Car Insurance Guide

What does car insurance cover in South Africa?

Written by Chloe Adams Managing Editor Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 26 July 2026 Our editorial standards →

What does car insurance cover?

What your car insurance covers depends on the type. Comprehensive cover pays for accident damage to your own car, plus theft, fire, weather damage and third-party liability. Third-party, fire and theft drops the accident cover for your own car but keeps theft, fire and third-party. Third-party only covers damage you cause to others. Wear and tear, mechanical breakdown and driving under the influence are common exclusions.

Key takeaways

Comprehensive is the widest cover; third-party only is the narrowest.
Accident, theft, fire, weather and third-party damage are typically covered by comprehensive.
Wear, tear and mechanical breakdown are generally excluded.
Driving drunk, without a licence or for an undeclared purpose can void a claim.
Add-ons like car hire and windscreen cover extend a policy.

What comprehensive cover includes

Comprehensive car insurance generally covers accidental damage to your own car, theft and hijacking, fire, weather events such as hail and flooding, and third-party liability for damage you cause to others. It's the widest cover and is usually required on financed cars.

What third-party options cover

Third-party, fire and theft covers damage you cause to others, plus fire and theft of your own car - but not accidental damage to your car. Third-party only covers just the damage you cause to other people's property.

Common exclusions

Wear, tear and mechanical or electrical breakdown
Driving under the influence or without a valid licence
Using the car for a purpose your policy does not cover
Damage from an unlisted or unauthorised driver
Gradual damage and lack of maintenance

Optional add-ons

Many policies let you add car hire after an accident, windscreen and glass cover with a reduced excess, and cover for accessories. Check which extras are included and which cost more.

Frequently asked questions

Does car insurance cover hail damage?

Comprehensive car insurance usually covers weather damage, including hail. Third-party, fire and theft and third-party only do not cover damage to your own car. Check your policy and excess for storm and hail claims.

Does car insurance cover engine failure?

No. Mechanical and electrical breakdown, including engine failure from wear, is excluded from car insurance. That's covered by a separate mechanical warranty or service plan, not by your insurance policy.

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