Founded 1918. JSE-listed. SA's largest short-term insurer. Not easy to access without a broker — but when the cover situation is complex, that broker earns their fee.
Compare our panel →SA's largest short-term insurer — unmatched financial strength and claims capacity
Backed by Sanlam group — one of Africa's largest financial services groups
Broad broker network with personalised service options
Consistent claims reputation over many decades
Primarily broker-distributed — not easily accessible direct to consumer
Broker fees add to the effective cost of cover
Not on the Compare Car Insurance quote panel
Santam has been insuring South Africans since 1918 — longer than any other active short-term insurer in the country. Listed on the JSE, part of the Sanlam Group, and operating across personal, commercial, and agricultural insurance, Santam has the deepest claims data and strongest balance sheet in the SA short-term market. If financial security behind your policy matters to you, Santam's track record is unmatched.
Santam distributes primarily through licensed independent brokers, not direct to consumers. This is a structural choice, not a limitation. A broker who works with Santam can:
The broker adds cost — typically 10–15% of your premium as commission. Whether that's worth it depends on your situation. For high-value vehicles, complex cover requirements, or drivers who have had claim disputes in the past, the broker's advocacy is often worth more than the commission costs.
Santam owns MiWay outright. MiWay is Santam's direct-to-consumer brand — same underwriting parent, same financial backing, sold directly without a broker layer. For everyday personal car insurance on mainstream vehicles, MiWay gives you Santam's solvency at competitive direct pricing.
MiWay (Santam's direct brand) is on our panel. Get live competing quotes from six licensed SA insurers, MiWay included. See how Santam's direct arm prices for your car.
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