Insurer reviews
Hollard Car Insurance Review
By Sipho Dlamini · 7 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Hollard is one of South Africa's largest insurers, selling cover both directly and through brokers, and underwriting a number of well-known insurtech brands behind the scenes. That scale means that even when you buy from a slick newer brand, Hollard may be the licensed insurer carrying the risk.
For motorists, Hollard offers a full range of car cover, including comprehensive and third party options, with the backing of a major, established group.
This review explains how Hollard fits in the market, its cover types including third party insurance, the excess and disclosure traps that apply to any motor policy, and how it compares. We are an independent information site and not a broker, so for a quote or the Hollard contact number you should use Hollard's own channels.
Where Hollard fits in the market
Hollard is a large, established South African insurer with a wide footprint. It sells directly to consumers, works through brokers, and underwrites a number of insurtech brands, meaning it sometimes sits behind newer names as the licensed risk carrier.
For motorists, that scale brings a broad product range and substantial claims infrastructure. Whichever route you buy through, confirm the underwriting entity on your policy schedule and verify the licence on the FSCA register so you know exactly who stands behind your cover.
Cover types including third party
Hollard car insurance offers the full structure: comprehensive (accident, theft, fire, third party damage), third party fire and theft, and third party only. Comprehensive is the widest and the only tier that usually pays for damage to your own vehicle.
Hollard third party insurance is worth highlighting for budget-conscious drivers who at least want cover for damage they cause to others, without paying for own-damage cover. It is cheaper but far more limited, so understand exactly what it does and does not pay before choosing it.
Excess, exclusions and non-disclosure traps
Excess is your share of each claim. Expect a basic excess plus possible add-ons for young or inexperienced drivers, unnamed drivers, or early claims. These can stack and raise your real cost.
Non-disclosure is the leading cause of reduced or rejected claims. If your overnight parking, regular driver, or vehicle use does not match your declaration, even an honest error can cost you cover. Standard exclusions like driving over the alcohol limit, an invalid licence, and wear and tear apply. Read the exclusions carefully before you need them.
How Hollard car insurance compares
Indicative only. Premiums depend on your car, area, age, claims history and excess choices, so use these ranges as a rough guide and get a real quote.
| Feature | Hollard |
|---|---|
| Cover types | Comprehensive, third party fire and theft, third party only |
| Typical premium range (indicative) | Broad market range; varies widely by risk and product |
| Excess | Basic excess plus possible additional excesses |
| Telematics | Possible on certain products or partner brands; confirm at quote |
| Car hire | Often optional or tiered |
| Roadside | Commonly included or available as an add-on |
| Claim process | Direct, broker, app or call centre; assessed by Hollard |
Pros and cons
On the plus side, Hollard brings scale, an established track record, broad cover options including third party only, and the flexibility of buying direct or through a broker. The group's size means solid claims infrastructure behind your policy.
The trade-offs: a large insurer is not automatically the cheapest, product options can be complex, and if you buy via an insurtech brand it underwrites, the customer experience depends on that brand. Compare against a couple of other insurers on like-for-like cover and excess before deciding.
Quoting, claiming, contact and escalation
As an independent information site and not a broker, we point you to Hollard's own channels for a quote or the Hollard contact number, or to a registered broker. Have your vehicle, licence and address details ready.
Log claims promptly and keep a reference, photos, and any police case number. If a claim is declined or short-paid and Hollard's internal complaints process does not resolve it, escalate free of charge to the National Financial Ombud, which now handles short-term insurance complaints previously dealt with by OSTI.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hollard car insurance?
Hollard is one of South Africa's largest insurers, selling car cover directly and via brokers, and underwriting several insurtech brands. It offers comprehensive, third party fire and theft, and third party only motor cover. Verify the underwriter on your schedule and its FSCA licence.
Does Hollard offer third party only car insurance?
Yes, Hollard third party insurance covers damage you cause to others without covering your own vehicle. It is cheaper but far more limited than comprehensive, so understand exactly what it pays before choosing it.
How do I get the Hollard contact number or a quote?
Use Hollard's own channels for a quote or contact number, or go through a registered broker. We are an independent information site and not a broker. Have your vehicle, licence and address details ready.
Does Hollard underwrite other insurance brands?
Hollard underwrites a number of insurtech and partner brands, so it sometimes sits behind newer names as the licensed risk carrier. Check your policy schedule to confirm who actually underwrites your cover.
What excess will I pay?
Expect a basic excess plus possible additional excesses for young or inexperienced drivers, unnamed drivers, or early claims. These can stack, so read your schedule to understand your real out-of-pocket cost.
Is Hollard the cheapest car insurance?
Not automatically. A large insurer brings scale and broad options, but pricing depends on your risk profile and chosen cover. Compare two or three insurers on like-for-like cover and excess before deciding.
What if Hollard declines my claim?
Use Hollard's internal complaints process first and request written reasons. If unresolved, escalate free of charge to the National Financial Ombud, which now covers short-term insurance complaints previously handled by OSTI.
