Question 1

I am looking for life insurance.

Accepted Answer

OneCompare currently focuses on short-term insurance — car, home, business and vehicle tracking. Get in touch via Help and we will let you know when we expand into life and funeral cover.

Question 2

How long does it take to get my comparisons?

Accepted Answer

Usually within minutes. Commercial cover like trucks and goods-in-transit can take a little longer, but we always make sure you get your comparisons fast and accurate.

Question 3

What if I don’t see the insurance product I need on the quote page?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch via Help. Our team can guide you through any product we offer that may not be listed on the standard quote flow.

Question 4

What does OneCompare do?

Accepted Answer

We are an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 55551) for short-term insurance, and we help you get the best cover for your needs across car, home, business and vehicle tracking.

Question 5

How does car insurance work in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Car insurance protects you financially if your vehicle is stolen, damaged, or causes damage to another person's property. It is a month-to-month short-term policy, so premiums and cover can change when risk changes.

Question 6

What is the difference between Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft, and Third Party Only cover?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive covers almost everything; Third Party Fire & Theft covers theft and damage to others; Third Party Only only covers damage you cause to others.

Question 7

What is an excess?

Accepted Answer

An excess is the first amount payable by you in the event of a claim.

Question 8

Do I need a tracker?

Accepted Answer

Many vehicles, certain usage types, and higher-risk models require an active tracking device for full theft and hijacking cover. We'll advise based on your specific insurer's requirements.

Question 9

Can someone else drive my car?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your policy type. Named-driver policies only cover people specifically listed. Open-driver policies allow any licensed driver to use the vehicle. Always check your policy schedule.

Question 10

What if I use my car for Uber, Bolt, deliveries or business errands?

Accepted Answer

You must disclose this to your insurer as personal policies typically exclude commercial use.

Question 11

What if my driver’s licence expires?

Accepted Answer

Most policies require a valid licence at the time of any incident. If a licence has expired, an insurer can decline a claim. Diarise renewal dates and keep proof of any pending applications.

Question 12

Why do my driver and usage details need to be accurate?

Accepted Answer

Insurers set your premium and assess claims based on who drives the car, where it is parked overnight, and how it is used. If those details are wrong or out of date, a claim can be reduced or declined. Keep your regular driver, overnight address and vehicle use current so your cover responds when you need it.

Question 13

How do I submit a claim?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible, obtain a case number if applicable, provide supporting documentation, and follow the insurer's claims process. If your vehicle needs towing, use the insurer's approved towing partner.

Question 14

What happens if my claim is not paid?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to dispute the decision through the insurer's internal complaints process or the Ombudsman.

Question 15

How do I escalate a complaint?

Accepted Answer

If the insurer's internal complaints process does not resolve your concern, you can escalate to the National Financial Ombud Scheme of South Africa (NFO) — which since 1 March 2024 has absorbed the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance. For complaints about advice or sales conduct rather than claim outcomes, the FAIS Ombud handles those separately.

Question 16

How long does a claim take to process?

Accepted Answer

Simple claims can be resolved within a few business days. Complex claims involving investigations or third-party recoveries may take several weeks.

Question 17

What does home insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners insurance covers the physical structure of the building against events such as fire, storm damage, burst pipes and certain types of theft. Home contents cover protects personal belongings inside the home.

Question 18

Are security measures required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most insurers require working security measures such as alarm systems, burglar bars and locked gates. Failure to comply can result in declined theft claims.

Question 19

Is damage from loadshedding covered?

Accepted Answer

This varies by insurer; some offer power surge protection as an add-on or standard feature.

Question 20

What is the difference between buildings and contents cover?

Accepted Answer

Buildings cover protects the physical structure of your home — walls, roof, fixed fittings and permanent improvements. Contents cover protects the movable belongings inside, such as furniture, appliances and electronics. Many households need both, and they can usually be arranged on one policy.

Question 21

What is Credit Shortfall Cover?

Accepted Answer

If your financed vehicle is written off or stolen and the payout is less than the amount still owed to the bank, credit shortfall covers the shortfall. Many finance houses offer it at the point of financing, often at a lower rate.

Question 22

What is Tyre and Rim Cover?

Accepted Answer

It covers the repair or replacement costs for tyres and rims damaged by road hazards like potholes.

Question 23

What is Windscreen Cover?

Accepted Answer

It covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle's windscreen if it is chipped or shattered. Usually included in comprehensive cover; sometimes available as a standalone add-on.

Question 24

What is Roadside Assistance and Towing?

Accepted Answer

Roadside Assistance helps if your car breaks down — flat tyres, lockouts, jump starts, towing. Many comprehensive policies include this; check your schedule for limits and call-out fees.

Frequently asked questions

About OneCompare

Understanding Your Car Insurance

Drivers, Usage and Claim Accuracy

Claims and Disputes

Home and Building Insurance

Additional Benefits and Add-Ons

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