Vehicle insurance (often referred to as car insurance or motor insurance) is cover that protects you against financial losses and legal obligations related to your vehicle. It typically applies when you’re involved in an accident, when your vehicle is damaged or stolen, and it may also include third-party liability cover if you can be held legally liable for causing injury or damage to someone else’s property.

In this context, 'motor' and 'car/vehicle' are commonly used interchangeably, so you may see the same type of cover referred to by different names.

A car insurance excess is the amount you need to pay upfront for each claim. For example, after an accident, you’ll pay the excess directly to the panel beater, regardless of who was responsible for the accident.

You could reduce your car insurance premium by making a few smart choices and keeping your details accurate:

• Compare the right cover options for your car: choose the level of cover that matches your needs (for example, essential vs comprehensive) instead of paying for features you don’t need.

• Choose a higher excess you can afford: selecting an excess that you’re comfortable paying upfront can lower your premium.

• Stay claim-free: a good claims record can help keep your premium lower over time.

• Improve vehicle security: tracking devices can reduce risk and may help lower the price of your car insurance.

• Review add-ons and unnecessary extras: only keep add-ons that you’ll actually use.

• Make sure your car and policy details are correct: confirm the car’s details, usage (private or business), and any security features — incorrect information can affect your premium.

When you request a quote, compare options side by side so you can balance premium cost with the cover you want for your car.

A valid car insurance claim is one where your policy covers the damage or loss after an incident. In South Africa, car insurance is generally not legally compulsory, but if your vehicle is financed, your finance provider may require specific cover (often comprehensive) as a condition of the loan.Claims may be declined if the incident falls outside your policy terms or if key conditions aren’t met — such as the driver being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, if the vehicle is roadworthy, or if the driver does not have a valid driver's licence.

Insured value is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a valid claim, minus excess and other applicable deductions. If your car is financed, the settlement goes to the finance company excluding penalties, arrears, and extra charges.

A third party is someone whose property was damaged due to your actions or who caused damage to your vehicle. Third party cover protects you against liability for such damages.

If you’re vehicle breaks down when travelling within the borders of South Africa, the OUTsurance Help@OUT service will assist with the repatriation of your vehicle if you’re more than 50km from home. They will also provide you with alternative transport and accommodation up to a specified amount.

OUTsurance paid out more than R890million in OUTbonuses in 2025 alone. If you look at the total value of OUTbonuses paid out since it was introduced in 1998, it amounts to more than R8.4 billion in total.

No, you do not need to take out additional liability insurance. Third party cover is included in our comprehensive car insurance product as standard. You are comprehensively insured in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe when you use your vehicle for private purposes. If you’re travelling to countries such as Kenya, Tanzanzia, Rwanda, Zambia, Burundi, Uganda, or the DRC (south of Kolwezi), you’ll need to add OUT-in-Africa optional cover.

In everyday use, they’re usually the same thing. However, 'vehicle insurance' can sometimes be used more broadly to describe cover for different types of vehicles, while 'car insurance' specifically refers to cars and the key idea is the same: you’re insuring the vehicle and your financial risk.

A car insurance quote is an estimate of your monthly premium based on the details you provide. Your premium is calculated using factors such as your car’s make, model, year, and value (including whether it’s financed), the cover options you choose (for example, third party, comprehensive, or Essential), and how you use your car (private or business use).

Insurers also consider your location, your driving and claims history, and the level of excess you select — choosing a higher excess can often lower your premium. Security features (like tracking), the vehicle’s risk profile, and any add-ons or benefits you include can also affect the final price.

You can request a quote online or over the phone, and it’s finalised once all the required information is submitted.

A car is written off when the repair costs exceed its insured value, minus the salvage value. In such cases, the insurer pays out the insured value minus the excess, instead of repairing the vehicle.

A third party is someone whose property was damaged due to your actions or who caused damage to your vehicle. Third-party cover protects you against liability for such damages.

To submit a car insurance claim, start by notifying your insurer as soon as possible after the incident. Then:

1. Record the details: write down what happened, the date and time, and any relevant information about the other party.
2. Gather supporting documents: collect photos of the damage, police/incident reports (if applicable), and any proof of ownership or policy details.
3. Provide accurate information: make sure your car and insurance details are correct, and describe the incident clearly.
4. Follow the insurer’s assessment process: your claim may be reviewed and assessed (including underwriting or actuarial checks) before a decision is made.
5. Complete the next steps: respond to any requests from your insurer promptly so your claim can be processed without delays.

Yes. If you have comprehensive car insurance cover in place, you automatically have access to 24/7 Help@OUT emergency assistance anywhere in South Africa. This applies to breakdowns (excluding accidents) and towing to the nearest service provider, safe storage of your vehicle, and assistance if you have a flat tyre, flat battery, if your keys are locked in your car or if you run out of fuel.

Help@OUT roadside assistance is only available to OUTsurance clients who have taken out comprehensive car insurance.

Our emergency assistance service only applies to vehicles with a mass of less than 3 500kg and includes two incidents a year, or a cost of R5000 whichever happens first.

The cost for material and additional labour are not included. If you’ve exceeded your twice a year limit, you can still access this service, but it will be for your own account.

OUTsurance clients receive a cash OUTbonus after three consecutive years of not claiming. If you remain claim free for another two years, you get 10% of your paid premiums back during this period with 10% of your paid premiums back in cash for every claim-free year thereafter. If you submit a claim, the cycle resets and the payout cycle starts from the beginning.