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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2026

    Nina Shand | South Africa | 30 September 2026

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2024

    Pila Rulashe | South Africa | 28 June 2024

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2022

    Alex Conradie | South Africa | 15 February 2022

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2020

    Natalie Bryden | South Africa | 24 November 2020

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2018

    Louise Mitchell | South Africa | 22 August 2018

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2016

    Carole Veitch | South Africa | 19 January 2016

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014

    Carole Veitch | South Africa | 28 November 2014

    Report Info

    Report Summary Table of Contents
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    Report Coverage

    This report examines the South African short-term (non-life) insurance industry, covering market size, structure, performance, competitiveness, and future growth prospects. It also examines key insurance classes, industry trends, regulatory and policy developments, technological innovation, opportunities, and the competitive landscape. The report assesses the major risks and challenges facing the sector, including economic conditions, climate-related risks, cyber threats, crime and fraud. It contextualises the South African market by reviewing regional and international non-life insurance market developments and emerging global trends. The report profiles 60 notable players, including Auto & General, Discovery Insure, Guardrisk, Hollard, Momentum Group, Munich Reinsurance Company of Africa, Old Mutual Insure, OUTsurance, Sasria, and Santam.

    Introduction

    • South Africa's short-term insurance industry continues to demonstrate resilience amid an increasingly complex and volatile risk environment.
    • Insurers are navigating rising claims costs, higher reinsurance expenses, and growing exposure to climate-related losses.
    • Severe weather events, including floods, droughts, hailstorms, and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and costly, while cyclical climate phenomena such as El Niño have heightened concerns about agricultural losses, water scarcity, and business disruption. Additionally, elevated crime levels, vehicle theft and hijacking, motor accident claims, and rising vehicle repair and replacement costs continue to affect underwriting profitability.
    • Despite these challenges, the industry delivered a solid performance in 2025. According to Prudential Authority data, non-life gross written premiums increased by 5.7% to R237.5bn, reflecting the sector's ability to adapt to changing risk conditions while maintaining growth.
    • Motor and property insurance remain the largest contributors to premium income, but growth opportunities are increasingly emerging in specialist segments such as cyber, renewable energy, marine, agricultural and pet insurance. Demand for climate-related insurance solutions is also rising as businesses and consumers seek greater protection against the financial consequences of extreme weather events and environmental risks.
    • Technology is rapidly reshaping the competitive landscape. Insurers are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, automation and digital platforms to improve underwriting accuracy, enhance fraud detection, streamline claims management and strengthen customer engagement.
    • Evolving distribution models are broadening access to insurance products. Embedded insurance partnerships involving banks, retailers, telecommunications operators, vehicle dealerships and digital platforms are creating new customer touchpoints and reducing barriers to insurance adoption.

    Strengths

    • A highly developed and sophisticated insurance market with strong technical expertise, diverse product offerings, and the highest insurance penetration rate in Africa.
    • A robust regulatory and prudential framework that promotes financial stability, sound governance, effective risk management and policyholder protection.
    • A strong culture of innovation and technology adoption, including artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, telematics, digital platforms, and automation.
    • An established regional leadership position, with major South African insurers maintaining operations across Africa.
    • Well-capitalised insurers with strong balance sheets, diversified portfolios and access to local and international reinsurance capacity.

    Weaknesses

    • A significant proportion of households, small businesses and vehicles remain uninsured or inadequately insured, limiting market penetration and resulting in protection gaps.
    • High level of reliance on international reinsurance markets for catastrophe capacity and specialist risk-transfer solutions.
    • High operating and compliance costs.
    • Limited availability of industry-wide risk and claims data in certain market segments, constraining underwriting precision and product development.
    • Market concentration among a small number of large players, reducing competitive diversity.
    • The industry faces shortages of actuaries, underwriters, claims specialists, risk managers, and data analytics professionals, constraining innovation and operational capacity.

    Opportunities

    • A large proportion of households, small businesses, and informal-sector enterprises remain uninsured or underinsured, creating significant opportunities for insurers to expand coverage through affordable, accessible microinsurance products.
    • Climate change is driving demand for products such as agricultural, parametric, and disaster-risk insurance solutions.
    • Digital platforms, banks, retailers, mobile network operators and e-commerce providers are creating new distribution channels that can broaden market reach, reduce acquisition costs and improve customer access to insurance.
    • Increasing adoption of AI, data analytics and telematics creates opportunities to improve underwriting accuracy, enhance fraud detection, personalise products, reduce claims costs and strengthen customer engagement.
    • Rising demand for cyber insurance, renewable-energy project cover, electric vehicle insurance and other specialised products presents attractive opportunities for insurers to diversify revenue streams and access high-growth market segments.

    Threats

    • Crime and increasingly sophisticated fraudulent claims remain significant drivers of claims costs and operational risk.
    • Economic slowdowns, unemployment, inflation, and reduced household incomes can suppress premium growth, increase policy lapses, and weaken claims affordability.
    • Growing digitalisation exposes insurers and their clients to cyberattacks, data breaches, operational disruptions, and regulatory liabilities, creating both financial and reputational risks.
    • Growing geopolitical instability and conflicts increase war-risk exposure, disrupt supply chains, drive imported inflation and contribute to rising insurance claims costs.
    • Increasing frequency and severity of catastrophes and extreme weather events are driving higher claims costs, greater underwriting uncertainty, and rising reinsurance costs.
    • Rising claims costs are eroding insurer profitability and placing upward pressure on premium rates.
    • Rising reinsurance costs and constrained market capacity could adversely affect insurers' profitability, pricing competitiveness, and underwriting flexibility.

    Outlook

    • The outlook for South Africa's short-term insurance industry remains positive, supported by ongoing technological innovation, increasing demand for risk protection, expanding digital distribution channels and continued growth in specialist insurance segments.
    • While premium growth may be moderated in the near term by affordability constraints, subdued economic conditions and claims inflation, insurers are expected to benefit from rising risk awareness among businesses and consumers, particularly as climate-related, cyber and operational risks become increasingly prominent.
    • Climate change is expected to drive industry development over the coming years. The growing frequency and severity of floods, storms, droughts, wildfires and other extreme weather events are increasing awareness of physical climate risks and reinforcing the need for more sophisticated risk-transfer solutions. Consequently, demand for climate-related insurance products is likely to expand, including parametric insurance, agricultural insurance, catastrophe cover and climate-resilience solutions designed to support recovery and adaptation. The potential emergence of El Niño conditions during 2026/27 could further stimulate demand for drought-related and agricultural insurance products as businesses, farmers and other stakeholders seek greater protection against climate-related volatility.
    • Technological advancement is also expected to remain a major source of growth and competitive differentiation. Continued investment in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, telematics, geospatial technologies and automation is likely to improve underwriting accuracy, strengthen fraud detection, enhance claims management and support more personalised customer experiences. Digital-first operating models, embedded insurance solutions and platform-based distribution partnerships are expected to broaden market reach, reduce acquisition costs and improve operational efficiency.
    • Significant growth opportunities remain within underserved market segments. Microinsurance, embedded insurance and mobile-enabled distribution channels are expected to play an increasingly important role in expanding insurance inclusion and narrowing South Africa's protection gap. As insurers develop more affordable, accessible and tailored products, penetration levels are likely to increase among lower-income households, small businesses and previously underinsured customer groups.
    • Despite these opportunities, insurers will need to navigate an increasingly complex operating environment characterised by climate change, cyber threats, geopolitical uncertainty, infrastructure vulnerabilities, claims inflation and evolving regulatory requirements. Maintaining profitability will depend on disciplined underwriting, effective risk selection, sophisticated risk modelling, prudent reinsurance management and continued investment in technology and operational efficiency.

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa
    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2026

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    Historical Reports

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2024-06-28

    R 6 500.00(ZAR) estimated $389.53 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2022-02-15

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2020-11-24

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2018-08-22

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2016-01-19

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014-11-28

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
    1. INTRODUCTION 9
    2. OVERVIEW OF THE INDUSTRY 9
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 13
    2.2. Policy and Regulatory Environment 15
    2.3. Geographic Position 17
    2.4. Market Size and Notable Players 17
    3. LOCAL 22
    3.1. State of the Industry 22
    3.2. Key Trends 28
    3.3. Key Challenges and Risks 29
    3.4. Performance of Notable Players 30
    3.5. Trade 34
    3.6. Corporate Actions 35
    3.7. Enterprise Development and Social Development 36
    4. AFRICA 39
    5. INTERNATIONAL 44
    6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 48
    6.1. Unforeseen Events 48
    6.2. Economic Environment 53
    6.3. Input Costs 55
    6.4. Labour 57
    6.5. Environmental Concerns 59
    6.6. Technology, R&D, Innovation 61
    6.7. Government Support 63
    7. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT 64
    7.1. Competition 64
    7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 66
    7.3. Barriers to Entry 66
    8. OUTLOOK 68
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 69
    10. REFERENCES 70
    10.1. Publications 70
    10.2. Other Sources 71
    ANNEXURE 1 72
    Relevant Industry Legislation 72
    APPENDIX 1 77
    Summary of Profiled Players 77
    COMPANY PROFILES 88
    ABSA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 88
    AFRICAN REINSURANCE CORPORATION (SOUTH AFRICA) LTD 90
    AIG SOUTH AFRICA LTD 93
    ALLIANZ GLOBAL CORPORATE AND SPECIALTY SOUTH AFRICA LTD 95
    AURORA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 97
    AUTO AND GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 99
    BIDVEST INSURANCE LTD 101
    BRYTE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 103
    BUDGET INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 106
    CENTRIQ INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 108
    CHUBB INSURANCE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 110
    CLIENTELE GENERAL INSURANCE LTD 112
    COFACE SOUTH AFRICA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 114
    COMPASS INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 116
    CORPORATE GUARANTEE (SOUTH AFRICA) (RF) LTD 118
    CREDIT GUARANTEE INSURANCE CORPORATION OF AFRICA LTD 120
    DIAL DIRECT INSURANCE (RF) LTD 123
    DISCOVERY INSURE LTD 125
    DOTSURE LTD 127
    ESCAP SOC LTD 129
    EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA SOC LTD 131
    FEDERATED EMPLOYERS MUTUAL ASSURANCE COMPANY (RF) (PTY) LTD (THE) 134
    FIRST FOR WOMEN INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 137
    FIRSTRAND BANK LTD 139
    G4S INSURANCE (SA) LTD 143
    GENERAL REINSURANCE AFRICA LTD 145
    GIC RE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 148
    GUARDRISK INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 151
    HANNOVER RE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 154
    HDI GLOBAL SA LTD 156
    HOLLARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD (THE) 158
    INDEQUITY SPECIALISED INSURANCE LTD 161
    INFINITI INSURANCE LTD 163
    KING PRICE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 165
    LAND AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA 167
    LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE SOUTHERN AFRICA LTD 171
    LIBERTY GROUP LTD 174
    LOMBARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 177
    MIWAY INSURANCE LTD 180
    MOMENTUM GROUP LTD 183
    MUNICH REINSURANCE COMPANY OF AFRICA LTD 188
    NAKED FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LTD 190
    NEDGROUP INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 192
    NEW NATIONAL ASSURANCE COMPANY LTD 194
    OLD MUTUAL ALTERNATIVE RISK TRANSFER INSURE LIMITED 196
    OLD MUTUAL INSURE LTD 198
    OUTSURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 200
    PINEAPPLE TECH (PTY) LTD 203
    PROFESSIONAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY SHORT-TERM INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 205
    PSG FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD 207
    RENASA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 212
    ROAD ACCIDENT FUND 214
    SAFIRE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 217
    SANTAM LTD 219
    SASRIA SOC LTD 224
    SCOR AFRICA LTD 227
    STANDARD INSURANCE LTD 229
    SWISS RE CORPORATE SOLUTIONS AFRICA LTD 231
    VODACOM INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 233
    WESTERN NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 235

    Report Coverage

    This report on the short-term insurance industry includes information on the size of the industry, number of insurers, claims, industry performance measures and notable players. It provides information on the increase in climate-related risks, natural disasters and other major risks, and new technology and innovation, including the rise of insurtech. There are profiles of 52 companies including well-known players such as Santam, Old Mutual, Hollard and OUTsurance, state-owned insurers such as South African Special Risk Insurance Association, Eskom’s Escap and Land Bank Insurance Company, and tech-driven companies such as Pineapple and Naked.

    Introduction

    • The short-term insurance industry has been affected by the pandemic, riots and natural disasters.
    • Experts have predicted that there will be pandemics in future and the severity and frequency of natural disasters will increase.
    • The market share of the top four non-life companies, Santam, Guardrisk, Hollard and Old Mutual, has declined slightly. Santam has maintained its dominant position.
    • New entrants to the industry such as insurtechs are still relatively small and are underwritten by traditional players.
    • The industry faces continued challenges of affordability and risks from natural disasters compounded by insufficiently maintained infrastructure.

    Trends

    • After a decline in net profit before tax and dividends between 2019 and 2021, there has been a recovery to 2023.
    • Concentration levels have remained steady with the top 5 companies making up around 44% of total gross written premiums.
    • Large traditional insurance companies have invested in insurtech companies that have entered the industry.
    • Net written premiums have declined as reinsurance costs have increased due to the growing severity and frequency of natural disasters.
    • South Africa continues to be the largest insurance market on the continent.
    • The number of companies has declined slightly.
    • Turnover in non-life insurance has grown at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2017 and 2022.

    Opportunities

    • COFI Bill may help to simplify regulatory and legal compliance.
    • Leveraging advanced technology to make insurance accessible to the uninsured.

    Challenges

    • Degradation of infrastructure that increases severity of damage and losses from insured events.
    • Increasing frequency and severity of natural catastrophes.
    • Poor economic environment making insurance less affordable.

    Outlook

    • Challenges such as constrained household incomes and natural catastrophes, are unlikely to materially improve over the next few years, putting upward pressure on premium pricing.
    • Despite the challenges, the industry has managed to grow gross premiums received and recover profitability.
    • Increasing pressure on household budgets may increase the need for customised solutions.
    • The sector is expected to continue to make use of technological advancements to diversify revenues, lower costs and remain competitive.
    • The increased use of technology could expose companies to cyberattacks and ransomware.

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa
    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2024

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    R 6 500.00(ZAR) estimated $389.53 (USD)*

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    Industry Landscape

    R 4 550.00(ZAR) estimated $ 272.67 (USD)*

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    Historical Reports

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2026-09-30

    R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1198.55 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2022-02-15

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2020-11-24

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2018-08-22

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2016-01-19

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014-11-28

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 4
    2.2. Geographic Position 6
    2.3. Size of the Industry 7
    3. LOCAL 13
    3.1. State of the Industry 13
    3.2. Key Trends 20
    3.3. Key Issues 20
    3.4. Notable Players 22
    3.5. Corporate Actions 24
    3.6. Regulations 25
    3.7. Enterprise Development and Social Development 25
    4. AFRICA 27
    5. INTERNATIONAL 30
    6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 33
    6.1. Unforeseen Events 33
    6.2. Economic Environment 34
    6.3. Labour 34
    6.4. Environmental Issues 35
    6.5. Technology, R&D, Innovation 35
    6.6. Government Support 36
    6.7. Input Costs 37
    7. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT 38
    7.1. Competition 38
    7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 40
    7.3. Barriers to Entry 40
    8. INDUSTRY SUMMARY 41
    9. OUTLOOK 41
    10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 42
    11. REFERENCES 42
    11.1. Publications 42
    11.2. Websites 43
    ANNEXURE 1 44
    INDUSTRY LEGISLATION 44
    APPENDIX 1 46
    SUMMARY OF NOTABLE PLAYERS 46
    COMPANY PROFILES 55
    ABSA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 55
    AFRICAN REINSURANCE CORPORATION (SOUTH AFRICA) LTD 57
    AIG SOUTH AFRICA LTD 60
    ALLIANZ GLOBAL CORPORATE AND SPECIALTY SOUTH AFRICA LTD 62
    AUTO AND GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 64
    BIDVEST INSURANCE LTD 66
    BRYTE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 68
    BUDGET INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 71
    CENTRIQ INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 73
    CHUBB INSURANCE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 75
    CLIENTELE GENERAL INSURANCE LTD 77
    COFACE SOUTH AFRICA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 79
    COMPASS INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 81
    CORPORATE GUARANTEE (SOUTH AFRICA) (RF) LTD 83
    CREDIT GUARANTEE INSURANCE CORPORATION OF AFRICA LTD 85
    DIAL DIRECT INSURANCE (RF) LTD 88
    DISCOVERY INSURE LTD 90
    ESCAP SOC LTD 92
    EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA SOC LTD 94
    FEDERATED EMPLOYERS MUTUAL ASSURANCE COMPANY (RF) (PTY) LTD (THE) 97
    FIRST FOR WOMEN INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 100
    FIRSTRAND BANK LTD 102
    GENERAL REINSURANCE AFRICA LTD 107
    GIC RE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 110
    GUARDRISK INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 112
    HANNOVER RE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 115
    HOLLARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD (THE) 118
    INDEQUITY GROUP LTD 122
    KING PRICE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 124
    LAND AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA 126
    LIBERTY GROUP LTD 130
    LOMBARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 133
    MIWAY INSURANCE LTD 136
    MOMENTUM METROPOLITAN HOLDINGS LTD 139
    MUNICH REINSURANCE COMPANY OF AFRICA LTD 144
    NAKED FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LTD 146
    NEDGROUP INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 148
    OLD MUTUAL ALTERNATIVE RISK TRANSFER INSURE LIMITED 150
    OLD MUTUAL INSURE LTD 152
    OUTSURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 155
    PINEAPPLE TECH (PTY) LTD 158
    PROFESSIONAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY SHORT-TERM INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 160
    PSG FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD 162
    RENASA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 167
    ROAD ACCIDENT FUND 170
    SAFIRE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 173
    SANTAM LTD 175
    SASRIA SOC LTD 180
    SCOR AFRICA LTD 183
    STANDARD INSURANCE LTD 185
    SWISS RE CORPORATE SOLUTIONS AFRICA LTD 187
    TRUSTCO GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED (INCORPORATED IN NAMIBIA) 189

    Report Coverage

    This report is on the short term, or non-life insurance industry in South Africa which provides insurance (including reinsurance) of non-life business such as accident, fire, property, motor vehicle, marine, aviation, transport, travel, trade credit and liability insurance. The report includes information on the state and size of the industry, financial indicators such as gross premiums and claims incurred, market shares, developments and corporate actions. There are profiles of 55 companies including well-known insurers such as Santam, Old Mutual, Hollard, OUTsurance and MiWay, reinsurers such as Hannover Reinsurance and Munich Reinsurance and state-owned companies including Escap (which insures Eskom), Sasria (which insured against the July 2021 unrest) and the Road Accident Fund.

    Introduction

    According to South African Reserve Bank (SARB) figures, South Africa’s non-life insurance industry recorded gross premiums of R173.3bn in 2020, compared to R172.9bn in 2019. Data from global reinsurance company Swiss Re shows the country’s non-life insurance industry was the world’s 35th largest in 2020, with a 0.21% share of the world market based on premiums. However, the industry’s operating profit decreased from R22.6bn in 2019 to R15.8bn in 2020. Factors such as COVID-19 related claims, the weak economy and high crime levels are affecting the performance of the industry.

    Strengths

    • Industry is highly competitive.
    • Industry is well capitalised and financially sound.
    • Large number of well-established companies.

    Weaknesses

    • Ambiguous policy wording causing protracted claim disputes.
    • Shortage of skilled employees.

    Opportunities

    • Can grow customer base by increasing financial inclusion.
    • Insurance penetration is low in Africa, signifying an untapped market.
    • More people are able to afford insurance as technological developments lower costs for insurers.

    Threats

    • Climate change-related risks.
    • COVID-19-related claims.
    • Future pandemics.
    • High vehicle accident rate and high levels of crime, including insurance fraud and cybercrime.
    • South Africa’s poor economy hampers insurance uptake.
    • Weak performance of investments.

    Outlook

    After world non-life insurance premiums increased by 1.5% in real terms in 2020, global reinsurance company Swiss Re forecast they grew by 2.8% in 2021, and it expects them to rise by 3.7% in 2022, both in real terms. Global insurers expect challenges for 2022 to include regulation, sustainability, talent and evolving customer preferences, while strategic priorities will probably be centred on flexible work models, finding the balance between automation and the need to keep human interaction with customers, and doing more to boost stakeholders’ trust. Gideon Galloway, King Price Insurance’s CEO, expects the South African non-life insurance industry to grow in 2022 because demand for insurance is increasing. He sees the following trends for local insurers in 2022: they will make it easier for customers to join them; create products to meet rapidly-evolving market needs; digitally transform operations by using automation and artificial intelligence to create smoother claims and underwriting processes; expand cybersecurity cover as it is the biggest risk facing local companies; and adapt vehicle insurance to changing mobility patterns. In cities, it is getting easier for people to get around without having cars, while younger generations do not view cars as status symbols but simply as a means of getting around.

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa
    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2022

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    Industry Landscape

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    Historical Reports

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2026-09-30

    R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1198.55 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2024-06-28

    R 6 500.00(ZAR) estimated $389.53 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2020-11-24

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2018-08-22

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2016-01-19

    R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $113.86 (USD)*

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014-11-28

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 3
    2.2. Geographic Position 5
    2.3. Size of the Industry 5
    2.4. Key Success Factors and Pain Points 8
    3. LOCAL 8
    3.1. Key Trends 10
    3.2. Notable Players 15
    3.3. Corporate Actions 20
    3.4. Regulations 21
    3.5. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 23
    4. AFRICA 24
    5. INTERNATIONAL 28
    6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 31
    6.1. COVID -19 31
    6.2. Economic Environment 33
    6.3. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 34
    6.4. Crime 37
    6.5. Environmental Issues 40
    6.6. Investment Performance 40
    6.7. Financial Inclusion 41
    6.8. Input Costs 42
    6.9. Infrastructure 43
    6.10. Labour 43
    7. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT 44
    7.1. Competition 44
    7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 45
    7.3. Barriers to Entry 46
    8. SWOT ANALYSIS 46
    9. OUTLOOK 47
    10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 47
    11. REFERENCES 48
    11.1. Publications 48
    11.2. Websites 49
    APPENDICES 50
    Appendix 1 - Classes and Sub-Classes of Insurance Business for Non-Life Insurance under Schedule 2 of the Insurance Act, 2017 50
    Appendix 2 - SARB List of Insurers, November 2021 54
    Appendix 3 - Summary of Notable Players 60
    COMPANY PROFILES 67
    Absa Insurance Company Ltd 67
    African Reinsurance Corporation (South Africa) Ltd 69
    AIG South Africa Ltd 72
    Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty South Africa Ltd 74
    Auto and General Insurance Company (RF) Ltd 76
    Bidvest Insurance Ltd 78
    Bryte Insurance Company Ltd 80
    Budget Insurance Company (RF) Ltd 84
    Centriq Insurance Company Ltd 86
    CFAO Motors Insurance Ltd 89
    Chubb Insurance South Africa Ltd 91
    Clientele General Insurance Ltd 93
    Coface South Africa Insurance Company Ltd 95
    Compass Insurance Company Ltd 97
    Constantia Insurance Company Ltd 99
    Corporate Guarantee (South Africa) (RF) Ltd 102
    Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation of Africa Ltd 104
    Dial Direct Insurance (RF) Ltd 107
    Discovery Insure Ltd 109
    Escap SOC Ltd 111
    Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd 113
    Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (The) 116
    First For Women Insurance Company (RF) Ltd 119
    FirstRand Bank Ltd 121
    General Reinsurance Africa Ltd 126
    GIC Re South Africa Ltd 129
    Guardrisk Insurance Company Ltd 132
    Hannover Reinsurance Group Africa (Pty) Ltd 135
    Hollard Insurance Company Ltd (The) 138
    Indequity Group Ltd 142
    King Price Insurance Company Ltd 144
    Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa 146
    Liberty Group Ltd 150
    Lion of Africa Insurance Company Ltd 153
    Lombard Insurance Company Ltd 156
    MiWay Insurance Ltd 159
    Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Ltd 162
    Munich Reinsurance Company of Africa Ltd 167
    Mutual and Federal Risk Financing Ltd 170
    Naked Financial Technology (Pty) Ltd 172
    Nedgroup Insurance Company Ltd 174
    Old Mutual Insure Ltd 176
    OUTsurance Insurance Company Ltd 179
    Pineapple Tech (Pty) Ltd 182
    Professional Provident Society Short-Term Insurance Company (Pty) Ltd 184
    PSG Konsult Ltd 186
    Renasa Insurance Company Ltd 190
    Road Accident Fund 192
    Safire Insurance Company Ltd 195
    Santam Ltd 197
    Sasria Ltd 202
    SCOR Africa Ltd 205
    Standard Insurance Ltd 207
    Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa (Pty) Ltd 209
    Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 211

    Report Coverage

    This report focuses on short-term insurance including direct and travel insurance in South Africa, and includes information on the size and state of the sector, key performance ratios, developments and corporate actions. There are profiles of 56 companies, including the traditional players such as Sanlam, and Old Mutual, reinsurers such as Hannover Re, GIC Re and Africa-Re, and public entities such as Sasria and Eskom’s Escap.

    Introduction

    South Africa’s insurance industry is struggling to grow revenues and maintain profitability due to tough economic conditions exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, declining employment, a squeeze on household disposable incomes and increasing climate-related risks. While traditionally slow to adopt new technology, insurers are increasingly making use of advanced analytics and distributed ledger technology to mitigate risks and improve customer service. Regulatory changes such as privacy protection laws will demand that insurers have adequate cybersecurity measures in place, while the new global IFRS 17 accounting standards need to be adopted. The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in significant losses to companies, particularly in the accommodation, travel and tourism industries, and the insurance industry due to business interruption claims.

    Strengths

    • Technological adoption.
    • The insurance industry is well capitalised and financially sound.
    • The short-term insurance industry is highly competitive.

    Weaknesses

    • Shortage of skilled employees in the sector.
    • The industry is exposed to the volatility of local and global financial markets.
    • There is a lack of meaningful transformation in the industry.

    Opportunities

    • A growing middle class across the continent represents a pool of potential new policyholders.
    • Infrastructure development and renewable energy projects across Africa.
    • Insurance penetration is low in Africa, signifying an untapped market.
    • Technological developments enabling mobile insurance.

    Threats

    • Climate change presents the biggest single emerging risk to the industry.
    • Coronavirus-related business interruption claims.
    • South Africa’s poor economy will hamper insurance uptake.
    • The high cost of regulatory compliance and minimum capital requirements.
    • The high level of crime, insurance fraud and motor vehicle accidents.
    • The rising cost of reinsurance.

    Outlook

    Global insurance demand is expected to contract in 2020 due to the coronavirus-induced economic recession and recover in 2021, according to the Swiss Re Institute. Trade and travel-related insurance business such as marine, aviation and credit are expected to have been the hardest hit, while property and medical are expected to be stable. For instance, global hotel group Marriott International closed the Mount Grace Country House & Spa in Magaliesburg, the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Edward, and the Protea Hotel by Marriott Hazyview. While South Africa’s insurance industry is well capitalised, profitability will be challenged due to pandemic-related losses and lacklustre investment returns due to low interest rates and companies performing poorly. According to Swiss Re, the coronavirus pandemic is a lesson for insurers and policy makers who, in the interest of long-term societal and economic stability, should look to develop more public-private partnership solutions for pandemic risks.

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa
    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2020

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    Industry Landscape

    R 1 330.00(ZAR) estimated $ 79.70 (USD)*

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    Historical Reports

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2026-09-30

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2024-06-28

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2022-02-15

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2018-08-22

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2016-01-19

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014-11-28

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    Table of Contents

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    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Value Chain 3
    2.2. Geographic Position 5
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 5
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 7
    4.1. Local 7
    4.1.1. Corporate Actions 12
    4.1.2. Regulations 13
    4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 16
    4.2. Continental 18
    4.3. International 21
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 23
    5.1. Coronavirus 23
    5.2. Economic Environment 25
    5.3. Crime 26
    5.4. Investment Performance 27
    5.5. Financial Inclusion 28
    5.6. Rising Operating Costs 29
    5.7. In-Vehicle and Home Technology 30
    5.8. Cyber Risk 30
    5.9. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 31
    5.10. Cyclicality 34
    5.11. Environmental Concerns 34
    5.12. Labour 35
    6. COMPETITION 37
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 37
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 38
    8. OUTLOOK 39
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 39
    10. REFERENCES 40
    10.1. Publications 40
    10.2. Websites 40
    APPENDIX 1 42
    Classes and Sub-Classes of Insurance Business for Non-Life Insurance under Schedule 2 of the Insurance Act, 2017 42
    APPENDIX 2 46
    SARB List of Insurers, September 2020 46
    APPENDIX 3 52
    Summary of Notable players 52
    COMPANY PROFILES 56
    ABSA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 56
    AFRICAN REINSURANCE CORPORATION (SOUTH AFRICA) LTD 58
    AIG SOUTH AFRICA LTD 60
    ALLIANZ GLOBAL CORPORATE AND SPECIALTY SOUTH AFRICA LTD 62
    AUTO AND GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 64
    BIDVEST INSURANCE LTD 66
    BRYTE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 68
    BUDGET INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 71
    CENTRIQ INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 73
    CFAO MOTORS INSURANCE LTD 76
    CHUBB INSURANCE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 78
    CLICK2SURE INTERMEDIARIES (PTY) LTD 80
    CLIENTELE GENERAL INSURANCE LTD 81
    COFACE SOUTH AFRICA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 83
    COMPASS INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 85
    CONSTANTIA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 87
    CORPORATE GUARANTEE (SOUTH AFRICA) (RF) LTD 89
    DIAL DIRECT INSURANCE (RF) LTD 91
    DISCOVERY INSURE LTD 93
    ESCAP SOC LTD 95
    EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA SOC LTD 97
    FEDERATED EMPLOYERS MUTUAL ASSURANCE COMPANY (RF) (PTY) LTD (THE) 100
    FIRST FOR WOMEN INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 103
    FIRSTRAND BANK LTD 105
    GENERAL REINSURANCE AFRICA LTD 110
    GIC RE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 113
    GRANADILLA (PTY) LTD 116
    GUARDRISK INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 117
    HANNOVER REINSURANCE GROUP AFRICA (PTY) LTD 120
    HOLLARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD (THE) 122
    INDEQUITY GROUP LTD 125
    INVESTSURE TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 127
    KING PRICE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 129
    LAND AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA 131
    LIBERTY GROUP LTD 135
    LION OF AFRICA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 138
    LOMBARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 141
    MIWAY INSURANCE LTD 143
    MOMENTUM METROPOLITAN HOLDINGS LTD 146
    MUNICH REINSURANCE COMPANY OF AFRICA LTD 151
    MUTUAL AND FEDERAL RISK FINANCING LTD 153
    NAKED FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (PTY) LTD 155
    NEDGROUP INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 157
    NOBUNTU GROUP (PTY) LTD 159
    OLD MUTUAL INSURE LTD 160
    OUTSURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 162
    PINEAPPLE TECH (PTY) LTD 165
    PROFESSIONAL PROVIDENT SOCIETY SHORT-TERM INSURANCE COMPANY (PTY) LTD 167
    PSG KONSULT LTD 169
    RENASA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 173
    SAFIRE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 175
    SANTAM LTD 177
    SASRIA LTD 181
    SCOR AFRICA LTD 183
    STANDARD INSURANCE LTD 185
    TRUSTCO GROUP HOLDINGS LTD 187

    Report Coverage

    The report on the sector describes the current market, the latest regulatory developments and factors influencing the success of the sector. The report profiles 43 short-term insurance companies, including dominant players Santam, Hollard and Mutual & Federal (rebranded to Old Mutual Insure). It also focuses on direct insurance companies like OUTsurance and MiWay which have taken personal lines market share at the expense of traditional players and intermediaries. The report includes new entrants using digital platforms and/or serving the financially excluded low-income market with microinsurance products developed within the regulatory framework of the newly enacted Insurance Act, 2017.

    Introduction

    This report focuses on South Africa’s rapidly evolving short-term insurance industry, which encompasses a broad spectrum of personal and commercial lines, including various types of travel insurance. With gross premium income of R116.7bn in 2016, the short-term, or non-life insurance sub-sector, plays a key role in the financial sector and is an important contributor to economic growth. According to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), formerly the Financial Services Board, short-term insurance companies contributed gross premium income of R108.14bn to the South African economy at the end of September 2017. Exceptionally tough operating and market conditions for the industry are accompanied by the costs of compliance to new regulatory obligations.

    Strengths

    • The industry is competitive.
    • The short-term insurance industry is sophisticated, well capitalised and financially sound. It has proved to be resilient and stable during times of economic recession.
    • There is a relatively high level of innovation.

    Weaknesses

    • Many stakeholders believe that the industry is over-regulated.
    • Penetration of the market is low and the level of underinsurance remains high.
    • Reinsurance capacity in the local market is limited.
    • There is a dearth of skilled employees.
    • There is a lack of meaningful transformation in the industry.

    Opportunities

    • Corporate and commercial projects across Africa offer opportunities, particularly for insurers specialising in the extractive industries, infrastructure development and renewable energy.
    • Opportunities for expansion exist in the BRICS markets.
    • The development of affordable, client-centric insurance and micro-insurance products for South Africa’s largely uninsured or underinsured low-income earners.
    • The emerging urbanised middle class, both locally and across sub-Saharan Africa, represents a valuable pool of potential new policyholders.
    • The roll out of M-insurance.

    Threats

    • Global catastrophes caused by natural disasters and extreme weather events represent a substantial threat to the reinsurance sub-sector.
    • Heightened geopolitical tensions and an increase in acts of terror.
    • Over-regulation, the high cost of regulatory compliance and new minimum capital requirements could force small insurance companies out of business.
    • South Africa’s low growth rate, the prevailing weakness of the local currency and socio-political challenges.
    • The high level of motor vehicle accidents.
    • The high levels of crime, including insurance fraud.
    • The industry is highly exposed to the volatility of both local and global financial markets.
    • The rising cost of reinsurance.

    Outlook

    Commentators see more medium to long-term trends which will disrupt the insurance industry by 2020 than in most other industries. They include changing demographics, the increasing economic significance of emerging markets, and fintech, which is disrupting the way companies use technology to buy or manage insurance. These, along with changing regulations will significantly change the structure of the insurance industry. Jackie Drotsky, licenced compliance officer at Momentum Consult told the media, "There is no doubt that the changes will bring about technological/system requirements, resource requirements, enhanced contracts management; administrative burdens, product innovation, more stringent underwriting measures, to name but just a few". Although the South African population is becoming increasingly risk aware, stakeholders predict that insurance penetration is unlikely to improve significantly until there is an upturn in the local economy. Stakeholders warn that short-term insurance loss ratios can no longer be absorbed by insurers and that insurance premium increases will need to be passed on to policyholders. Analysts predict that South Africa’s slow economic growth outlook will continue to drive the African agendas of local insurers, as they seek opportunities in untapped regional markets.

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2018

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    Industry Landscape

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2026-09-30

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2024-06-28

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2022-02-15

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2020-11-24

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2016-01-19

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014-11-28

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Value Chain 3
    2.2. Geographic Position 4
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 5
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 11
    4.1. Local 11
    4.1.1. Corporate Actions 15
    4.1.2. Regulations 18
    4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 24
    4.2. Continental 27
    4.3. International 30
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 31
    5.1. Economic Environment 31
    5.2. Regulatory Environment 33
    5.3. Investment Performance 34
    5.4. Financial Inclusion 36
    5.5. Operating Costs 37
    5.6. The Automotive Aftermarket Sector 38
    5.7. Crime 39
    5.8. Cyber Risk 39
    5.9. Information Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 40
    5.10. Labour 44
    5.11. Cyclicality 46
    5.12. Climate Change and Extreme Weather 46
    6. COMPETITION 47
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 48
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 48
    8. OUTLOOK 49
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 50
    10. REFERENCES 50
    10.1. Publications 50
    10.2. Websites 51
    APPENDIX 1 53
    Summary of Major Players 53
    APPENDIX 2 56
    Classes and Sub-Classes of Insurance Business for Non-Life Insurance under Schedule 2 of the Insurance Act, 2017 56
    APPENDIX 3 60
    New and Amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations that became effective on or after 1 January 2016 60
    COMPANY PROFILES 61
    ABSA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 61
    AFRICAN REINSURANCE CORPORATION (SOUTH AFRICA) LTD 63
    AIG SOUTH AFRICA LTD 66
    ALEXANDER FORBES INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 68
    ALLIANZ GLOBAL CORPORATE AND SPECIALTY SOUTH AFRICA LTD 70
    AUTO AND GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 72
    BIDVEST INSURANCE LTD 74
    BRYTE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 76
    BUDGET INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 79
    CENTRIQ INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 81
    COFACE SOUTH AFRICA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 83
    COMPASS INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 85
    CONSTANTIA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 87
    DIAL DIRECT INSURANCE (RF) LTD 89
    ESCAP SOC LTD 91
    EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA SOC LTD 93
    FEDERATED EMPLOYERS MUTUAL ASSURANCE COMPANY (RF) (PTY) LTD (THE) 96
    FIRST FOR WOMEN INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 99
    FIRSTRAND BANK LTD 101
    GENERAL REINSURANCE AFRICA LTD 106
    GIC RE SOUTH AFRICA LTD 109
    GUARDRISK INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 112
    HANNOVER REINSURANCE GROUP AFRICA (PTY) LTD 115
    HOLLARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD (THE) 117
    INDEQUITY GROUP LTD 121
    KING PRICE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 124
    LAND AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA 126
    LIBERTY GROUP LTD 131
    LION OF AFRICA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 134
    LOMBARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 137
    MIWAY INSURANCE LTD 139
    MMI HOLDINGS LTD 142
    MUNICH REINSURANCE COMPANY OF AFRICA LTD 147
    MUTUAL AND FEDERAL RISK FINANCING LTD 149
    NEDGROUP INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 151
    OLD MUTUAL INSURE LTD 153
    OUTSURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 156
    PSG KONSULT LTD 159
    SANTAM LTD 163
    SASRIA LTD 167
    SCOR AFRICA LTD 169
    STANDARD INSURANCE LTD 171
    TRUSTCO GROUP HOLDINGS LTD 173

    Report Coverage

    The report on the highly competitive short-term insurance sector describes the current market, the latest regulatory developments and discusses factors influencing the success of the sector. The report profiles 49 short-term insurance companies, ranging from industry leader Santam which has almost 20% of the market, to direct insurance company, 1Life Insurance (RF) Ltd. Also profiled are six of the country’s seven reinsurance companies, including Hannover Re and Munich Re which have a combined market share of 65%.

    Introduction

    This report focuses on South Africa’s rapidly evolving Short-term Insurance industry, which encompasses a broad spectrum of personal and commercial lines, including various types of travel insurance. With gross premium income of R102.83bn in 2014, the short-term, or non-life insurance sub-sector plays a key role in the financial sector and is an important contributor to economic growth. Notwithstanding its highly strategic value as a societal “safety-net” in times of disaster, the industry has been under growing pressure in recent years, as it grapples with a barrage of regulatory and technological challenges. With the impending implementation of the so-called “Twin-Peaks” and Solvency Assessment and Management (SAM) regulatory frameworks in January 2016, some analysts caution that the sector currently finds itself “on the cusp of major disruption”.

    Strengths

    • The industry is competitive.
    • The short-term insurance industry is sophisticated, well capitalised and financially sound. It has proved to be resilient and stable during times of economic recession.
    • There is a relatively high level of innovation.

    Weaknesses

    • Many stakeholders believe that the industry is over-regulated.
    • Penetration of the market is low and the level of underinsurance is extremely high.
    • Reinsurance capacity in the local market is limited.
    • There is a dearth of skilled employees.
    • There is a lack of meaningful transformation in the industry.

    Opportunities

    • Corporate and commercial projects across Africa offer opportunities, particularly for insurers specialising in the extractive industries, infrastructure development and renewable energy.
    • Diversification into the Reinsurance segment.
    • Opportunities for expansion exist in the BRICS markets.
    • The development of affordable, client-centric insurance and micro-insurance products for South Africa’s largely uninsured or underinsured low-income earners
    • The emerging urbanised middle class, both locally and across sub-Saharan Africa, represents a valuable pool of potential new policyholders.
    • The roll out of M-insurance.

    Threats

    • Global catastrophes caused by natural disasters and extreme weather events represent a substantial threat to the sub-sector.
    • Heightened geopolitical tensions and an increase in acts of terror.
    • Over-regulation, the high cost of regulatory compliance and new minimum capital requirements could force small insurance companies out of business.
    • South Africa’s low growth rate, the prevailing weakness of the local currency and socio-political challenges.
    • The high level of motor vehicle accidents.
    • The high levels of crime, including insurance fraud.
    • The industry is highly exposed to the volatility of both local and global financial markets.
    • The rising cost of reinsurance.

    Outlook

    South Africa, with crime and motor vehicle accident rates that rank amongst the highest in the world, is a high risk environment that offers few public safety nets. The importance of the role played by the short-term insurance industry within the context of the broader economy should therefore not be underestimated. Stakeholders reiterate that if growth is to occur, it is often necessary to take risks, and that South Africa’s short-term insurance sub-sector, by enabling risk-averse companies to undertake projects with an element of risk, performs a vital role in the economy. Although the South African population is becoming increasingly risk aware, stakeholders predict that insurance penetration is unlikely to improve significantly until there is an upturn in the local economy. Stakeholders warn that short-term insurance loss ratios can no longer be absorbed by insurers and that insurance premium increases will need to be passed on to policyholders. Going forward, the implementation of the Twin Peaks regulatory framework and SAM requirements from 1 January 2016 is expected to place further upward pressure on insurance premiums. Analysts predict that South Africa’s pedestrian economic growth outlook will continue to drive the African agendas of local insurers, as they seek opportunities in untapped regional markets.

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa
    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2016

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    Industry Landscape

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    Historical Reports

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2026-09-30

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2024-06-28

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2022-02-15

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2020-11-24

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2018-08-22

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    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014-11-28

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    Table of Contents

    [ Close ]
    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Value Chain 2
    2.2. Geographic Position 3
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 4
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 11
    4.1. Local 11
    4.1.1. Corporate Actions 15
    4.1.2. Regulations 18
    4.1.3. Enterprise Development (ED) and Socio-Economic Development (SED) Initiatives 23
    4.2. Continental 25
    4.3. International 26
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 28
    5.1. Economic Environment 28
    5.2. Government Intervention 29
    5.3. Regulatory Changes 29
    5.4. Input Costs 30
    5.5. Crime 30
    5.6. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 32
    5.7. Labour Resources 34
    5.8. Cyclicality 36
    5.9. Environmental Concerns 36
    6. COMPETITION 38
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 38
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 39
    8. OUTLOOK 40
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 41
    10. REFERENCES 41
    10.1. Publications 41
    10.2. Websites 43
    COMPANY PROFILES 44
    1LIFE INSURANCE (RF) LTD 44
    ABSA INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL ADVISERS (PTY) LTD 46
    ABSA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 48
    AFRICAN REINSURANCE CORPORATION (SOUTH AFRICA) LTD 50
    AIG South Africa Ltd 52
    Alexander Forbes Insurance Company Ltd 54
    Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty South Africa Ltd 56
    Aon South Africa (Pty) Ltd 58
    Auto and General Insurance Company (RF) Ltd 62
    Bidvest Insurance Ltd 65
    Braveheart Financial Services (Pty) Ltd 67
    Centriq Insurance Company Ltd 69
    CIB Insurance Administrators (Pty) Ltd 71
    Coface South Africa Insurance Company Ltd 73
    Compass Insurance Company Ltd 75
    Constantia Insurance Company Ltd 77
    Dial Direct Insurance (RF) Ltd 79
    Econorisk (Pty) Ltd 81
    Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd 84
    Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (The) 87
    FirstRand Bank Ltd 90
    Fussell and Associates (Pty) Ltd 94
    General Reinsurance Africa Ltd 96
    Genesis Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd 98
    GIB Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd 100
    GIC Re South Africa Ltd 103
    Guardrisk Insurance Company Ltd 105
    Hannover Reinsurance Group Africa (Pty) Ltd 107
    Hollard Insurance Company Ltd (The) 109
    Indequity Group Ltd 113
    Insure Group Managers Holdings Ltd 116
    Ithala Development Finance Corporation Ltd 118
    King Price Insurance Company Ltd 123
    Lion of Africa Insurance Company Ltd 125
    Lombard Insurance Company Ltd 128
    Marsh (Pty) Ltd 130
    MiWay Insurance Ltd 133
    Mont Blanc Financial Services (Pty) Ltd 136
    Multi Risk Brokers (Pty) Ltd 138
    Munich Reinsurance Company of Africa Ltd 140
    Mutual and Federal Insurance Company Ltd 142
    Mutual and Federal Risk Financing Ltd 146
    Nedbank Ltd 148
    OUTsurance Insurance Company Ltd 156
    PSG Konsult Ltd 158
    Regent Insurance Company Ltd 161
    Risk Benefit Solutions (Pty) Ltd 164
    Santam Ltd 166
    SCOR Africa Ltd 171
    Standard Bank Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd 173
    Standard Insurance Ltd 175
    Telesure Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd 177
    Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 181
    Vision Direct 155 (Pty) Ltd 185
    Zurich Insurance Company South Africa Ltd 186

    Introduction

    Direct insurance companies have mushroomed in South Africa and have established a firm foothold in the short-term insurance sector, having increased their market share to more than 20% of personal lines. Vigorous marketing campaigns encouraging the consumer to cut out the middleman, in order to get a better deal, have borne fruit and for savings of up to 25%, many policyholders are prepared to trade in their broker for a call-centre consultant. As direct insurers stake their claim in the commercial insurance market, the future role of the insurance broker appears increasingly uncertain. With total gross premiums of R79.4bn written in 2011, the South African short-term insurance industry plays a key role in the financial sector and is an important contributor to the local economy. Classified under SIC Code 82190 and defined in the Short-term Insurance Act No 53 of 1998, short-term insurance provides a flexible means of securing one’s assets without entering into a long-term commitment. The industry includes a broad spectrum of personal and commercial insurance and re-insurance products. This report assesses the current state of the short-term insurance sector, focusing on developments since July 2012, and examines the role of brokers and intermediaries within the industry.

    Strengths

    • Innovative technologies have been implemented.
    • The sector is well regulated.
    • The short-term insurance industry is resilient, stable, financially sound and well capitalised.
    • The short-term insurance market is highly competitive.

    Weaknesses

    • Insurance fraud is very high. An estimated 20% of all claims are fraudulent.
    • Public perception of short-term insurance industry is relatively poor and several thousand claims are lodged with the ombudsman every year. o There is a shortage of highly skilled personnel, notably actuaries, specialist underwriters, risk management professionals and senior managers. o There is a high staff turnover in the sector, which has been attributed to the introduction of compulsory FAIS examinations. o Insurance fraud is very high. An estimated 20% of all claims are fraudulent.
    • There is a high staff turnover in the sector, which has been attributed to the introduction of compulsory FAIS examinations.
    • There is a shortage of highly skilled personnel, notably actuaries, specialist underwriters, risk management professionals and senior managers.

    Opportunities

    • Expansion into African markets.
    • Growth of a technologically-minded middle-class.
    • Growth of direct online insurance products.
    • Improved access to the previously untapped informal sector, as a result mobile technologies and the future roll-out of the Micro-insurance Policy Statement.
    • Rise of mobile-based technologies, the Internet and social media.

    Threats

    • Exchange rate volatility and the devaluation of the emerging currencies.
    • Increasing frequency of natural disasters.
    • South Africa’s low growth rate, compounded by socio-political challenges.
    • The high incidence of accidents on South African roads.
    • Volatility in the global financial markets.

    Outlook

    As companies operating in the South African short-term insurance industry prepare for the imminent implementation of a new regulatory framework, a sense of trepidation is discernible, with many stakeholders referring to the profound changes as a ‘regulatory tsunami’. Analysts caution that the high cost of compliance is likely to place upward pressure on premiums. Furthermore, they warn that the new regulatory regime will have a particularly negative impact on smaller insurance companies, which may be required to rationalise product lines if they are to survive. Over the next five years, significant changes are expected to take place within the short-term insurance industry. Stakeholders have identified the following trends:
    • The uptake of smart device technologies;
    • Automated underwriting;
    • The use of multiple direct distribution channels, at the expense of intermediaries/ insurance brokers;
    • The streamlining of claims procedures, as well as the implementation of proactive loss control measures;
    • Greater reliance on Data and Analytics (D&A);
    • An increase in commoditisation, with the narrowing of differences between insurance brands; and
    • A decline in profitability. Despite the challenges facing the industry, the outlook remains stable and there are opportunities for growth. Stakeholders have earmarked the development of affordable products for the under-serviced low-income market. They have also urged Government to make Motor Third Party Property Damage insurance compulsory. Given that only 35% of motor vehicles are currently insured in South Africa, stakeholders believe that appropriate measures should be implemented to bring the country into line with accepted global insurance practices. Notwithstanding concerns relating to the Ebola crisis in West Africa, analysts predict that the mobile revolution will continue to drive expansion into Africa.

    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa
    The Short-Term Insurance Industry in South Africa 2014

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    Table of Contents

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    PAGE
    1. INTRODUCTION 1
    2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
    2.1. Industry Supply Chain 2
    2.2. Geographic Position 3
    3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 3
    4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 8
    4.1. Local 8
    4.1.1. Corporate Actions 10
    4.1.2. Regulations & Government Programmes 11
    4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 14
    4.2. Continental 19
    4.3. International 21
    5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 22
    5.1. Government Intervention 22
    5.2. Economic Environment 23
    5.3. Rising Input Costs 23
    5.4. Regulatory Changes 24
    5.5. Crime 24
    5.6. Information Technology 25
    5.7. Technology 26
    5.8. Labour 26
    5.9. Environmental Concerns 28
    6. COMPETITION 28
    6.1. Barriers to Entry 29
    6.2. Innovation 29
    6.3. Research and Development (R&D) 29
    7. SWOT ANALYSIS 30
    8. OUTLOOK 30
    9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 31
    10. REFERENCES 31
    10.1. Publications 31
    10.2. Websites 32
    APPENDIX 1 33
    Types of Short-Term Insurance Policies 33
    APPENDIX 2 34
    Short-Term Insurers registered with the Financial Services Board (FSB) 34
    APPENDIX 3 44
    Comparative Review of Short-Term Insurance Results – Primary Insurers 44
    APPENDIX 4 45
    Short-Term Insurance Individual Ranking – 2013 45
    ORGANOGRAM 82190A 47
    Insurers 47
    COMPANY PROFILES 51
    1LIFE INSURANCE (RF) LTD 51
    ABSA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 53
    AIG SOUTH AFRICA LTD 55
    ALEXANDER FORBES INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 57
    ALLIANZ GLOBAL CORPORATE & SPECIALTY SOUTH AFRICA LTD 58
    AUTO & GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 59
    BIDVEST INSURANCE LTD 61
    CENTRIQ INSURANCE COMPANY (RF) LTD 63
    COMPASS INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 65
    CONSTANTIA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 66
    DIAL DIRECT INSURANCE LTD 68
    ETANA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 70
    EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OF SOUTH AFRICA SOC LTD 73
    FEDERATED EMPLOYERS MUTUAL ASSURANCE CO LTD (THE) 75
    FIRSTRAND BANK LTD 77
    GUARDRISK INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 80
    HOLLARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD (THE) 82
    INDEQUITY GROUP LTD 85
    INSURE GROUP MANAGERS HOLDINGS LTD 87
    ITHALA DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION LTD 89
    KING PRICE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 94
    LION OF AFRICA INSURANCE COMPANY LTD (THE) 96
    LIREAS HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 98
    LOMBARD INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 100
    MIWAY INSURANCE LTD 102
    MUTUAL & FEDERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 104
    MUTUAL & FEDERAL RISK FINANCING LTD 106
    OUTSURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 107
    REGENT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD 109
    SANTAM LTD 112
    STANDARD INSURANCE LTD 115
    TELESURE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 116
    TRUSTCO GROUP HOLDINGS LTD 119
    ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA LTD 122
    ORGANOGRAM 82190B 125
    Insurance Brokers 125
    COMPANY PROFILES 127
    ABSA INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ADVISERS (PTY) LTD 127
    BRAVEHEART FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD 129
    CIB INSURANCE ADMINISTRATORS (PTY) LTD 130
    ECONORISK (PTY) LTD 132
    FUSSELL & ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD 134
    GENESIS INSURANCE BROKERS (PTY) LTD 135
    GIB INSURANCE BROKERS (PTY) LTD 136
    MARSH (PTY) LTD 138
    MONT BLANC FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD 141
    MULTI RISK BROKERS (PTY) LTD 142
    NEDBANK LTD 143
    PSG KONSULT LTD 149
    RISK BENEFIT SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 151
    STANDARD BANK INSURANCE BROKERS (PTY) LTD 153

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