Car insurance to fit your budget

Car insurance to fit your budget

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*Based on 2024 independent research on combined insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there such a thing as cheap car insurance?

Yes, with Budget you can get cheap car insurance. In fact, we have one of SA’s lowest insurance quotes.* We think insurance isn’t just for expensive cars – everyone deserves to have some level of vehicle cover. But whether you need Comprehensive Car Cover or a cheeky little Budget Lite policy, we’ll make sure you have cover that fits your budget.

Can I use a vehicle repairer of my choice?

You can only use a Budget-approved repairer to fix your car after an accident. That’s because we have found some of the best repair professionals at the most affordable prices. We are proud to provide a lifetime guarantee on all repairs our partners make to your car. We like to manage the claims process from start to finish so we know you’re getting the best service at the best price.

How do I lower my car insurance premiums?

There are many ways to lower your premiums. Here are a few of our budget-friendly tips:

 

  • Start off by insuring additional cars and even your home contents with Budget. Get a discount when you add multiple cars to your policy. Plus, when you bundle car and home insurance, you get a discount on your home contents premium.
  • Drive as safely as possible, because the longer you go without an accident or a claim, the lower your risk is.
  • Speak to one of our consultants about insuring your car for the correct value, because you don’t want to be over-or underinsured.
  • Install an approved tracking device so if your car is stolen, you have a better chance of recovering it.

Which insurance cover is best for a car?

At Budget, there is no single ‘best’ insurance. That’s why we offer six levels of cover. We’re confident that among these coverage options, you’re bound to find one that makes the most sense for you. The best car insurance is one that offers you the right level of coverage for your car based on its value, age, and mileage while still being affordable. Chat with a Budget consultant to find the best car cover for you. 

Will my premiums decrease as my car gets older?

Unfortunately, no. See, we don’t only base the cost of your monthly auto insurance on how much your car is worth. Because the majority of claims are for repairs and not replacements, we take the cost of repairs and spare parts into account. And because the cost of parts and repairs is always rising, car insurance premiums rise too even as your car loses value.

Car Insurance Terms

Excess or deductible

 

This is the amount you pay for an insurance claim before your insurance coverage kicks in. For instance, if you were involved in a car accident, the excess is payable upfront to the service provider, like a panel beater, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. Your excess will vary depending on policy terms and coverage levels.

Write-off

 

If your car is written off after a car accident, it means the cost of repairing the damaged vehicle exceeds its current market value. In such cases, the insurer declares the vehicle a total loss and reimburses the policyholder for its pre-accident value minus any deductible and salvage value.

Third-party claim

 

Refers to a claim made by someone other than the policyholder against the policyholder’s insurance coverage. It typically involves compensation for damages or injuries caused by the policyholder's actions, such as a car accident where the policyholder is deemed to be at fault.

 

Premium

 

This is the amount of money the policyholder will pay to an insurance company in exchange for insurance coverage. It is paid on a monthly or annual basis and is based on various risk factors, coverage levels, and the type of insurance policy.

Liability

 

Refers to legal responsibility for damages or injuries an individual may incur due to their actions. Liability coverage protects policyholders from financial losses resulting from third-party claims or lawsuits filed against them for causing harm or damage to others.

Insured value

 

Refers to the maximum amount payable, less excess, to cover damages to a vehicle. It's typically determined by the vehicle's market value or agreed-upon value between the policyholder and insurer.