mid-Value Used Vehicles (R150k–R300k):
- Third-Party, Fire & Theft often offers best value.
Low-Value Vehicles (< R100k):
- Third-Party Only makes sense.
- Paying comprehensive on old cars is often not worth it.
7. What Role Does Your Driving Environment Play?
Urban Driver (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban):
- Higher risk of theft, hijacking, traffic accidents.
- Comprehensive insurance strongly advised.
Rural Driver (Low-crime areas, farm roads):
- Less risk of theft/accidents.
- Third-party options may suit better.
Long-Distance Drivers:
- Higher risk → Comprehensive is smarter.
8. Other Key Factors to Consider
a) Can You Self-Insure?
If you can afford to replace your car out of pocket, third-party could be fine.
b) Age of Vehicle:
After 10+ years, comprehensive may lose value — claims might not exceed premiums.
c) Personal Finances:
Always balance monthly budget with risk appetite.
9. What Are the Current Market Trends in 2025?
Comprehensive Dominates:
- Among new vehicle buyers (especially on finance).
- For buyers of popular new SUVs — e.g. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Haval Jolion, Toyota Corolla Cross.
Third-Party Still Popular:
- Among used car buyers on platforms like AUTO24.
- For older vehicles (especially older Polos, Fiestas, Corollas, Mazda2s).
10. How Does AUTO24 Help South African Buyers?
When buying via AUTO24, you can:
- See pre-insurance quotes instantly.
- Compare comprehensive, third-party, and fire & theft cover side by side.
- Access trusted insurance partners at pre-negotiated rates.
- Bundle insurance with vehicle finance — making it simple.
AUTO24 also helps first-time buyers understand what level of cover makes sense for their specific car — making buying and insuring stress-free.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Car Insurance in SA (2025)
Comprehensive Insurance if:
- Your car is new, financed, or worth R300k+.
- You drive frequently and want maximum protection.
- You live in a high-crime metro.
Third-Party Only if:
- Your car is older and low-value.
- You’re on a tight budget but want legal protection.
- You rarely drive.
Third-Party, Fire & Theft if:
- Your car is mid-value and not financed.
- You want basic theft/fire cover without full costs.
Remember: The right cover balances risk, budget, and peace of mind — and AUTO24 makes the comparison process quick, easy, and transparent.
