Car Insurance FAQs — DriveShield SA

Question 1

What is comprehensive car insurance?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive cover is the most complete form of car insurance. It covers damage to your own vehicle (whether your fault or not), theft, hijacking, fire, and third-party liability — meaning damage or injury you cause to other people or their property.

Question 2

What does third-party, fire and theft cover?

Accepted Answer

This mid-tier option covers damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property, plus theft or fire damage to your own car. It does not cover accidental damage to your own vehicle.

Question 3

What is third-party only cover?

Accepted Answer

Third-party only is the most basic level of cover. It pays out if you damage someone else's vehicle or property, but provides no protection for your own car. It's typically the most affordable option.

Question 4

Which type of cover is right for me?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the value of your car and your budget. If your car is newer or financed, comprehensive cover is usually recommended. For older, lower-value vehicles, third-party or third-party fire and theft may be more cost-effective. Our insurer partners can advise you once you submit a quote request.

Question 5

How does DriveShield SA work?

Accepted Answer

DriveShield SA is a lead generation service. You fill in our free quote form with your vehicle and contact details, and we pass that information to our network of licensed South African insurance providers. They then contact you directly with a personalised quote — usually within the hour.

Question 6

Is DriveShield SA an insurance company?

Accepted Answer

No. We are not an insurer. We collect your information on behalf of licensed insurance providers who will contact you with a quote. We do not sell or underwrite insurance policies ourselves.

Question 7

How long does it take to get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Our quote form takes under 2 minutes to complete. Once submitted, you can typically expect to hear from one of our insurer partners within the hour during business hours.

Question 8

Is there any cost or obligation?

Accepted Answer

None at all. Getting a quote through DriveShield SA is completely free. You are under no obligation to accept any offer you receive.

Question 9

What factors affect my premium?

Accepted Answer

Your premium is influenced by several factors including the make, model, and year of your vehicle, your age and driving experience, your claims history, where you live and park your car, and the type of cover you choose. Vehicles with tracking devices or additional security features may attract lower premiums.

Question 10

What is an excess?

Accepted Answer

An excess (also called a deductible) is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket when you make a claim. For example, if your excess is R5 000 and your claim is R20 000, the insurer pays R15 000. A higher excess usually means a lower monthly premium.

Question 11

Can I lower my monthly premium?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can often reduce your premium by increasing your voluntary excess, adding a tracking device to your vehicle, maintaining a clean claims record, insuring your car for its market value rather than retail value, or bundling with other insurance products.

Question 12

How do I make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Claims are handled directly by your insurer — not by DriveShield SA. Once you have a policy in place, contact your insurer's claims department as soon as possible after an incident. Have your policy number, driver's licence, and details of the incident ready.

Question 13

Will my premium increase after a claim?

Accepted Answer

It may. Most insurers review premiums at renewal, and a claim — especially one where you were at fault — can result in a higher premium. Maintaining a no-claims record over time is one of the best ways to keep your costs down.

Question 14

What should I do immediately after an accident?

Accepted Answer

First, make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed. Do not admit fault at the scene. Take photos of the damage, exchange details with the other driver (name, contact number, ID, licence plate, and insurer), and report the accident to the police if required. Then notify your insurer as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Cover types

Getting a quote

Premiums & excess

Claims

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