Let’s talk car insurance. Specifically, OUTsurance—the company with the bright orange ads, that catchy "You always get something OUT" jingle, and a reputation that swings between "best thing since sliced bread" and "why did I even bother?"
I’ve been an OUTsurance customer for years. Some days, I love them. Other days? Well, let’s just say I’ve had moments. But overall, would I recommend them? Probably. Maybe. Depends on the day.
If you’re considering OUTsurance (or just here for the drama), let’s break it down—pros, cons, unexpected surprises, and why their claims process once had me laughing, crying, and questioning all my life choices.
First, the good stuff. OUTsurance isn’t just another faceless corporation—they’ve got personality. Their ads are everywhere, their branding is bold, and their promise of cashback is… well, intriguing.
This is their big selling point. If you don’t claim, you get money back at the end of the year. Sounds great, right? And it is… until you realize that not claiming is harder than it seems.
I once went a whole year without a single claim (miracle of miracles). When that cashback hit my account, I felt like a financial genius. Then, the next year, a rogue pothole murdered my tyre, and suddenly—poof—no bonus. Life’s funny like that.
Pro Tip: If you’re a cautious driver with a clean record, the cashback can be legitimately rewarding. If you’re accident-prone (or Joburg roads hate you), maybe don’t bank on it.
OUTsurance’s premiums can be competitive, but they love their excess structure. The higher your excess, the lower your premium. Sounds fair… until you’re staring at a R7,000 excess and wondering if duct tape counts as a valid repair method.
I learned this the hard way after choosing the lowest possible premium (because, you know, budgeting). Then, a minor fender bender happened, and suddenly I was paying out more than the repair would’ve cost out of pocket. Lesson learned: Don’t be too cheap with your excess.
Here’s the thing—OUTsurance’s customer service isn’t bad. But it’s not always fast. I once spent 45 minutes on hold listening to their jingle on loop (a form of psychological warfare, I’m convinced).
That said, when you do get through, the consultants are usually helpful. One guy even laughed at my "potholes should be classified as natural disasters" joke, so bonus points for humanity.
Ah, claims. The moment of truth. The "will they or won’t they?" drama that keeps you on edge.
Decently quick assessments (in my experience, within 48 hours).
Decent network of approved repair shops (though some are… questionable).
Fair payouts (if your claim is straightforward).
Excess shock (that moment when you realize your "affordable" premium came with a R5,000 excess).
The "approved repairer" lottery (some are great, others make you wonder if they used a blindfold and a wrench).
Paperwork. So. Much. Paperwork.
Once, after a minor collision (not my fault, I swear), OUTsurance sent me to their "preferred" repair shop. The car came back with a slightly different shade of white on the bumper. When I pointed it out, the guy just shrugged and said, "It’ll fade in the sun."
Reader, it did not fade.
After some back-and-forth (and me threatening to park the car outside their office with a sign saying "OUTsurance-approved paint job"), they finally agreed to fix it properly.
Moral of the story? Always inspect repairs before driving off.
✔ Safe drivers (cashback is a real perk).
✔ People who don’t mind higher excesses (if you’re okay with self-insuring small claims).
✔ Those who like rewards (their OUTbonus program isn’t bad).
✖ High-risk drivers (your premiums will hurt).
✖ People who hate paperwork (their claims process isn’t the simplest).
✖ Perfectionists (if mismatched paint will haunt your dreams, maybe look elsewhere).
If you play by their rules, OUTsurance can be a solid choice. The cashback is nice, premiums are fair (if you structure your excess wisely), and their brand trust is decent.
But—and this is a big but—read the fine print. Know your excess. Don’t assume all repair shops are equal. And maybe keep some duct tape handy, just in case.
Would I switch? Not yet. But ask me again after the next pothole incident.