How to Choose the Right Car Insurer

A Complete Guide

This post was published on Apr 29, 2025 | Updated on Jun 25, 2025

Choosing the right car insurance provider can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial for protecting yourself, your car, and your finances. With so many options available, how can you determine which insurer is the best fit for your needs? In this guide, we’ll walk you through key factors to consider when selecting a car insurance company.



Understand the Type of Cover You Need

Before you begin comparing insurers, it’s essential to understand the various types of cover that are available so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The main types of cover include Comprehensive, Third-Party Fire and Theft and Third-Party Liability. Comprehensive cover offers the most extensive protection, including accidents, theft, fire, natural disasters, malicious and accidental damage, windscreen damage, and third-party liability. Third-Party Fire and Theft cover offers a middle ground, covering Third-Party Liability as well as loss or damage to your vehicle due to fire, theft, or hijacking. Lastly, Third-Party Liability protects against financial loss to the third party’s property on behalf of the insured when they're at fault in an accident.


With iWYZE, you can choose the right cover to suit your needs, ensuring peace of mind on the road. Once you’ve identified the cover that best suits your needs, you can start narrowing down your insurer options based on the types of policies they offer.





Consider the Reputation of the Insurer

A car insurance company’s reputation is a key factor in your decision-making process. You’ll want an insurer known for being reliable, financially stable, and efficient in handling claims. To assess their reputation, start by reading customer reviews to get a sense of their service quality. You can also look at ratings from agencies like HelloPeter or Google My Business, which provide an overview of customer satisfaction. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask friends and family for recommendations based on their personal experiences. With iWYZE, backed by Old Mutual’s almost 180 years of financial expertise and trust, you can be confident in choosing an insurer with a strong legacy of reliability.


"As an insurance expert when evaluating car insurance, I don’t focus solely on the premium. I take a more holistic approach by considering several other important factors that are often overlooked. These include the excess amount, value-added benefits like cashback offers and excess waivers, and how easily I can reach the insurer—whether through email, WhatsApp, their website, or other platforms. I also look at the range of cover options available, the insurer’s reputation for customer service, and how efficiently and fairly they handle claims. Features like roadside assistance can also set one insurer apart from another. Social media reviews and customer feedback play a big role in shaping my perception as well. In my experience, the real value of an insurer becomes clear not when you're paying your monthly premium, but when you need to file a claim. That’s when responsiveness, transparency, and support truly matter." - Matsidiso Mpini, Claims Relationship Manager: Claims Support & Supplier Management



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Andile S

Excellent customer service
I would like to extend my gratitude to Comfort Hlungwani for the excellent customer service. He was professional and kept me up to date with my claim. Keep up the good work.

10 Jun 2025

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Riaz M

Iwyze Gloria Mechete
Not like other insurance companies, simple and easy process and Gloria Mechete was very helpful and professional in dealing with my case.

10 Jun 2025

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Nthabiseng M

Car insurance claim
What a wonderful service I have received from Consultant Gloria Machete ooh what an excellent experience I had thank you iwyze

06 Jun 2025

This post was published on Apr 29, 2025 | Updated on Jun 25, 2025

Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers

Car insurance rates can differ significantly from one insurer to another, so it’s important to shop around and compare quotes. Make sure you’re comparing similar cover limits, excesses, and terms to ensure a fair comparison. To simplify the process, consider using online comparison tools, which allow you to view quotes from multiple insurers at once. Also, be sure to check for any discounts that may apply, such as for safe driving, bundling with other policies, or having a car with advanced safety features.


Assess the Customer Service and Claims Process

Great customer service is essential, particularly when it comes to filing a claim. You want an insurer that makes the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. To assess customer service, start by checking if they offer 24/7 support for emergencies. It’s also helpful to research how easy it is to file a claim and how quickly they process it. With iWYZE, you can track your claim in real time through the wyzeHUB App, giving you full transparency and digital ease every step of the way.

“I completely agree with the points made in the article. Choosing the right car insurer is about more than just finding the lowest price — it’s about securing the right cover, financial stability, and responsive customer service. From my perspective as an Operations Coach, the strength of an insurer’s internal processes, like efficient claims handling and clear communication, is just as important as the policy details. With iWYZE, backed by Old Mutual’s long-standing reputation, you can trust that operational reliability and customer support are priorities. This ensures a smoother experience when you need it most. Ultimately, the best choice is a company that meets your unique needs and stands behind their promises with consistent service”
Xoliswa Mabuya, Operations Specialist-Coach

If you want to dig deeper, consider calling or emailing the insurer to get a sense of their responsiveness and helpfulness.



Look for Customisation Options

Every driver has different needs, so it’s important to find an insurer that offers flexibility in customising your policy. Some insurers allow you to enhance your cover and add things like rental car, or custom equipment for car accessories and upgrades. This way, you can tailor your policy to suit your unique requirements instead of settling for a standard package.



Understand Excess and Premiums

When comparing quotes, make sure to factor in both the excess and the premium. The excess is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy covers the damages to your car. While a higher excess can lower your premium, it means you’ll be paying more upfront if you need to file a claim. It’s essential to balance the excess and premium in a way that fits both your budget and your potential out-of-pocket expenses. Keep in mind that the cheapest option upfront may not always be the best choice in the long run. Be sure to calculate the total cost over time to ensure you’re getting the best deal. It is equally important to consider additional excesses that may apply in the event of a claim.


Consider the Financial Stability of the Insurer

Lastly, you’ll want to choose an insurer that is financially stable enough to meet its obligations when you need them most. If your insurer is financially unstable, you may find yourself in a difficult situation after an accident. To evaluate their financial stability, check their ratings from organisations like TransUnion Business Credit Report. Furthermore, consider choosing an insurer with a long track record of stability.

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Choosing the right car insurance is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. By taking the time to evaluate your needs, compare quotes, and choose an insurer with a solid reputation, you’ll feel confident in your decision. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best — it’s about finding the right balance of cover, price, and customer service. Take your time, do your research, and drive with peace of mind, knowing you’re covered!



#wyzemove: Ensure that you have the right cover for your needs. Cheaper insurance isn’t always better.



Terms and conditions apply. Please note that the content displayed on this site is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice or replace our policies’ terms and conditions. The policy wording supersedes any marketing material. Any claim will be considered against the terms and conditions that apply at the time of claim and as set out in our customers’ policy documentation.


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