Quick Facts

• South Africa’s largest short-term insurer with over 107 years experience
• Car insurance from R1,661 per month (comprehensive cover)
• 24/7 emergency and claims line: 0860 505 911
• Free emergency services included (roadside assistance, home repairs)
• Covers cars, homes, businesses, travel, and more

1. What is Santam Insurance?

Santam is South Africa’s largest and oldest short-term insurance company. They have been protecting South Africans since 1918. That is over 107 years of experience.

Important facts about Santam:

• They hold more than 20% of South Africa’s insurance market
• They serve over 1 million active policyholders
• They are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
• Sanlam owns 62.3% of the company
• They are a Top Employer for 2025 in South Africa

Santam provides short-term insurance. This means they cover things that can be damaged or lost. They do not provide life insurance.

Where to find Santam:

• Head office: Bellville, Western Cape
• Offices across South Africa and neighbouring countries
• Licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSP 3416)

As South Africa’s biggest short-term insurer, Santam has the experience and size to handle claims properly. They follow all South African insurance laws and regulations.

2. What Does Santam Insurance Cover?

Santam offers many types of insurance for individuals and businesses. Here is what they can cover:

Car Insurance

Santam offers three types of car insurance:

• Comprehensive cover: Covers damage to your car, theft, accidents, natural disasters, and damage to other people’s property
• Third party, fire and theft: Covers damage you cause to others, plus fire damage and theft of your car
• Third party only: Only covers damage you cause to other people or their property

What car insurance includes:

• 24/7 roadside assistance (free)
• Emergency towing service
• Flat tyre assistance
• Fuel delivery if you run out
• Help if you lock your keys in the car

Home Insurance

Santam offers two main types of home insurance:

Building Insurance:

• Covers the structure of your home (walls, roof, floors)
• Protects against fire, storm damage, and flooding
• Covers fixtures like bathrooms and kitchens
• Can include outbuildings, walls, and swimming pools

Contents Insurance:

• Covers furniture, electronics, and appliances
• Protects clothing and personal belongings
• Covers theft, fire, and accidental damage
• Includes jewellery and valuable items

Free emergency services with home insurance:

• Emergency plumber (within 2 hours)
• Emergency electrician (within 2 hours)
• Locksmith service if locked out
• Emergency geyser repairs

Travel Insurance

Santam is Southern Africa’s largest travel insurance provider (over 50% market share).

• Covers medical emergencies while travelling
• Trip cancellation protection
• Lost or stolen baggage cover
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Covers both local and international travel
• Includes visa letters for applications

Business Insurance

Santam offers insurance for businesses of all sizes:

• Commercial property insurance
• Business vehicle insurance
• Public liability cover
• Stock and equipment cover
• Business interruption insurance

Specialist Insurance

Santam also covers specialised needs:

• Farm and agricultural insurance
• Watercraft (boats) insurance
• Drone insurance
• Aviation insurance
• Heavy vehicle insurance

⚠️ 3. How Much Does Santam Insurance Cost?

Insurance costs depend on many factors. Your price will be different from someone else’s price. Here are typical costs as of November 2025:

Car Insurance Costs

Type of Cover	Typical Monthly Cost
Comprehensive car insurance	R1,661 – R2,489 per month
Third party, fire & theft	R796+ per month
Third party only	R350+ per month

What affects your car insurance price:

• Your age (younger drivers pay more)
• Your car’s value and age
• Where you live and park your car
• Your driving history (accidents, claims)
• How many kilometres you drive per year
• Your excess amount (higher excess = lower premium)

Home Insurance Costs

Home insurance costs vary widely based on your home’s value. Santam does not publish standard rates. You must get a personalised quote.

Important home insurance fact:

At least 30% of South African homes are underinsured. This means people do not have enough cover. When disaster strikes, they cannot replace everything they lost. Use Santam’s online calculators to find the right cover amount.

Excess Amounts

Excess is the amount you pay when you make a claim. Typical excess amounts:

• Car insurance: R6,500 – R6,950 per claim
• Home insurance: Varies by policy

✅ 4. How to Get a Santam Insurance Quote

There are four ways to get a quote from Santam:

Method 1: Online Quote (Fastest)

Steps:

1. Visit www.santam.co.za
2. Click “Get a Quote” or “Start Now”
3. Enter your ID number (to pre-fill information)
4. Add details about what you want to insure
5. Get your instant quote (usually under 2 minutes)
6. Choose your cover and apply online

Method 2: Phone Quote

Call Santam Direct: 0860 444 444

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

A consultant will ask you questions and give you a quote over the phone.

Method 3: Through a Broker

Insurance brokers can get you quotes from multiple companies, including Santam. Brokers can help you choose the best cover for your needs.

Email for broker enquiries: STI@santam.co.za

Method 4: Comparison Websites

These websites compare Santam with other insurers:

• Hippo.co.za
• CompareGuru.co.za
• Quote Rocket

What information you need for a quote:

• Your South African ID number
• Your contact details (phone, email, address)
• Details about what you want to insure (car details, home value, etc.)
• Information about where you live
• Your driving history (for car insurance)

After getting your quote:

• You can adjust your cover to see how it changes the price
• You can add or remove optional extras
• You can change your excess amount
• You can save the quote and think about it

5. How to Make a Claim with Santam

Santam makes claiming easy. You have three ways to submit a claim:

Method 1: Santam App (Easiest)

Download the Santam app:

• Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store
• Register with your policy number
• Click the “Submit Claim” button
• Follow the step-by-step process
• Take photos of damage with your phone
• Upload required documents
• Track your claim progress in the app

The app also has an SOS emergency button for urgent situations.

Method 2: Online Client Portal

Steps:

1. Go to www.santam.co.za
2. Login to the Client Portal
3. Select “Submit a Claim”
4. Choose the type of claim (car, home, etc.)
5. Fill in the claim details
6. Upload supporting documents
7. Submit your claim

Method 3: Emergency Phone Line

24/7 Emergency & Claims Line: 0860 505 911

Call this number for:

• Car accidents
• Theft or hijacking
• Home emergencies (burst geyser, flooding, fire)
• Any urgent insurance emergency

Documents You Need for Claims

For car accident claims:

• Copy of your driver’s licence
• Detailed description of what happened
• Photos of the damage (Santam sends you a link via SMS)
• Police case number (if applicable)
• Details of other vehicles involved

For theft claims:

• Police case number (essential)
• Description of stolen items
• Proof of ownership (receipts, photos)
• Details of when and where theft happened

For home damage claims:

• Photos of the damage
• Description of what caused the damage
• List of damaged items with estimated values
• Police case number (if relevant)

After You Submit Your Claim

Santam will:

1. Give you a claims number immediately
2. Send you email confirmation
3. Assess your claim (this can take a few days)
4. Keep you updated on progress
5. Approve or decline the claim
6. Pay approved claims to your Santam card or bank account

Free emergency services while you claim:

• Towing for your car
• Emergency accommodation if your home is damaged
• Trauma counselling after hijacking or serious accident
• Car hire while yours is being repaired (if you added this option)

✅ 6. How to Save Money on Santam Insurance

Insurance is expensive, but there are ways to pay less. Here are proven ways to save money:

1. Bundle Your Policies

Get discounts when you insure multiple things with Santam:

• Insure your car and home together
• Add contents insurance to building insurance
• Insure multiple cars on one policy

You can save hundreds of Rand per month by bundling.

2. Use SmartPark™ for Cars

If you drive less than 15,000 km per year, you can save up to 20% on car insurance. This is good for:

• People who work from home
• Retired people who drive rarely
• Families with multiple cars where one is rarely used

3. Increase Your Excess

Higher excess = lower monthly premium. But only do this if you can afford to pay the excess when you claim.

Example:

• R5,000 excess = higher monthly premium
• R10,000 excess = lower monthly premium

4. Install Security Features

Car security can reduce your premiums:

• Car tracking device (Tracker, Netstar)
• Alarm system
• Immobiliser
• Gear lock or steering wheel lock

Santam has partnerships with security companies for discounts.

5. Maintain a Good Claims History

If you do not claim for several years, your premiums may reduce. Drive carefully and protect your belongings.

6. Compare Quotes Every Year

Insurance prices change. Get new quotes yearly from different companies. You might find better deals.

Free comparison websites:

• Hippo.co.za
• CompareGuru.co.za
• Quote Rocket

7. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

Some insurers give discounts if you pay for the whole year upfront. Ask Santam if this option is available.

8. Remove Unnecessary Cover

Only pay for cover you actually need:

• Older cars might only need third party cover
• Do not insure items worth less than your excess
• Remove cover for items you no longer own

9. Use Santam’s Free Services

These services are included free with your policy:

• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Emergency home repairs
• Home drive assistance (in major cities)
• Legal advice hotline

Using these services can save you hundreds of Rand that you would pay for private services.

🚨 7. Insurance Scams to Avoid

WARNING: Insurance scams are increasing rapidly in South Africa. Criminals are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make scams look very real. Here is how to protect yourself:

Scam 1: Fake Insurance Policies

How it works:

• Criminals create fake insurance companies or pretend to be Santam
• They offer very cheap insurance (sounds too good to be true)
• You pay premiums into their bank account
• When you need to claim, they disappear
• You have no insurance and lost all your money

How to protect yourself:

• Only buy insurance from licensed companies
• Check the FSCA website (www.fsca.co.za) to verify the company
• Santam’s FSP number is 3416
• Never pay into a personal bank account
• Get your policy documents before paying

Scam 2: Phishing Emails and SMS

How it works:

• You get an email or SMS claiming to be from Santam
• It says “Click here for 40% discount” or “Verify your details”
• The link takes you to a fake website that looks like Santam
• You enter your personal information, ID number, banking details
• Criminals steal your information and money

How to protect yourself:

• Never click links in unexpected emails or SMS
• Go directly to www.santam.co.za instead
• Santam will never ask for your password via email
• Check the sender’s email address carefully
• If unsure, call Santam on 0860 444 444 to verify

Scam 3: Vehicle Recovery Scam

How it works:

• Your car is stolen and you claim from Santam
• Santam pays your claim (legitimately)
• Someone calls pretending to be police
• They say “We found your car, pay R5,000 for towing”
• You pay the money
• They are criminals, not police

How to protect yourself:

• Contact Santam immediately if anyone says your car was recovered
• Police do not charge for recovering vehicles
• Santam handles all vehicle recovery arrangements
• Never pay money to “police” without verifying

Scam 4: Fake Job Offers

How it works:

• Criminals advertise fake jobs on WhatsApp or social media
• They claim to be recruiting for Santam
• They ask for your ID, CV, and banking details
• They use your information to commit fraud
• Some may ask you to pay “training fees”

How to protect yourself:

• Only apply for Santam jobs on their official website
• Santam never asks for money for job applications
• Verify job offers by calling 0860 444 444

Scam 5: AI-Generated Fake Documents

New in 2025: Criminals are using AI to create fake damage photos and documents for fraudulent claims. This is a crime.

Consequences of insurance fraud:

• Your policy will be cancelled immediately
• You will be blacklisted by the Insurance Crime Bureau
• No insurance company will cover you again
• You can be arrested and go to jail
• You will have a criminal record

Where to Report Insurance Scams

If you spot a scam or are a victim:

• Santam Fraud Hotline: Report via their website or 0860 444 444
• Insurance Crime Bureau: www.saicb.co.za
• SAFPS Scam Hotline: 083 123 7226
• SAFPS Yima Website: Report scams at www.yima.org.za
• South African Police Service: 10111 or visit your local police station
• FSCA (Financial Regulator): 0800 110 443

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify before sharing personal information or paying money.

8. Your Consumer Rights and Where to Complain

As an insurance customer in South Africa, you have rights. If Santam treats you unfairly, you can complain.

Your Rights as a Policyholder

Under South African law, you have the right to:

• Receive clear information about your policy
• Get your policy documents in writing
• Have your claims assessed fairly and quickly
• Know why a claim was rejected
• Complain if you are unhappy
• Cancel your policy (with notice)
• Protection of your personal information (POPI Act)

Step 1: Complain to Santam First

Before going to the Ombudsman, you must try to resolve the problem with Santam.

How to complain to Santam:

• Phone: 0860 444 444
• Email: insure@santam.co.za
• Website: Use the “Contact Us” form at www.santam.co.za
• In writing: Santam, PO Box 3881, Tyger Valley, 7536

Santam must respond to your complaint. Keep records of all communication.

Step 2: Complain to the Ombudsman

If Santam does not solve your problem, you can contact the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance. This is a free service.

Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance:

• Phone: 0860 800 900 or 011 726 8900
• Email: info@osti.co.za
• Website: www.insuranceombudsman.co.za
• Address: 1 Sturdee Avenue, First Floor, Block A, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
• WhatsApp: Available for queries

Note: As of March 2024, the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance is now part of the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO).

What the Ombudsman Can Do

The Ombudsman can help with:

• Rejected claims
• Unfair policy cancellations
• Poor customer service
• Misleading information
• Disputes about policy terms
• Claims taking too long

Important limits:

• The Ombudsman only handles complaints up to R800,000
• The service is free for consumers
• You cannot sue and use the Ombudsman at the same time
• The Ombudsman’s decision is binding on the insurer

How to Lodge a Complaint with the Ombudsman

What you need:

• Your policy number
• Details of your complaint
• Copies of all correspondence with Santam
• Proof that you tried to resolve with Santam first
• Any relevant documents (policy, claim forms, emails)

You can submit your complaint:

• Online at www.insuranceombudsman.co.za
• By phone: 0860 800 900
• In person at their Rosebank office (make an appointment first)
• By post to the address above

The Ombudsman has staff who speak all 11 official South African languages. You can complain in your home language.

Other Regulators Who Can Help

Organization	What They Handle	Contact
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)	Insurance company regulation, licensing issues	0800 110 443 www.fsca.co.za
National Consumer Commission	Consumer rights violations	0860 003 600 complaints@thencc.org.za
Information Regulator	POPI Act violations, data breaches	complaints.IR@justice.gov.za www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
Insurance Crime Bureau	Insurance fraud and scams	www.saicb.co.za Fraud hotline: See website

⚠️ Should You Choose Santam or Another Insurer?

Santam is the biggest, but that does not mean they are always the best for everyone. Here is how to decide:

Santam’s Strengths

• 107 years of experience in South Africa
• Financially strong and stable
• Wide range of insurance products
• Good customer service ratings
• 24/7 emergency services included free
• Easy mobile app for claims
• Extensive broker network

Santam’s Weaknesses

• Not always the cheapest option
• Premiums can be higher than digital-only insurers
• Some competitors offer better rewards programs

Other Good South African Insurers

• Discovery Insure: Great rewards, up to 50% discount for safe driving
• OUTsurance: OUTbonus gives you money back after claim-free years
• MiWay: Owned by Santam, fully digital, competitive prices
• King Price: Premiums decrease as your car gets older
• Naked Insurance: Digital-only, lower premiums, AI-powered
• Dial Direct: Cashback for safe driving

Our advice:

Always get quotes from at least 3 different insurers before deciding. Santam is a solid choice for people who want:

• An established, reliable company
• Good customer service
• Wide product range
• Preference for traditional insurers over digital-only

But if you drive safely and want maximum discounts, consider Discovery or OUTsurance. If you want the cheapest possible price, try digital insurers like Naked or King Price.

Santam is South Africa’s largest and most experienced short-term insurer for good reason. They offer comprehensive cover, good service, and have the financial strength to pay claims properly.

Choose Santam if you want: Reliability, good customer service, comprehensive emergency services, and the peace of mind that comes with 107 years of experience.

But remember: Always compare quotes. Get quotes from Santam, Discovery, OUTsurance, and at least one digital insurer. Compare the cover, not just the price. The cheapest insurance is not always the best insurance.

Most important: Make sure you have insurance. Driving or owning a home without insurance is very risky. If disaster strikes, you could lose everything.

Save money by: Bundling policies, using SmartPark if you drive less, installing security features, maintaining a good claims record, and comparing quotes every year.