Step 1: Choose What You Need

Go to Hippo.co.za and select the type of insurance you want. Options include car insurance, medical aid, life insurance, home insurance, and more.

Step 2: Fill in Your Details

You’ll enter basic information like your ID number, personal details, and what you want to insure. For car insurance, you’ll add your car’s make, model, and year. This takes about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Get Your Quotes

Hippo shows you quotes from different insurance companies side by side. You can see the monthly cost, what’s covered, and any special benefits.

Step 4: Choose Your Insurer

Click “I’m Interested” on the quote you like best. A consultant from that insurance company will call you to help complete the process and answer questions.

Important: You are NOT obligated to buy anything. If you change your mind, you can simply say no.

💰 You Save Money

According to independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates in 2024, South Africans who compare multiple insurance products save an average of R570 per month. That’s R7,000 per year!

Different insurance companies charge different prices for the same cover. By comparing, you find the best deal.

⏰ You Save Time

Instead of calling multiple insurance companies and repeating your information over and over, you enter your details once. You get up to 12 quotes in just 2 minutes.

📱 You Save Airtime

Everything happens online. No long phone calls eating up your airtime. No sitting in offices waiting. Compare quotes from your phone or computer whenever it’s convenient.

👀 See Everything Side by Side

When you compare quotes, you can see exactly what each insurance company offers. Compare monthly costs, excess amounts, and benefits all on one page.

✅ Only Licensed Insurers

All insurance companies on Hippo are registered and licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This means they’re legitimate businesses that follow South African financial laws.

✅ Properly Licensed

Hippo Comparative Service is an Authorised Financial Service Provider with FSP number 16357. You can verify this on the FSCA website (www.fsca.co.za).

✅ Your Information is Protected

Hippo uses the latest internet security and encryption technology to protect your personal information. They comply with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act).

Important: Hippo does NOT sell your information to third parties. They only share your details with insurance companies you show interest in.

✅ Good Reputation

Hippo has a 4.3 out of 5 rating from over 1,000 customer reviews. They won the Feefo 2024 Trust Service Award for excellent customer service in 2023.

✅ Established History

Founded in 2007, Hippo has been helping South Africans for over 18 years. They’ve handled millions of insurance quotes during this time.

R0 – Completely FREE!

Using Hippo.co.za costs you absolutely nothing.

How does Hippo make money then? When you choose to buy insurance through one of their quotes, the insurance company pays Hippo a commission. This doesn’t cost you extra – it’s part of how the insurance industry works.

1. Don’t Just Look at Price

The cheapest insurance isn’t always the best. Check what’s covered. A policy that costs R100 more per month might offer much better benefits when you need to make a claim.

2. Understand the Excess

The excess is the amount you pay when you claim. For example, if your excess is R5,000 and you have an accident, you pay the first R5,000 and insurance pays the rest.

A higher excess means lower monthly payments. But make sure you can afford the excess if something happens.

3. Read the Fine Print

Before choosing, read what’s excluded. For example, some policies don’t cover flood damage or certain types of accidents. Ask questions if something is unclear.

4. Be Honest About Your Information

Always give correct information when getting quotes. If you lie about your age, where you live, or your driving history, your insurance might not pay out when you need it.

5. Review Your Insurance Every Year

Insurance prices change. What was the best deal last year might not be the best deal this year. Compare again every 12 months to make sure you’re still getting good value.

6. Bundle Your Insurance

If you need multiple types of insurance (like car, home, and building), get them from the same company. Most insurers offer discounts when you bundle policies together.

❌ Hippo is NOT an Insurance Company

Remember: Hippo doesn’t provide insurance themselves. They’re a comparison tool. When you have a claim or need help, you contact the insurance company directly – not Hippo.

Keep the contact details of your chosen insurer safe!

❌ Watch Out for Phone Calls

After getting quotes on Hippo, insurance companies will call you. This is normal. However, be careful:

• Don’t give your banking details over the phone unless you’re sure who you’re talking to
• Only deal with the insurance companies listed on Hippo’s website
• If a call seems suspicious, hang up and call the company back on their official number

❌ Don’t Skip Reading the Policy

Before you sign up for insurance, read the policy document. Ask the consultant to explain anything you don’t understand. Don’t be rushed into signing something you haven’t read.

❌ Beware of Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud is increasing in South Africa. In 2023, the industry lost R175.9 million to fraud. Common scams include:

• Fake insurance companies (not on Hippo’s platform)
• People pretending to be you to take out insurance in your name
• Fake claims for accidents that didn’t happen

Protect yourself: Only use legitimate comparison sites like Hippo, verify the insurer’s license number, and report suspicious activity to SABRIC at 0860 002 526.

❌ Not All Insurers Are on Hippo

While Hippo works with many insurance companies, not all insurers participate. Some companies choose not to be on comparison websites. This doesn’t mean they’re bad – they’re just not available through Hippo.

Comprehensive Insurance

What it covers: Almost everything – accidents, theft, hijacking, fire, natural disasters, damage to someone else’s car.

Cost: Most expensive option (around R700-R2,500 per month depending on your car)

Best for: Newer cars, financed cars, or if you can’t afford to replace your car yourself

Third Party, Fire & Theft

What it covers: Damage to other people’s property, theft of your car, fire damage

Doesn’t cover: Accident damage to your own car

Cost: Mid-range price

Best for: Older cars that have some value but aren’t worth comprehensive cover

Third Party Only

What it covers: Only damage you cause to other people’s property

Doesn’t cover: Your own car at all (not theft, not accidents, nothing)

Cost: Cheapest option (around R150-R400 per month)

Best for: Very old cars that you could afford to replace yourself

Medical Aid vs Medical Insurance

Medical Aid: Covers hospital visits, doctor appointments, chronic medication, and more. Regulated by strict laws. Usually costs R2,000-R6,000+ per month for a family.

Medical Insurance: Cheaper option (around R300-R800 per month) but covers less. Usually pays you a daily amount if you’re hospitalized. Not a substitute for medical aid.

Gap Cover

Gap cover is extra insurance that pays the difference when doctors charge more than what your medical aid covers. It’s useful if you want to see specialists who charge above medical aid rates. Costs around R200-R500 per month.

Step 1: Review Your Quotes

Take your time looking at the different options. Don’t rush. You can save the page and come back later.

Step 2: Click “I’m Interested”

When you find a quote you like, click the button. This tells that insurance company you want to hear more.

Step 3: The Call

A consultant from the insurance company will phone you, usually within a few hours or the next business day. They will:

• Confirm your details
• Explain the policy in detail
• Answer your questions
• Help you complete the application if you decide to proceed

Step 4: Make Your Decision

You are NOT obligated to buy. You can:

• Say yes and sign up
• Ask for more time to think
• Say no thank you
• Ask them to call back later

Q: Why do they need my ID number?

A: Your ID number is used to pre-fill information and verify your identity. It also allows them to check your credit record (which affects insurance pricing). By law, insurance companies must verify who you are before providing cover.

Q: How long are the quotes valid?

A: This depends on the insurance company. Most quotes are valid for 30 days, but some expire sooner. If you wait too long, you’ll need to get new quotes as prices may have changed.

Q: Will using Hippo affect my credit score?

A: Getting quotes involves a “soft” credit check which doesn’t affect your credit score. However, when you actually sign up for insurance, the company will do a full credit check, which may have a small temporary impact on your score.

Q: Can I get quotes for someone else (like my parent)?

A: You can help a family member get quotes, but the insurance must be in the name of the person who owns the vehicle or needs the cover. You’ll need their ID number and information.

Q: What if I have bad credit?

A: You can still get insurance with bad credit, but you may pay higher premiums. Some insurers specialize in working with people who have credit challenges. Compare quotes to find the best option for your situation.

Q: What if I already have insurance?

A: You can still compare quotes to see if you could get a better deal elsewhere. If you switch, make sure your new insurance starts before you cancel your old policy. Never have a gap in coverage.

Right to Clear Information

Insurance companies must explain policies in plain language. If you don’t understand something, they must explain it better. Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions.

Right to a Cooling-Off Period

For most insurance policies, you have 31 days to change your mind after signing up. If you cancel within this time, you should get a refund (minus any days you were covered).

Right to Fair Treatment

Under the Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) initiative, insurers must treat you honestly, fairly, and professionally throughout your relationship with them.

Right to Complain

If you have problems with your insurance, you can complain to:

• The insurance company first – they have 6 weeks to respond
• National Financial Ombud (NFO) – Call 0860 66 66 93 (free dispute resolution)
• FSCA – Call 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za