What is car insurance?

A young passenger buckled securely in the backseat of a car, emphasizing road safety and family protection.

Car insurance or vehicle insurance is financial protection that covers you against loss or damage to your vehicle, as well as damage you may cause to others. It helps cover the cost of repairs, replacement, or liability after an accident, theft, or unexpected event.

With around 65% of South African motorists uninsured, having the right car insurance can significantly reduce your financial risk if you are involved in an accident.

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Which type of car insurance is best?

Each type of car insurance offers a different level of cover, so choosing the right one matters. Use the table below to compare your options and choose the cover that best suits your needs.

You can also request a call back from a Momentum Insure consultant to discuss a competitive quote that offers the best type of cover for you.

Comparison of types of car insurance and what is covered

Comprehensive

Theft, hijacking, accidents, fire, natural disasters, third-party

Who it’s best for: newer or financed cars

Third-party, fire & theft

Theft, hijacking, fire damage, third-party

Who it’s best for: older vehicles

Third-party only

Damage to other vehicles

Who it’s best for: drivers wanting basic, budget-friendly cover

Momentum car insurance cover options

Momentum Insure offers a range of car insurance solutions to suit your budget, lifestyle, and stage of life, from fully comprehensive car insurance cover, to no excess on selected cover options.

A small, happy family of three interacting in a living room as dad eats his lunch and mom plays with the kid.

Momentum Select

Affordable insurance cover that does more than just protect the things you love, Momentum Select protects you and those you love too.

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A mum and her 2 children sitting on the couch all embracing and keeping close to her.

Momentum Priceless

Car cover for the person who is focused on creating wealth and protecting their hard-earned vehicle.

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A man in a blue suit, white shirt and blue tie standing next to his car looking at his phone while smiling as his personalised car and home insurance quote was just sent through.

Momentum Envoy

Designed for the high net worth individual, Momentum Envoy understands the importance of reputation, trust, expert advice and that personal touch.

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An elderly couple out on a hike, with the husband lifting his wrist as both of them check out the recorded data on his insured fitness watch.

Momentum 55+

For individuals 55-years and older who take care of their belongings with added care, with a little added TLC that deserves to be rewarded.

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Children holding hands while buckled up in a vehicle, symbolizing peace of mind, family protection, and reliable car insurance cover.

Why choose Momentum Insure for car insurance

Award-winning client experience. Recognised by the FIA Intermediary Experience Awards for service, product quality, and trust.
Strong client sentiment and trust. Ranked among South Africa's top 5 insurers in the 2024 Insurance Sentiment Index.
Flexible cover that fits your needs. Choose from a range of car insurance options designed to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Get more value from your insurance. Enjoy added benefits and rewards that go beyond standard cover.

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What clients say about Momentum car insurance

I've been a loyal Momentum Insurance customer for a long time, consistently impressed with their car insurance department. Recently, I reconsidered my options after receiving numerous competitor offers. However, after calling Momentum to request a price adjustment, I was blown away! The exceptional service earned me an astonishing R2000 saving.

Phuti

We unfortunately had to submit a claim for a vehicle accident that turned into the writing off of my mother's vehicle. This was our third claim with Momentum in the time that we have been insured with them. We experienced nothing but world-class service! I can confidently use words like empathetic, friendly and efficient, when thinking about our engagement.

Anonymous

Explore our benefits and rewards

Car insurance should do more for you. With Momentum Insure, you get rewarding benefits, proactive safety features, and on-the-go assistance that support you beyond just claims.

Get a car insurance quote and switch to an insurer that gives you more value and peace of mind.

Safety Returns

Earn up to 30% cash back on your premiums every year, even if you claim. Rewards are based on your Safety Score, the number of Safe DayzTM earned, activation of Safety Alert, and other safety features that keep you and your family safe.

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Safety Alert

Sometimes the person you want to keep safe isn't you. Safety Alert is a free panic button feature on the Momentum App that you can easily activate to use. We don't only keep you safe, but we keep the people you love safe too.

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Momentum Assist

We’re all about keeping you safe. That is why you can also get 24/7/365 roadside assistance, home assistance, and medical and legal assistance in any emergency, anywhere in South Africa.

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Save on tyres and stay road-ready

Red car raised on a service lift inside a tyre workshop, with stacks of tyres and Momentum Insure and Tiger Wheel & Tyre logos in the foreground.]

As a Momentum Insure client, you get 5% off in-store purchases at Tiger Wheel & Tyre (up to R250 per transaction). Keeping your tyres and alignment in check not only improves safety, but also helps you maximise your Safety Returns cashback. Generate your discount code on the Momentum App and present it in-store to redeem.

Car insurance FAQs

How to get car insurance online

Getting car insurance online is quick and easy. Simply submit a quote request form by providing details about yourself and a Momentum service consultant will be in touch with you. They will calculate your premium and recommend suitable cover options.

What does comprehensive car insurance cover?

Comprehensive car insurance provides the broadest level of cover for your vehicle. Depending on your policy, it can include cover for:

Accidental damage to your vehicle.
Theft, hijacking or attempted theft.
Fire, flood, hail and other natural disasters.
Damage caused by collisions.
Damage to another person's vehicle or property (third-party liability).
Emergency roadside assistance and other value-added benefits where applicable.

Always check your policy wording for specific inclusions, exclusions and limits.

What does excess mean in car insurance?

An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before your insurer pays the balance. For example, if your approved claim is R20,000 and your excess is R3,000, you would pay R3,000 and your insurer would pay the remaining R17,000. Choosing a higher excess can often help reduce your monthly premium.

What is the best car insurance company in South Africa for comprehensive cover?

The best car insurance company for comprehensive cover depends on your individual needs, budget and vehicle. Factors such as the level of cover, claims experience, excess options, rewards programmes and additional benefits should all be considered.

According to a 2026 industry review, some of South Africa's leading insurers for comprehensive car cover include Momentum Insure, recognised for being best for safety rewards, flexible cover and lifestyle extras.

What is Momentum Car Insurance's contact number?

For Momentum Insure car insurance sales, client services and claims, contact 0860 006 784. Roadside and emergency assistance is available on 0860 784 767, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also submit your details to get a car insurance quote.

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