If you’ve ever sat across from a mechanic after an unexpected car breakdown, you’ll know that sinking feeling in your stomach. The numbers they throw around sound less like repair costs and more like school fees for an entire year. I’ve been there—once stranded on the N1 near Midrand with a car that decided it had had enough of life. That was the moment I realized that vehicle insurance is not just a box to tick; it’s the difference between moving on with your life or spending months digging yourself out of financial stress.
This is where Old Mutual’s Motorsure plan comes into the picture. It’s pitched as a straightforward way to protect South African vehicles, and at first glance, it does look like a practical safety net for drivers who want coverage without endless small print. But let’s unpack it carefully. Insurance, after all, is never as simple as the brochure suggests.
What is Motorsure?
Motorsure is Old Mutual’s dedicated car insurance product. Unlike some insurers who scatter different tiers, bundles, and extras like confetti, Old Mutual keeps this one relatively streamlined. It covers the usual suspects—accidents, theft, write-offs, third-party liability—but also extends into less obvious but equally expensive areas like roadside assistance and replacement vehicle benefits.
Now, that all sounds neat, but insurance always raises the question: is it worth the premium? South Africans are not spoiled for choice when it comes to car insurance providers. Discovery, OUTsurance, Santam, King Price—each waves a banner promising to be cheaper, smarter, or friendlier. Motorsure, though, seems to lean on Old Mutual’s long-standing reputation for financial stability. And, if we’re honest, in a market where insurers sometimes fold or change terms overnight, that sort of trust factor matters.
Everyday Scenarios Where Motorsure Helps
Let’s put it into real life, because policies and terms can blur into legalese if you’re not careful. Imagine you’re driving to Durban for a weekend getaway. Halfway through, you hit a stretch of road that looks fine until it suddenly isn’t—one deep pothole and your tyre bursts. Motorsure includes emergency roadside assistance, which means you don’t have to spend two hours bargaining with a tow truck driver who only accepts cash.
Or picture something far worse: your car is stolen outside a shopping mall. In Johannesburg, that’s unfortunately not a wild hypothetical. Motorsure’s theft and hijacking protection steps in here, covering the cost of replacing the car. That doesn’t take away the trauma, but it does remove the looming financial disaster of being left without transport in a city that doesn’t exactly run smoothly on public transit.
I’ve also heard from a friend who had her car written off after an accident in Cape Town. Her insurer at the time dragged its feet, arguing over the car’s value and trying to pay less than what she needed to buy a replacement. From what I’ve seen in Old Mutual’s policy wording, Motorsure promises to settle claims based on retail value rather than trade-in—something that appears small on paper but makes a world of difference when you’re actually trying to replace a vehicle.
The Appeal: Simplicity and Trust
One of Motorsure’s stronger points may be its relative simplicity. Some insurers bombard you with optional extras that can make choosing a policy feel like shopping for a phone upgrade. Do you want the gold, platinum, or diamond tier? With Motorsure, the structure appears more straightforward, which could suit drivers who hate fine print.
Another angle worth mentioning is the Old Mutual brand itself. Many South Africans grew up with Old Mutual branches in their towns, often tied to life insurance or investment products. That history of stability carries over into Motorsure—it feels less like a flashy newcomer and more like an old friend who may not always be the cheapest, but who’s not going anywhere.
Possible Weak Spots
But let’s not sugarcoat things. Motorsure, while practical, may not always be the most cost-effective option. Some competitors in the insurance space (like King Price with its decreasing premiums, or MiWay with its “lite” budget-friendly plans) are aggressively courting cost-conscious drivers. Old Mutual doesn’t really pitch Motorsure as the cheapest kid on the block, and for some South Africans stretched thin by rising fuel prices, that could be a dealbreaker.
There’s also the matter of flexibility. Other insurers are increasingly offering app-based claim processes, telematics that track your driving habits for discounts, and even gamified rewards systems. Old Mutual hasn’t really leaned into that side of things with Motorsure, and while some drivers appreciate the no-frills approach, others might feel they’re missing out on modern perks.
How It Fits into South African Driving Realities
South African roads—and drivers—make insurance an emotional topic. Between potholes, unpredictable minibus taxis, hijackings, and the everyday grind of traffic, the risks are not theoretical. Motorsure seems designed with those realities in mind. For example, roadside assistance isn’t just a nice add-on; for many people, it’s the difference between safety and being stranded in a dangerous situation.
There’s also the peace of mind aspect. When I had my breakdown years ago, I didn’t have roadside assistance. I ended up phoning three different numbers before someone agreed to tow me—for a fee that felt almost as bad as the repair bill. That memory still stings. Knowing a plan like Motorsure builds those things into the package upfront means you don’t have to scramble in those high-stress moments.
The Bigger Picture: Insurance as a Safety Net
Car insurance in South Africa often feels like a grudge purchase. We pay, sometimes for years, without ever claiming, and the monthly debit order becomes just another item draining our accounts. Motorsure won’t change that fundamental tension, but what it does offer is a degree of reassurance: if the worst happens, you’re not alone.
But there’s nuance here too. Insurance isn’t only about what’s written in the contract. It’s about how claims are handled when things go wrong. Old Mutual’s long presence in the financial sector suggests they have the systems to deal with claims fairly, but like with any insurer, your mileage may vary. Stories of slow responses or disputes aren’t unique to any one company. So while Motorsure appears solid, it’s still wise to read the fine print and ask pointed questions before signing.
Who Is Motorsure Best Suited For?
Motorsure may be a good fit for drivers who value stability and straightforward cover over bells and whistles. Families with older vehicles that still need reliable protection might find it appealing, especially since it doesn’t force them into a menu of confusing add-ons. People who want a trusted brand rather than an app-driven startup may also lean toward Old Mutual.
That said, younger or more tech-savvy drivers who want discounts tied to safe driving or lifestyle perks might feel underwhelmed. The insurance market is increasingly personalising its offerings, and Old Mutual hasn’t quite followed that trend with Motorsure.
My Final Take
After looking closely at Motorsure, I’d describe it less as flashy and more as quietly dependable. It won’t necessarily dazzle you with gimmicks or the lowest premium on the market, but it may provide a kind of calm assurance that, if you find yourself in a jam, you’ll be looked after.
Thinking back to my own breakdown on the N1, if I’d had Motorsure then, I’d have saved myself a lot of stress, sweat, and phone calls. And that’s probably the essence of it: insurance is not about impressing you on the good days; it’s about being there on the bad ones. Old Mutual’s Motorsure plan seems to get that part right.