Car Insurance Guide

How high-risk drivers can find car insurance

Written by Chloe Adams Managing Editor Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 28 July 2026 Our editorial standards →

Can high-risk drivers get car insurance in South Africa?

Yes. Drivers seen as high risk - after several claims, an accident history, or a previously declined application - can usually still get cover, though it may cost more or come with a higher excess. The best approach is to be completely honest about your history, improve the factors you can control, and compare insurers, because they assess risk very differently. Some are more flexible with imperfect records than others, so shopping around matters.

Key takeaways

A high-risk profile usually means higher premiums or a higher excess, not no cover at all.
Prior claims, accidents or a declined application are the main triggers.
Always disclose your history honestly - non-disclosure can void a future claim.
Security, a bigger excess and safer driving can improve your terms over time.
Insurers rate risk differently, so comparing quotes is especially important.

What makes a driver 'high risk'

Insurers label a driver high risk when their history suggests a greater chance of claiming. Common reasons include several recent claims, a record of at-fault accidents, a lapse in cover, or having been declined or cancelled by a previous insurer. Certain vehicles, areas and driving patterns add to it. Being high risk is not a moral judgement - it is a pricing category based on probability. The key point is that it usually affects your terms rather than shutting you out, and many of the underlying factors can be improved with time and good habits.

Be honest about your history

The single most important thing a high-risk driver can do is disclose everything:

Declare previous claims, accidents and losses accurately.
Mention any prior declined or cancelled cover if asked.
List all regular drivers of the vehicle truthfully.

It can be tempting to leave out an awkward detail to get a better price, but non-disclosure is the fastest way to have a future claim rejected. Insurers verify histories, and an honest policy that pays out is worth far more than a cheap one that does not.

Insurers that suit imperfect records

Because South African insurers weigh risk differently, a profile that one declines or prices steeply may be accepted more reasonably by another. Some insurers and brokers specialise in non-standard or previously-declined risks, and app-based and behaviour-based insurers can let you offset history by proving how you drive now. A broker can be useful here, placing your profile with insurers more comfortable with your situation. The lesson is not to accept the first high quote or a single rejection as the final word - the market is not uniform.

Improving your terms over time

High-risk status is rarely permanent. You can improve it by keeping a clean claims record going forward, since a stretch without claims steadily rebuilds your standing. Fitting an approved tracker and immobiliser, parking securely, and accepting a higher voluntary excess all signal lower risk and can reduce your premium. Telematics cover lets careful driving speak for itself. Small, consistent steps over a year or two often move you out of the steepest pricing and open up more competitive quotes than you could get today.

Comparing cover as a high-risk driver

Comparison matters more for high-risk drivers than anyone, because the spread between quotes is widest. Get several quotes for the same cover and excess, consider using a broker for non-standard profiles, and weigh premium against excess rather than chasing the lowest headline figure. Make sure the cover you buy genuinely protects you, since a rejected cheap policy helps no one. When you are ready, compare quotes honestly and let more than one insurer assess your profile.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get car insurance after being declined?

Usually yes. A decline by one insurer does not mean the whole market will refuse you, because insurers assess risk differently. Some specialise in non-standard or previously-declined profiles, and a broker can help place your cover. Be honest about the earlier decline, and compare several options.

Why am I classed as a high-risk driver?

Common reasons include several recent claims, at-fault accidents, a lapse in cover, or a previously declined or cancelled policy. Your vehicle, area and driving pattern can add to it. It is a pricing category based on probability, and many of the factors behind it can improve over time.

Will being honest about claims make it more expensive?

Disclosing your history may raise the quote, but hiding it is far riskier - non-disclosure can cause a future claim to be rejected, leaving you with nothing. Insurers verify records. An accurate policy that actually pays out is worth much more than a cheaper one built on omissions.

How can a high-risk driver lower their premium?

Keep a clean claims record going forward, fit an approved tracker and immobiliser, park securely, and consider a higher voluntary excess. Telematics cover lets safe driving lower your price. Over a year or two these steps can move you out of the steepest pricing and unlock better quotes.

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