Quick Facts

• Hollard is South Africa’s largest privately-owned insurance company
• Cover from as little as R1.20 per day (R36 per month)
• Available through Game, Ackermans, Edgars, Truworths, and Cell C
• Covers theft, loss, and accidental damage
• Must register within 14-30 days of buying your phone

What is Hollard Cellphone Insurance?

Hollard Cellphone Insurance protects your phone if something bad happens to it. This insurance helps you when your phone gets stolen, lost, or damaged by accident.

The Hollard Insurance Company is South Africa’s biggest privately-owned insurance group. They have been in business for many years. Their turnover is more than R15 billion per year.

Hollard does not sell phone insurance directly to you. Instead, they work with retail stores and mobile networks. These partners sell the insurance when you buy your phone.

Who Offers Hollard Cellphone Insurance?

You can get Hollard cellphone insurance through these companies:

Partner Store/Network	Contact Number	Notes
Game	0861 005 675	Only for phones bought at Game
Ackermans	Varies by store	Must have Ackermans account
Edgars	Varies by store	Premiums billed to Edgars account
Truworths	0861 375 225	Available on new handsets
Cell C	084 157 0007	Must be Cell C customer

Each store has slightly different rules and prices. You must buy the phone from that store to get their insurance. You cannot insure an old phone you already own.

✅ What is Covered?

Hollard cellphone insurance covers three main problems:

1. Theft (Someone Steals Your Phone)

If someone takes your phone without permission, the insurance will replace it. You must report the theft to the police. You also must blacklist your phone with your network provider.

2. Accidental Loss (You Lose Your Phone)

If you lose your phone by accident, they will replace it. This includes losing it at a taxi rank, dropping it in a river, or leaving it somewhere. You must blacklist the phone and report to police.

3. Accidental Damage (Your Phone Breaks)

If your phone breaks by accident, they will repair it or replace it. This includes:

• Cracked screen from dropping it
• Water damage (falling in water or rain)
• Broken charging port
• Camera damage from dropping

Costs and Fees Explained

The cost of cellphone insurance depends on how much your phone is worth. More expensive phones cost more to insure.

Monthly Premium (What You Pay Every Month)

This is the money you pay every month to keep your insurance active. It starts from around R36 per month (R1.20 per day) for cheaper phones.

Phone Value	Estimated Monthly Premium	Cost Per Year
R2,000 – R3,500	R36 – R60	R432 – R720
R3,500 – R7,500	R85 – R115	R1,020 – R1,380
R7,500 – R15,000	R150 – R250	R1,800 – R3,000
R15,000+	R250 – R400+	R3,000 – R4,800+

Excess Fee (What You Pay When You Claim)

When you make a claim, you must pay an excess fee. This is extra money you pay before they replace or repair your phone. The excess is usually between R500 and R2,000.

Important Cost Information

• First 90 days penalty: If you claim in the first 90 days, you pay a higher excess fee
• Each claim increases excess: The more you claim, the more you pay in excess fees
• Claim limit: Most policies allow only 3 claims per 12 months
• No cash payouts: You get a replacement phone or voucher, not money
• Payment method: Monthly premium goes to your store account or bank debit order

How to Apply for Hollard Cellphone Insurance

Step 1: Buy Your Phone

You can only get Hollard insurance when you buy a new phone. Visit Game, Ackermans, Edgars, Truworths, or Cell C. Tell the sales person you want insurance.

Step 2: Choose Your Insurance Plan

The sales person will show you different plans. Some cover everything (theft, loss, damage). Some cover only theft and loss. Choose what you can afford.

Step 3: Register Your Insurance

This is very important! You must register your insurance within 14-30 days (time limit depends on the store). Your insurance does not start until you register.

What you need to register:

• Your full name and ID number
• Your physical address and contact number
• Your email address (if you have one)
• Your bank account details (for debit order payment)
• Phone details (make, model, IMEI number)
• Purchase receipt from the store

Step 4: Make First Payment

Your first premium payment activates your insurance. If you have a store account, it goes on your account. If you chose debit order, it comes from your bank account.

Special Requirements for Different Partners

Cell C Device Insurance:

• Must apply within 30 days of getting new phone
• Phone must be used with Cell C SIM card
• Must make at least one call or SMS within 24 hours of policy start
• Must use phone at least once in 30 days before any claim

Ackermans Insurance:

• Must have Ackermans store account
• Insurance available only when buying new phone in store
• Premium added to your monthly Ackermans account

How to Make a Claim

Follow these steps carefully when your phone is stolen, lost, or damaged:

For Theft or Loss

For Accidental Damage

If your phone is damaged but not lost or stolen:

• You do NOT need to blacklist the phone
• You do NOT need a police report
• Contact your insurance provider immediately
• They will tell you where to take your phone
• Some stores handle repairs in-store
• Others send it to a repair centre

What Happens Next?

After you submit your claim:

• Processing time: Claims usually take 24-72 hours (3 days)
• Assessment: They check if everything is correct
• Excess payment: You pay your excess fee
• Replacement: They send you a replacement phone or voucher
• Delivery: Phone comes by courier to your address or nearest store

🚨 Scam Warnings: Protect Yourself

Criminals use insurance to scam people. They also scam insurance companies. Here is how to protect yourself:

Insurance Sales Scams

Fake Claims Calls

Phishing SMS and Emails

Insurance Fraud (You Can Get Blacklisted!)

How Insurance Companies Detect Fraud in 2025

Insurance companies use advanced technology to catch fraud:

• AI detection: They can see if photos are fake or edited
• Database checks: They compare your claim with thousands of others
• IMEI tracking: They know if your “stolen” phone is still being used
• Pattern analysis: They spot people who claim too often
• Document verification: They can tell if receipts or police reports are fake

Your Consumer Rights and Protections

You have legal rights when buying cellphone insurance. These rights are protected by South African law.

Right to Clear Information

Before you buy insurance, the sales person must explain:

• What is covered and what is not covered
• How much the monthly premium costs
• How much excess you must pay when claiming
• Important conditions (like using correct SIM card)
• How many times you can claim
• How to cancel the insurance

Right to a Cooling-Off Period

You have 30 days to cancel your insurance after buying it. If you cancel in this time, you get your money back. Some conditions apply.

Right to Fair Claims Handling

If you make a valid claim, the insurance company must:

• Process your claim quickly (usually within 72 hours)
• Tell you what documents they need
• Explain why if they reject your claim
• Give you reasons in writing
• Not delay without good reason

Right to Complain

If you are unhappy with your insurance, follow these steps:

Important Legal Protections

These laws protect you:

• Short-Term Insurance Act: Sets rules for insurance companies
• Consumer Protection Act: Protects you from unfair practices
• Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS): Ensures sales people give correct information
• Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI): Protects your private information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insure my old phone?

No. Hollard cellphone insurance through retail partners only covers new phones. You must buy the insurance when you buy the phone. Some policies allow registration up to 30 days after purchase.

What if I change my SIM card?

This is very important! Some policies (especially Cell C) only cover your phone when used with a specific SIM card. If you change SIM cards, you must update your policy. Call your insurance provider immediately.

Can I cancel my insurance?

Yes. You can cancel anytime. You must give 30 days written notice. Contact your insurance provider in writing. After cancellation, you cannot restart the same policy.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If you miss one payment, they may collect it next month. If you miss two payments, your insurance stops. Any claim after this will be rejected. Always keep your payments up to date.

Do I get the same phone back?

No. For theft or loss, you get a replacement phone of similar quality and value. It might be the same model or a similar one. For damage, they try to repair your phone. If repair is impossible, they replace it.

Can I insure multiple phones?

Yes. You can have separate insurance policies for different phones. Each phone needs its own policy and monthly premium.

Is insurance worth it?

This depends on your situation:

• Worth it if: Your phone costs more than R3,000 and you cannot afford to replace it
• Maybe not worth it if: Your phone is cheap (under R2,000) or you have emergency savings
• Consider this: Calculate total premiums over 2 years vs phone value

Alternative Options to Consider

1. Home Contents Insurance

If you have home contents insurance (like from OUTsurance, Santam, or King Price), you can add your phone to it. This might be cheaper and covers your phone anywhere in South Africa.

2. Mobile Network Insurance

MTN, Vodacom, and Telkom offer their own phone insurance (also underwritten by Hollard or other insurers). Compare prices and terms before choosing.

3. Self-Insurance (Save Money)

Instead of paying monthly premiums, you can save that money. For example, if you save R100 per month for 12 months, you have R1,200 for emergencies. This works best if you have self-discipline.

4. Buy a Cheaper Phone

Consider buying a mid-range phone instead of the most expensive one. If a R4,000 phone gets stolen, it hurts less than losing a R15,000 phone.

Smart Tips to Protect Your Phone

Insurance is important, but prevention is better. Here are tips to avoid losing your phone:

Physical Protection

• Buy a good quality phone case and screen protector
• Keep phone in front pocket, not back pocket
• Don’t leave phone unattended on tables or counters
• Be extra careful in taxis, trains, and crowded places
• Don’t use phone while walking in dangerous areas

Security Settings

• Set up PIN, password, or fingerprint lock
• Enable “Find My Device” on Android or “Find My iPhone”
• Write down your IMEI number (dial *#06# to see it)
• Keep a copy of your purchase receipt in safe place
• Take photos of your phone serial number

Important Information to Keep Safe

• IMEI number (unique phone identifier)
• Original purchase receipt
• Insurance policy documents
• Insurance policy number
• Network provider contract details
• Serial number from phone box

Hollard Cellphone Insurance can be a good way to protect your phone investment. It works well when you follow all the rules carefully. The most important things to remember are:

• Register immediately after buying your phone – don’t wait!
• Read all terms and conditions before signing
• Keep all your documents safe – you will need them if you claim
• Pay your premiums on time every month
• Understand what is covered and what is not
• Ask questions if you don’t understand something
• Compare different options before choosing insurance
• Be honest when making claims – fraud has serious consequences

Remember: Insurance is a safety net, not a guarantee. The best protection is prevention. Take good care of your phone, keep it secure, and stay alert in public places.