What Not to Tell Your Insurance Company (What You Must Disclose)

The popular idea that there are things you should not tell your insurance company is dangerous advice. In South Africa you have a legal duty to disclose all material facts honestly when you take out and renew a policy. Hiding or misstating information is non-disclosure, and it gives the insurer grounds to reduce or reject your claim, or cancel the policy. The real rule is not what to hide, but what you must reveal.

What you must disclose

A material fact is anything that could affect the insurer's decision to cover you or the price they charge. That includes:

• Who drives the car and their ages and licence status, especially young or newly licensed drivers.
• Where the car lives overnight and where it is usually parked.
• How the car is used, for example private use versus business or e-hailing.
• Modifications to the engine, wheels, sound system or looks.
• Your claims and loss history, including previous accidents and theft.
• Any previous refusals or cancellations by another insurer.

If any of these change during the policy, tell your insurer. Keeping quiet to protect a lower premium is exactly what gets claims rejected.

What you do not need to volunteer

You are not required to guess at things the insurer does not ask about, or to share irrelevant personal opinions. Answer the questions fully and truthfully, keep records of what you told them, and ask if you are unsure whether something is material. When in doubt, disclose.

Why honesty is cheaper in the end

A rejected claim after an accident or theft costs far more than any premium you might have saved by staying quiet. Full disclosure is what makes your cover actually work. If you are unsure what counts, our glossary explains terms like material fact and non-disclosure.

Cover that pays out starts with honest cover. Compare car insurance quotes and set your policy up correctly from the start.

← Back to all articles