Insurance: Understanding your rights and responsibilities
Insurance is more than a grudge purchase. Knowing your rights as a policyholder and your responsibilities as a client can mean the difference between a smooth claim and a financial disaster. Here's what the TCF framework means for you.
What every South African policyholder needs to know about their insurance rights
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What is the Treating Customers Fairly framework?
The Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) framework is a regulatory outcomes-based approach enforced by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). It requires all licensed financial services providers in South Africa, including insurers, to treat clients fairly at every stage of the product lifecycle, from sale to claims to complaints.
Can I cancel my insurance policy at any time?
Yes. Under the TCF framework, you have the right to switch or cancel your insurance policy at any time without being obstructed or penalised. Check your policy schedule for any notice period requirements.
What can I do if my insurer treats me unfairly?
First, lodge a formal complaint with your insurer in writing. If the complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can escalate it to the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance (OSTI) at no cost. OSTI is an independent body that can compel insurers to act fairly.
What happens if I give my insurer inaccurate information?
Providing inaccurate or incomplete information to your insurer is known as non-disclosure or misrepresentation. It can result in your claim being declined or your policy being cancelled. Always disclose material facts honestly, including any changes to your circumstances after the policy starts.
Is insurance compulsory in South Africa?
Most types of personal insurance, including car, home contents, and life insurance, are not legally compulsory in South Africa. However, driving without insurance leaves you personally liable for any damage you cause. Many vehicle finance agreements also require comprehensive car insurance as a condition of the loan.
What is the difference between a complaint and a dispute?
A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction with your insurer's service or decision. A dispute is a formal disagreement about a specific claim outcome or policy matter that has not been resolved through the complaints process. Disputes can be referred to the OSTI for independent adjudication.
How do I know if I have the right insurance cover for my needs?
Under TCF, your insurer is required to ensure that the product sold to you is appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure, ask your insurer or broker to explain your cover in plain language. Review your policy schedule at least once a year, especially after major life changes like buying a home, getting married, or adding a new driver to your car.
How to lodge a claim with King Price Insurance
Follow these steps to submit your claim quickly and correctly.
Contact King Price as soon as possible after the incident. You can call 0860 50 50 50 or log the claim through the King Price app. For vehicle accidents, get the other driver's details and take photos at the scene.
Give a full and honest account of what happened. Inaccurate or incomplete information can delay or void your claim.
Depending on the claim type, you may need a police case number, photos, receipts, or a repair quote. Your claims consultant will tell you exactly what's needed.
King Price will assess your claim and may appoint an assessor for larger claims. You'll be kept updated throughout.
Once approved, your claim is settled either by repair, replacement, or cash payment, depending on your policy terms.
Best car insurance in South Africa 2026: the numbers
King Price holds a 10/10 Hellopeter trust index, 4.7 stars from over 116,000 reviews, and premiums that drop every month as your car depreciates. Here's what the numbers actually say about the best car insurance in South Africa in 2026.
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Who has the best car insurance in South Africa?
King Price currently holds a 10/10 trust index on Hellopeter with an average of 4.7 stars from 116,525 reviews (May 2026). It's also the only major South African insurer with decreasing monthly premiums. Best is always personal, but the numbers make a strong case.
How much is car insurance a month in South Africa?
Most South African drivers pay between R1,200 and R2,500 a month for comprehensive cover in 2026. Your premium depends on your car, suburb, driving history, and chosen excess. King Price handles over 60,000 quote requests monthly, so comparing is quick.
Is King Price a legitimate insurance company?
Yes. King Price Insurance is licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) under FSP 43862. It has been operating since 2012 and holds a 10/10 trust index on Hellopeter with over 116,000 client reviews.
Does King Price have decreasing premiums?
Yes, and it's the king's signature feature. Your premium drops each month as your car's value decreases. No admin needed. Clients have saved roughly R340 million through decreasing premiums since King Price launched, including R15.05 million in the last year alone.
Can I insure more than one car with King Price?
Yes, and you'll save for it. Insuring multiple cars comprehensively unlocks up to 20% off your premium. Premiums are risk-profile dependent, paid monthly, and reviewed annually.
What does comprehensive car insurance cover?
Comprehensive cover handles accident damage, theft, third-party liability, fire, weather events, and malicious damage to your vehicle. It's the widest level of cover available and is typically the right choice for any car worth more than around R100,000.
How do I get a King Price car insurance quote?
Go to kingprice.co.za, visit ssp.kingprice.co.za/?kpcid=20000588 for an online quote, WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50, open the King Price app, or request a call-back on the website. Quotes take a few minutes and most people are covered the same day.
How to get a King Price car insurance quote
Follow these steps to get a car insurance quote from King Price in under five minutes.
Visit kingprice.co.za or go directly to ssp.kingprice.co.za/?kpcid=20000588 to start your online quote.
Provide your car make, model, year, and current retail value. Use today's value, not what you paid originally.
Pick from five options tailored to how you use your car and what you need to protect.
Your monthly premium is calculated from your risk profile. It will decrease each month as your car depreciates.
Accept the policy. You pay monthly by DebiCheck. Submit any future claim online, via the King Price app, or on the claims line.
Car insurance with monthly premiums that decrease as your vehicle depreciates. Covers accident damage, theft, third-party liability, fire, weather, and malicious damage.
Premiums are risk-profile dependent, paid monthly, and reviewed annually. Premiums decrease each month as your vehicle retail value decreases.
Renting vs. owning: What insurance looks like for both
Renting or owning a home changes what insurance you need, but it does not change the fact that you need it. This guide breaks down buildings insurance, home contents insurance, and who is responsible for what, whether you are a tenant, a homeowner, or somewhere in between.
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Do renters really need home insurance in South Africa?
Yes. Renters need home contents insurance to protect their personal belongings. The landlord's buildings insurance only covers the physical structure of the property. It does not cover your furniture, electronics, clothing, or any other possessions you own.
Does buildings insurance cover furniture and personal belongings?
No. Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of the home, including walls, the roof, floors, and fixed fittings. Furniture, appliances, electronics, and personal items are covered under a separate home contents insurance policy.
Is home contents insurance only for people with expensive belongings?
No. Home contents insurance is about replacement, not luxury. Replacing everyday items like a bed, fridge, phone, and laptop adds up quickly. You do not need expensive possessions to benefit from cover.
Who is responsible for insuring the building when I am renting?
The property owner (landlord) is responsible for insuring the building. As a tenant, you are responsible for insuring your own personal belongings inside the property using home contents insurance.
Should I update my insurance when I move to a new home?
Yes. Moving changes your address, your risk profile, and potentially the value of your belongings. You should update your policy details with your insurer when you move to make sure your cover is accurate and your new address is listed correctly.
What does home contents insurance typically cover?
Home contents insurance typically covers your personal belongings against events like theft, fire, storm damage, burst pipes, and accidental damage. This includes furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, and other items you own inside the home.
Can I get both buildings and home contents insurance from King Price?
Yes. King Price offers both buildings insurance and home contents insurance for South African policyholders. Homeowners who want complete cover can take out both policies to protect the structure of their home and everything inside it.
How to review your home insurance when you move
Moving home is the perfect time to make sure your insurance still fits your situation. Follow these steps to review and update your cover.
Walk through your new space and make a rough list of everything you own, including furniture, electronics, appliances, and clothing. This helps you estimate the replacement value of your contents.
Review your existing policy documents to confirm what is covered, what the sum insured is, and whether your new address is listed correctly.
Contact your insurer to update your address and adjust your sum insured to reflect your current belongings. Under-insuring is one of the most common and costly mistakes.
If you are moving from a rental to an owned property (or vice versa), your insurance needs may change significantly. Get a fresh quote to make sure you have the right cover for your new situation.
Confirm your cover is active before moving day
Make sure your updated policy is in force before you move. Your belongings are at higher risk during a move, so do not leave a gap in cover.
King Price R1 insurance lets qualifying clients cover their bicycle, golf clubs, hearing aids, or motorbike riding gear for just R1 a month per item. It's an add-on exclusive to existing King Price car or motorbike insurance policyholders, with no hidden fees and no complicated claims process.
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R1 insurance is an add-on product from King Price that lets qualifying clients cover their bicycle, golf clubs, hearing aids, or motorbike riding gear for just R1 per month per item category. It is not available as a stand-alone policy.
Who qualifies for King Price R1 insurance?
You qualify if you already hold an active car or motorbike insurance policy with King Price. R1 insurance is not available to the general public as a stand-alone product.
What items can be covered under R1 insurance?
You can cover four item categories: bicycles, golf clubs, hearing aids, and motorbike riding gear (helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots). Each category costs R1 per month.
Does R1 insurance cover accidental damage?
Yes. R1 insurance covers loss, theft, and accidental damage for all four item categories. The maximum payout is limited to the sum insured you declared when you added the item to your policy.
Yes. Existing King Price clients can add R1 insurance through the Self-Service Portal at ssp.kingprice.co.za, or by calling 0860 50 50 50 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00).
Yes. The monthly premium for each R1 insurance category is R1. There are no admin fees or hidden charges on the R1 items themselves. You pay R1 per month per category added to your policy.
What happens to my R1 insurance if I cancel my car insurance?
R1 insurance requires a qualifying King Price car or motorbike insurance policy as its host. If you cancel your host policy, your R1 insurance cover will also fall away.
Report the incident to King Price within 30 days. Call 0860 50 50 50 or log a claim through the Self-Service Portal at ssp.kingprice.co.za. Have your policy number, a description of the incident, and supporting documentation (such as a police case number for theft) ready.
How to add R1 insurance to your King Price policy
Follow these steps to add R1 insurance for your bicycle, golf clubs, hearing aids, or motorbike riding gear to an existing King Price policy.
Check that you have an active King Price car or motorbike insurance policy. R1 insurance can't be added without a qualifying host policy.
Visit ssp.kingprice.co.za or call 0860 50 50 50 to speak to a consultant. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00.
Select one or more of the four categories: bicycle, golf clubs, hearing aids, or motorbike riding gear.
Provide the current replacement value. This becomes your sum insured and sets the maximum payout on a claim.
Review the addition on your policy schedule and confirm. Your R1 cover is active from the next policy period.
We all think we know South African road signs, but do we really? From concealed driveways to uneven roads, this fun 10-question multiple-choice quiz tests your knowledge of the lesser-spotted signs on SA roads. Take the quiz, check your answers, and see how safe a driver you really are.
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How many road signs are there in South Africa?
South Africa has hundreds of road signs, divided into categories including warning signs, regulatory signs, information signs, and temporary signs. All are prescribed by the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.
What shape are warning signs in South Africa?
Warning signs in South Africa are yellow diamond-shaped boards with a black symbol. They alert drivers to a hazard or change in road conditions ahead.
What does a loose stones road sign look like?
The loose stones warning sign is a yellow diamond with small circles or dots flying off a road surface. It warns drivers to reduce speed because loose gravel or stones may be present and could damage windscreens or cause tyre slippage.
Can ignoring a road sign affect my car insurance claim?
It can. If an insurer investigates an accident and finds evidence that you ignored a warning or regulatory sign, this may be used to establish negligence. Depending on your policy terms, this could reduce or affect the outcome of your claim.
Where can I study South African road signs?
The K53 learner's manual is the best starting point. It covers every road sign category and is available from the RTMC website, bookshops, and CNA stores. There are also several free road sign apps and quiz websites designed for SA learner drivers.
A concealed driveway sign is a yellow diamond warning sign showing an arrow emerging from a side gap in the road. It warns drivers that a driveway or side road may not be visible until you are very close to it, so you should reduce speed and watch for vehicles pulling out.
Does King Price car insurance cover accidents caused by road hazards?
King Price comprehensive car insurance covers your vehicle against accidents, including those caused by road hazards like potholes and loose stones, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy. Contact King Price or visit the website for full details on what your cover includes.
How to refresh your South African road sign knowledge
A quick process to revise lesser-known SA road signs so you're safer on the road.
The K53 manual covers every road sign category used in South Africa. Download it from the RTMC website or buy a copy from any CNA.
Warning signs (yellow diamonds) and regulatory signs (circles) are the categories most drivers misidentify. Spend extra time on these.
Apps like Anki or even a Google Images search for 'SA road signs' can help you drill unfamiliar signs in under 10 minutes a day.
For the next seven days, actively name every sign you pass. It feels odd at first, but it locks the knowledge in fast.
Come back and try again. A perfect score means you're genuinely safer on South African roads.
Your mechanic isn’t just fixing your car, they’re translating your sound effects
There are few conversations more awkward than explaining a car noise to a mechanic. You know something isn’t right. You just don’t have the language for it. So, you do what every South African driver does. You make the noise.…
King Price’s optional cover gives you all the options
Standard insurance covers the basics, but King Price optional cover lets you go further. Add sound equipment cover, a hired car, land subsidence protection, and more to your car or buildings policy for a small monthly premium. Here's everything you can add and why it matters.
Optional add-ons that let you customise your King Price car and buildings insurance
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Regular driver vs nominated driver: what’s the difference?
The regular driver on a car insurance policy is whoever drives the vehicle most often in any monthly period , and that may not be the policy owner. Getting this wrong is a material misrepresentation that can result in a rejected claim. This article explains the difference between a regular driver and a nominated driver, why it matters, and how to update your King Price policy.
Who is the regular driver on your car insurance policy , and why does it matter?
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Who counts as the regular driver on a car insurance policy?
The regular driver is the person who drives the insured vehicle most often during any monthly period. This does not have to be the policy owner, it just has to be whoever uses the car the most. If that changes, you need to update your policy schedule.
What is a nominated driver in car insurance?
A nominated driver is someone who has the policyholder's permission to drive the car occasionally but who is not the most frequent driver. Nominated drivers should be listed on your policy schedule so that they are covered when they drive your car.
What happens if I list the wrong regular driver on my policy?
Listing the wrong regular driver is a material misrepresentation. If a claim arises and King Price establishes that the actual driver at the time was not the listed regular driver, and that person drives the car most of the time, the claim can be rejected. Always make sure the person who drives the car most is listed as the regular driver.
Can I have more than one nominated driver on my King Price policy?
Yes. You can list multiple nominated drivers on your King Price car insurance policy. Anyone who drives your car occasionally should be listed as a nominated driver on your policy schedule to ensure they are covered.
Does adding a younger driver as the regular driver increase my premium?
It may. Premiums are calculated based on the regular driver's risk profile. Younger drivers, particularly young males, are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, so their risk profile typically results in a higher premium. However, listing the correct regular driver is essential regardless of the cost, because an incorrect listing can result in rejected claims.
How do I update the regular driver on my King Price policy?
You can update your regular driver through the King Price Self-Service Portal at ssp.kingprice.co.za, or by calling us on 0860 50 50 50. You will need the new regular driver's full name, date of birth, licence issue date, and licence code. Your premium will be recalculated once the update is saved.
Does it matter if the regular driver and the policy owner are different people?
No, the policy owner and the regular driver do not have to be the same person. What matters is that the person listed as the regular driver is genuinely the person who drives the car most often. The premium is calculated on the regular driver's profile, not the policy owner's.
How to update the regular driver on your King Price policy
Follow these steps to update or add a driver to your car insurance policy through the King Price Self-Service Portal.
Go to ssp.kingprice.co.za and log in with your King Price credentials.
Choose the car insurance policy for the vehicle whose regular driver you need to update.
Click on 'Policy details' and then 'Driver information' to view the current regular and nominated drivers.
Enter the new regular driver's details, including their full name, date of birth, licence issue date, and licence code.
Review the updated details and save. Your premium will be recalculated to reflect the new regular driver's risk profile. You will receive a new policy schedule by email.
Driver's licence details for the new regular driver
Click on Policy details and then Driver information to view the current regular and nominated drivers.
The person who drives a specific insured vehicle most frequently during any monthly period. The regular driver's risk profile, including age, gender, and driving history, determines the premium charged for that vehicle.
A person who has the policyholder's permission to drive the insured vehicle occasionally but who is not the regular (most frequent) driver. Nominated drivers must be listed on the policy schedule.
Providing incorrect or incomplete information that would have affected an insurer's decision to offer cover or the premium charged. A material misrepresentation can result in a claim being rejected or a policy being cancelled.
Let the king cover your new goodies in 2026
January arrives and your new gadgets are sitting there uninsured. King Price portable possessions and home contents insurance covers phones, laptops, jewellery, TVs, and more. Here is what each policy covers, why underinsurance is a risk, and how to get covered quickly.
What is the difference between portable possessions and home contents insurance?
Portable possessions insurance covers items you carry outside your home, like phones, laptops, cameras, and jewellery. Home contents insurance covers belongings that stay inside your home, like TVs, appliances, and furniture. Most households need both types of cover.
How do I add a new item to my existing King Price home contents or portable possessions policy?
Email clientcare@kingprice.co.za with details of the new item, including its value and any serial or IMEI numbers. The King Price team will update your policy. Try to add new items within 30 days of purchase.
What happens if I am underinsured when I claim?
If your insured amount is lower than the actual replacement cost of your belongings, your insurer may only pay out a proportional amount. You would be responsible for covering the shortfall yourself. Always insure for the full current replacement value, not the original purchase price.
Do I need to keep receipts for insured items?
Yes. Keeping purchase receipts and, for devices, IMEI numbers makes the claims process much faster. Your insurer may ask for proof of ownership and value, especially for high-value items like smartphones, cameras, and jewellery.
Can I insure a gift I received if I don't have the receipt?
Yes, in most cases you can still insure a gifted item. You may need to provide a description, photograph, and an estimated replacement value. Contact King Price at clientcare@kingprice.co.za to confirm what documentation is needed for specific items.
Does portable possessions insurance cover items stolen from my car?
This depends on your policy wording. Under King Price portable possessions cover, items are generally covered away from home, including in your vehicle. However, cover conditions may apply, such as the vehicle being locked and the item not being left in plain sight. Check your policy schedule or contact King Price to confirm.
Do jewellery and watches need a valuation certificate to be insured?
Yes, if the item is valued at R15,000 or more, King Price requires a formal valuation certificate. Items worth more than R35,000 individually must also be stored in a SABS-compliant safe when not being worn or used. Without these, a claim may not be paid in full.
How do I get a King Price portable possessions or home contents quote?
You can get an instant online quote at ssp.kingprice.co.za or request a callback at insurance.kingprice.co.za. You can also call King Price on 0860 50 50 50 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00).
How to prepare your new gadgets for an insurance claim
Simple steps to take when you buy a new device so that any future claim is quick and straightforward.
Store the receipt somewhere safe, physically or as a digital scan. Your insurer may need proof of purchase if you claim.
For phones and tablets, find the IMEI number on the box, in the device settings, or by dialling *#06#. Write it down or photograph it. King Price requires the IMEI on your phone to match your policy schedule.
Take a clear photo of jewellery, cameras, and other valuables. This helps confirm ownership and condition if you need to claim.
Get a valuation certificate for jewellery and watches worth R15,000 or more
Items valued at R15,000 or above need a formal valuation certificate. Items worth more than R35,000 individually must be stored in a SABS-compliant safe when not in use.
Email clientcare@kingprice.co.za to add new items to your existing policy or to increase your insured amount. New items should be added within 30 days of purchase.
Does your car insurance have third party cover?
Finding the right car insurance is essential to safeguard your beloved set of wheels. In order to meet varying needs and cater to differing budgets, King Price provides customers with a wide selection of vehicle cover options. Third party insurance is one…