When I first started comparing car insurance quotes in South Africa a few years ago, I was shocked by how wildly different the numbers could be from one provider to another. One month I’d get a quote that looked reasonable, and the next month a completely different company would beat it by a mile. I remember sitting at my laptop, coffee in hand, thinking: how on earth does anyone keep track of which insurer is actually giving the better deal? Fast forward to 2025, and the question is still just as relevant—especially when it comes to two popular names: MiWay and Auto & General.
Both companies have built reputations for affordability, and both have strong marketing campaigns promising savings. But promises don’t pay the bills; what most drivers want to know is simple: who actually offers cheaper premiums right now? Let’s unpack that—without the jargon and without pretending there’s a one-size-fits-all answer.
A Quick Look at Both Insurers
MiWay has long positioned itself as a direct-to-consumer insurer, cutting out the middleman and supposedly passing the savings on to customers. They’re often praised for flexibility—policies you can adjust online, fewer hoops to jump through, and an emphasis on convenience. If you’re someone who hates paperwork and call-centre queues, MiWay is appealing.
Auto & General, on the other hand, is an older player in the market with a reputation for reliability and a slightly more traditional approach. They’ve modernised a lot in recent years, rolling out digital claim processes and customisable products. Still, they tend to carry a certain “old-school insurer” feel, which some people like because it feels secure, while others see it as outdated.
Both claim to offer competitive premiums, but here’s where it gets interesting—how “competitive” looks on paper can depend on things like your age, driving history, car model, and even your postal code.
The Price Game in 2025: Who’s Cheaper?
So, here’s what people are actually seeing this year. Anecdotally—and I’ll admit, this comes from a combination of my own experience and chats with friends—MiWay often edges out Auto & General on raw monthly premium costs, especially for younger drivers or those with newer vehicles. A friend of mine recently switched from Auto & General to MiWay after her quote came in nearly R300 cheaper per month for the exact same car. That’s not pocket change; that’s petrol for a week or two of school runs.
But there’s a flip side. For older, low-risk drivers—think mid-40s, no claims in the past decade—Auto & General seems to be holding its own or even coming in slightly lower. One uncle of mine swears by them. He drives a 10-year-old sedan, has never had an accident, and brags that his monthly premium is less than what I pay for fibre internet. When I teased him about switching to MiWay, his counter was simple: “Why would I mess with what’s already cheap?”
This appears to highlight a broader pattern: MiWay may attract drivers who fall into riskier brackets or own pricier vehicles, while Auto & General rewards steady, low-risk clients. Neither company is outright cheaper across the board—it really depends on who you are.
Why the Difference?
Insurance companies don’t pluck numbers out of thin air; they run your information through complex risk algorithms. MiWay leans heavily on digital tools and may take a more aggressive pricing stance to lure in new customers, especially in competitive segments like younger professionals or families buying their first SUVs. Auto & General, by contrast, is often seen as more cautious, sometimes charging slightly higher upfront premiums but offsetting that with stability and fewer sudden jumps at renewal time.
That last point is important. A cheaper quote today doesn’t guarantee it’ll stay cheaper next year. I once signed up with an insurer (not naming names) that gave me the lowest premium I’d ever seen. I was thrilled—until 12 months later, when my renewal came back nearly 40% higher with no claims on my record. The lesson? The “cheapest” option can sometimes be a short-term illusion.
Add-Ons and Hidden Costs
Another wrinkle in the MiWay vs. Auto & General debate is what you’re actually getting for your money. MiWay likes to advertise its straightforward, all-in-one policies, but you’ll sometimes find that certain extras—like roadside assistance—may not be as extensive as you expect unless you pay for an upgrade. Auto & General, on the other hand, tends to bundle a few more perks by default.
So, while MiWay’s raw premium may look cheaper on paper, you might need to tack on extras to get the same level of cover you’d automatically receive with Auto & General. It’s a bit like comparing budget airlines: the ticket price looks cheaper until you realise you have to pay separately for luggage, seat selection, and a snack.
Customer Stories (Because Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Truth)
Earlier this year, I was chatting to a colleague who had just bought her first car—a little hatchback perfect for city driving. She got quotes from both companies, and MiWay’s premium was about R200 less per month. Tempting, right? She went with MiWay, but after a minor bumper bash, she found the claims process a bit slower than she expected. Nothing disastrous, but it left her wondering whether Auto & General might have handled it more smoothly, even if it cost a bit more.
On the flip side, another friend had a water-damage incident with Auto & General after a flood in Gauteng. His car was written off, and he swears they processed the payout quicker than he thought possible. For him, the slightly higher premium felt justified.
These little stories don’t prove which insurer is “better,” but they do reveal something important: the cheapest premium isn’t always the best deal if service quality doesn’t meet your needs.
The Bigger Picture in 2025
The South African insurance landscape in 2025 is tougher than ever. Rising repair costs, load-shedding-related damage (yes, power surges still play a role in claims), and a tricky economic environment mean insurers are under pressure. Both MiWay and Auto & General are adjusting pricing models constantly. If anything, it feels like premiums across the board are creeping up, which makes comparing providers even more critical.
There’s also the loyalty factor. Some drivers believe sticking with one insurer for years builds goodwill that may help in tricky claim situations. Others argue that shopping around annually is the only way to ensure you’re not paying more than you should. I tend to fall into the latter camp; a little effort once a year often saves me enough to fund a weekend getaway.
So, Who Wins?
If you’re looking for a neat, definitive answer, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. MiWay may often come out cheaper for younger or higher-risk drivers in 2025, while Auto & General appears more competitive for older, low-risk clients. But the gap isn’t massive, and the “winner” changes depending on your profile.
My personal take? Get quotes from both. Seriously. It takes less than 15 minutes online, and you’ll have actual numbers to compare. I wouldn’t bet on one always being cheaper than the other, and I definitely wouldn’t assume that last year’s cheaper insurer will still be the budget-friendly option this year.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the MiWay vs. Auto & General battle for cheaper premiums in 2025 isn’t really about who has the lower price tag—it’s about value. Cheaper isn’t just about the rand amount; it’s about what you get for that money, how reliable the claims process is, and whether your premium stays manageable year after year.
Think of it like choosing a cellphone contract. Sure, you can grab the lowest monthly rate, but if the coverage is patchy and you’re constantly frustrated, was it really worth the savings? The same logic applies here.
So, before you sign anything, ask yourself: do I just want the lowest number on the page, or do I want a balance of affordability and peace of mind? If you’re like me—someone who values a good night’s sleep more than shaving off R50 a month—you’ll weigh both price and reliability. But if you’re in a tight spot financially, those savings can matter a lot, and MiWay might edge ahead.
Either way, don’t just trust the adverts. Get the quotes, compare the details, and make the choice that feels right for your life in 2025.