Let’s talk car insurance—because nothing says "adulting" like comparing premiums at 2 AM while questioning all your life choices. If you’re in South Africa, chances are you’ve heard of ABS Car Insurance (now under Absa). Maybe you’re already with them, maybe you’re just curious, or maybe you’re here because your current insurer just hit you with a premium increase that felt like a personal betrayal.
Either way, buckle up (pun intended). We’re diving into the wild world of ABS car insurance—what’s great, what’s not, and a few "you won’t believe this" stories from my own misadventures with car cover.
First, the basics. ABS Car Insurance is part of Absa, one of South Africa’s biggest banks. That means they’ve got financial muscle, which is reassuring when you’re trusting them to cough up cash after a fender bender. But does that automatically make them the best? Well…
✅ Decent Coverage Options – Whether you want comprehensive, third-party, or just fire & theft, ABS has the usual lineup. Their comprehensive cover even includes things like emergency accommodation if your car’s out of action after an accident. (Because let’s be real, Uber adds up fast.)
✅ Decent Claims Process (When It Works) – I’ve had a claim with them before—minor bumper scrape, nothing dramatic. The process was smoother than I expected. Filled out the forms online, got a call within 24 hours, and the repair was sorted in a week. No horror stories… this time.
✅ Optional Extras – Want roadside assistance? Legal cover? Cover for personal belongings stolen from your car? They’ve got add-ons. (Though I’d argue some of these should just be standard. Why is everything an extra?)
❌ Premium Hikes (The Silent Killer) – Here’s the thing: ABS isn’t alone in this, but man, do they love creeping up your premium. One year, mine jumped 15%—no accidents, no claims, just "Hey, inflation, lol." I had to call and negotiate it down. (Pro tip: Always question increases. Sometimes they’ll magically find a discount.)
❌ Mixed Reviews on Big Claims – My small claim was fine, but I’ve heard stories from friends where ABS dragged their feet on bigger repairs. One buddy waited two months for his car after a smash. (He was not happy.)
❌ The Fine Print Trap – Like all insurers, ABS has sneaky exclusions. Did you know some policies won’t cover you if your car’s stolen while running unattended? Yeah, neither did I until I read the 40-page document at 3 AM.
A few years back, I was driving home from a braai when a drunk driver sideswiped me. (Classic South Africa moment.) My car was banged up, but ABS sorted everything—tow truck, repairs, even a rental car while mine was in the shop. I was impressed.
Then there was the time I got a flat in the middle of nowhere. I had roadside assistance, so I called ABS. Their response? "The nearest approved tow truck is three hours away."
I ended up changing the damn tyre myself in 30°C heat, sweating like I was in a Bikram yoga class. Thanks, guys.
Honestly, it depends.
✔ You might like ABS if:
You want a well-known brand with solid backing.
You’re okay with occasionally haggling over premiums.
You don’t mind reading the fine print (seriously, read it).
✖ You might want to look elsewhere if:
You’ve heard bad things about their big-claim handling.
You want the cheapest possible premium (compare with Outsurance, Discovery, etc.).
You expect white-glove service for every little issue.
Look, no insurer is perfect. ABS is decent—sometimes great, sometimes frustrating. If you’re considering them, shop around first, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your premium.
And if you do go with them? Just… maybe keep a spare tyre in the boot. Just in case.
Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear if your experience was smoother than mine or if you, too, have had a "I can’t believe this is happening" moment with them.