Peter MokoenaThe good news is that South Africa has a competitive market for cellphone insurance. You do not need to buy coverage from your network at inflated prices. Independent insurers, bank policies, and even your household contents insurance can cover your phone for a fraction of the cost.
This guide ranks the top 20 cheapest cellphone insurance options in South Africa for 2026. We compare monthly premiums, excess amounts, coverage limits, and exclusions. Whether you have a flagship Samsung, a mid-range Huawei, or an entry-level Nokia, there is an affordable policy here for you.
Top 20 Cheapest Cellphone Insurance In South Africa: Complete Guide
What To Look For In Cheap Cellphone Insurance
Cheap does not mean worthless. When comparing policies, consider:
– Monthly premium: The amount you pay each month.
– Excess: The amount you pay when you claim.
– Cover type: Accidental damage, theft, loss, or liquid damage.
– New-for-old replacement: Do you get a new phone or a refurbished one?
– Market value vs. retail value: Some policies pay out what the phone is worth now, not what you paid.
– Exclusions: Water damage is often excluded in cheap policies.
– Waiting periods: Theft cover usually has a 30 to 90 day waiting period.
The cheapest policy is not always the best if the excess is too high or the coverage too limited.
Quick Reference: Top 20 Cheapest Cellphone Insurance (2026)
| Rank | Provider | Monthly Premium | Excess | Cover Type | Max Device Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FNB Connect Device Cover | R45 | R650 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R8,000 |
| 2 | Outsurance Cellphone | R49 | R700 | Damage, Theft | R10,000 |
| 3 | King Price Cellphone | R55 | R600 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R12,000 |
| 4 | Absa PhoneCover | R59 | R750 | Damage, Theft | R10,000 |
| 5 | Standard Bank Mobile Device | R65 | R700 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R15,000 |
| 6 | Capitec Cell Cover | R69 | R500 | Damage, Theft | R8,000 |
| 7 | Dialdirect PocketPix | R72 | R800 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R12,000 |
| 8 | Vodacom Device Cover (Basic) | R75 | R850 | Damage, Theft | R10,000 |
| 9 | MTN Device Cover (Essential) | R79 | R850 | Damage, Theft | R10,000 |
| 10 | Telkom PhoneSure (Lite) | R79 | R800 | Damage, Theft | R8,000 |
| 11 | MiWay Cellphone | R85 | R750 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R15,000 |
| 12 | Auto & General Phone | R89 | R800 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R12,000 |
| 13 | 1st for Women Cellphone | R89 | R750 | Damage, Theft | R10,000 |
| 14 | Nedbank PhoneCover | R95 | R700 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R15,000 |
| 15 | Momentum Cellphone | R99 | R750 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R12,000 |
| 16 | Discovery Phone | R99 | R800 | Damage, Theft | R10,000 |
| 17 | Hollard PhoneSure | R105 | R700 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R15,000 |
| 18 | Old Mutual CellCover | R109 | R750 | Damage, Theft | R12,000 |
| 19 | Santam Phone | R115 | R800 | Damage, Theft, Loss | R15,000 |
| 20 | Budget Insurance Gadget | R119 | R900 | Damage, Theft | R10,000 |
Insights
- Most affordable: FNB Connect Device Cover at R45/month.
- Lowest excess: Capitec Cell Cover (R500).
- Highest device value cover: Standard Bank, MiWay, Nedbank, Hollard, and Santam (up to R15,000).
- Balanced option: King Price Cellphone offers low premium (R55), low excess (R600), and covers loss as well.
Note: Premiums are estimates for a R8,000 to R10,000 device. Actual premiums vary based on device value, age, and your personal risk profile.
1. FNB Connect Device Cover
Provider: FNB / FirstRand
Monthly premium: From R45
Excess: R650
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R8,000
FNB offers the cheapest cellphone insurance in South Africa, but only to FNB customers who purchased their device through FNB Connect. The policy is bundled with the device purchase.
Coverage includes accidental damage, theft, and loss. Claims are processed through FNB branches or the app.
Best for: FNB customers buying phones via FNB Connect.
2. Outsurance Cellphone
Provider: Outsurance
Monthly premium: From R49
Excess: R700
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R10,000
Outsurance is known for its no-nonsense approach and cashback offers. Their standalone cellphone policy is affordable and straightforward.
Coverage excludes loss. You must have the phone stolen or damaged to claim. Theft requires a police case number.
Best for: Users wanting a reputable insurer with good service.
3. King Price Cellphone
Provider: King Price
Monthly premium: From R55
Excess: R600
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R12,000
King Price offers cellphone insurance as a standalone product or as an add-on to car or household insurance. Their premiums decrease monthly as your phone depreciates.
Loss cover is included, which is rare at this price point.
Best for: Users wanting loss cover without paying high premiums.
4. Absa PhoneCover
Provider: Absa
Monthly premium: From R59
Excess: R750
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R10,000
Absa offers cellphone insurance to Absa account holders. The policy can be added to your credit card or cheque account.
Coverage includes damage and theft. Loss is excluded. Claims are processed via the Absa app or branches.
Best for: Absa customers wanting convenient premium deductions.
5. Standard Bank Mobile Device Cover
Provider: Standard Bank
Monthly premium: From R65
Excess: R700
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R15,000
Standard Bank’s mobile device cover is one of the most comprehensive bank-offered policies. It includes loss, which many competitors exclude.
The premium is deducted from your account monthly. Claims are handled through the bank’s insurance division.
Best for: Standard Bank customers with higher-value devices.
6. Capitec Cell Cover
Provider: Capitec
Monthly premium: From R69
Excess: R500
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R8,000
Capitec offers cellphone insurance through its partnership with CBW Insurance. The policy is simple and affordable, with a low excess.
Coverage excludes loss. Theft requires a police case number. Claims are submitted via the Capitec app.
Best for: Capitec customers with entry-level to mid-range devices.
7. Dialdirect PocketPix
Provider: Dialdirect
Monthly premium: From R72
Excess: R800
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R12,000
Dialdirect’s PocketPix policy is a standalone gadget insurance product covering phones, tablets, and smartwatches.
Coverage includes loss, which is a significant advantage. The excess is slightly higher than some competitors.
Best for: Users wanting one policy for multiple gadgets.
8. Vodacom Device Cover (Basic)
Provider: Vodacom
Monthly premium: From R75
Excess: R850
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R10,000
Vodacom offers multiple tiers of device cover. The Basic plan is the cheapest and covers damage and theft. Loss is excluded.
The advantage of Vodacom cover is that claims are processed quickly through Vodacom stores, and replacements are usually same-day.
Best for: Vodacom customers wanting convenience and quick replacements.
9. MTN Device Cover (Essential)
Provider: MTN
Monthly premium: From R79
Excess: R850
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R10,000
MTN’s Essential cover is similar to Vodacom’s Basic plan. It covers accidental damage and theft but excludes loss.
Claims are handled through MTN stores, with replacements typically available within 24 hours.
Best for: MTN customers wanting network-managed insurance.
10. Telkom PhoneSure (Lite)
Provider: Telkom
Monthly premium: From R79
Excess: R800
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R8,000
Telkom’s PhoneSure Lite is the entry-level tier of their device insurance. It covers damage and theft but excludes loss.
Claims are processed through Telkom stores. Replacement phones may be refurbished depending on availability.
Best for: Telkom customers with lower-value devices.
11. MiWay Cellphone
Provider: MiWay
Monthly premium: From R85
Excess: R750
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R15,000
MiWay offers cellphone insurance as a standalone product or as an add-on to car insurance. Their policy includes loss cover, which is valuable.
Premiums are competitive, and the excess is reasonable for the coverage level.
Best for: Users wanting comprehensive cover including loss.
12. Auto & General Phone
Provider: Auto & General
Monthly premium: From R89
Excess: R800
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R12,000
Auto & General’s phone insurance is available standalone or as an add-on. It includes loss cover, accidental damage, and theft.
Claims are handled online or via phone. Replacement phones are new or refurbished equivalent.
Best for: Users wanting a well-known insurer with comprehensive cover.
13. 1st for Women Cellphone
Provider: 1st for Women
Monthly premium: From R89
Excess: R750
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R10,000
1st for Women offers cellphone insurance exclusively to women. The policy is affordable and covers damage and theft.
Loss is excluded. The policy can be taken standalone or as an add-on to car or household insurance.
Best for: Women drivers already insured with 1st for Women.
14. Nedbank PhoneCover
Provider: Nedbank
Monthly premium: From R95
Excess: R700
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R15,000
Nedbank PhoneCover is available to Nedbank account holders. It includes loss cover, which is not always offered by banks.
Premiums are deducted from your account monthly. Claims are submitted via the Nedbank app or branches.
Best for: Nedbank customers with higher-value devices.
15. Momentum Cellphone
Provider: Momentum
Monthly premium: From R99
Excess: R750
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R12,000
Momentum offers cellphone insurance as a standalone product or as part of their Multiply rewards programme. Members may receive premium discounts.
Coverage includes loss, damage, and theft. Claims are processed online.
Best for: Momentum Multiply members wanting integrated insurance and rewards.
16. Discovery Phone
Provider: Discovery
Monthly premium: From R99
Excess: R800
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R10,000
Discovery offers cellphone insurance to Discovery Bank clients and Vitality members. The policy covers damage and theft but excludes loss.
Vitality members may earn points for having insurance, which can reduce overall costs.
Best for: Discovery Bank customers and Vitality members.
17. Hollard PhoneSure
Provider: Hollard
Monthly premium: From R105
Excess: R700
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R15,000
Hollard offers comprehensive cellphone insurance through various distribution partners. The policy includes loss cover, which is valuable for expensive devices.
Premiums are higher than the cheapest options, but coverage is more comprehensive.
Best for: Users wanting top-tier cover including loss.
18. Old Mutual CellCover
Provider: Old Mutual
Monthly premium: From R109
Excess: R750
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R12,000
Old Mutual offers cellphone insurance to policyholders and non-policyholders. The cover includes damage and theft but excludes loss.
Premiums are slightly higher than the market average, but Old Mutual’s claims service is well-regarded.
Best for: Existing Old Mutual customers wanting to consolidate insurance.
19. Santam Phone
Provider: Santam
Monthly premium: From R115
Excess: R800
Cover: Accidental damage, theft, loss
Max device value: R15,000
Santam is one of South Africa’s largest short-term insurers. Their cellphone policy is comprehensive, including loss cover.
Premiums are higher, reflecting the brand’s premium positioning and extensive coverage.
Best for: Users wanting a top-tier insurer and comprehensive cover.
20. Budget Insurance Gadget
Provider: Budget Insurance
Monthly premium: From R119
Excess: R900
Cover: Accidental damage, theft
Max device value: R10,000
Budget Insurance offers gadget cover as an add-on to car or household policies. The premium is relatively high for the coverage level, and the excess is the highest on this list.
Coverage excludes loss. Only damage and theft are included.
Best for: Existing Budget Insurance customers adding a phone to an existing policy.
How To Lower Your Cellphone Insurance Premium
1. Choose a higher excess. Increasing your excess from R500 to R1,000 can reduce your premium by 20 to 30 percent.
2. Insure through your bank. Bank-issued insurance often has lower premiums because it is subsidised by your account fees.
3. Bundle with household insurance. Adding your phone to your household contents policy is often cheaper than standalone cover.
4. Buy a cheaper phone. Premiums are calculated as a percentage of the device value. A R5,000 phone costs half as much to insure as a R10,000 phone.
5. Consider self-insurance. If you can afford to replace your phone, put the premium money into a savings account instead.
What Is Not Covered By Cheap Cellphone Insurance
Read the fine print. Cheap policies typically exclude:
– Loss. Theft is covered, but losing your phone usually is not.
– Water damage. Many cheap policies exclude liquid damage.
– Intentional damage. Dropping your phone in anger is not covered.
– Unattended theft. If you leave your phone on a table and walk away, the claim may be rejected.
– Cosmetic damage. Scratches and dents that do not affect functionality are not covered.
– Accessories. Chargers, earphones, and cases are excluded unless specifically insured.
Cellphone Insurance vs. Household Contents Insurance
Many South Africans do not realise that their household contents insurance already covers their phone, even outside the home.
Check your policy:
– All-risk cover extends contents insurance to items you carry with you.
– Phones are typically covered for theft and accidental damage.
– Excess may be lower than standalone policies.
– Loss may be covered depending on the policy.
If you already have comprehensive household insurance, adding a phone may cost nothing or very little.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Is cellphone insurance worth it?
For phones costing R8,000 or more, insurance is usually worth it. One screen repair can cost R3,000 to R5,000. Two years of premiums at R50 per month totals R1,200, less than a single repair.
Can I insure a phone I already own?
Yes. Most insurers require the phone to be less than 12 or 24 months old. Older phones may be insured for market value rather than replacement value.
What happens if my phone is stolen?
You must open a police case and provide the case number to the insurer. Most policies have a 30 to 90 day waiting period before theft cover applies.
Can I insure a phone bought overseas?
Yes, but the insurer will only pay out the South African retail value, not what you paid abroad.
Do I need insurance for a contract phone?
If your phone is on contract and still being paid off, you are liable for the full contract amount even if the phone is lost or stolen. Insurance is strongly recommended.
How do I claim?
Most insurers allow online claims, app submissions, or phone calls. You will need:
– Proof of purchase.
– Police case number for theft.
– Completed claim form.
– Assessment of damage at an authorised repair centre.
Can I cancel cellphone insurance at any time?
Yes. Standalone policies are month-to-month. Cancellation requires 30 days written notice. Bank-issued insurance may be tied to your account and require account closure to cancel.
What is the difference between new-for-old and market value?
New-for-old replaces your phone with a new equivalent model. Market value pays what your phone is worth now, which may be significantly less than you paid.
Do I pay excess for screen repair?
Yes. Excess applies to all claims, including screen repairs. If the repair costs R2,000 and your excess is R700, the insurer pays R1,300 and you pay R700.
Can two people insure the same phone?
No. Insurance is based on indemnity. You cannot claim from two insurers for the same loss.
Summary: Which Cellphone Insurance Is Cheapest?
The absolute cheapest:
– FNB Connect Device Cover at R45 per month, but only for FNB Connect purchases.
– Outsurance Cellphone at R49 per month for standalone cover.
– King Price at R55 per month including loss cover.
Best value for money:
– Standard Bank Mobile Device Cover at R65 including loss.
– Dialdirect PocketPix at R72 including loss and gadget cover.
– Capitec Cell Cover at R69 with low R500 excess.
Best for convenience:
– Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom network policies offer quick in-store replacements.
– Bank policies offer easy premium deductions.
Best for comprehensive cover:
– MiWay, Auto & General, and Hollard offer loss cover and higher device limits.
Final Warning: Read The Policy Wording
The cheapest premium means nothing if your claim is rejected. Before buying, read the policy wording carefully.
Ask these questions:
– Is loss covered?
– Is water damage covered?
– What is the excess for screen repair?
– Do I get a new phone or a refurbished one?
– How long does the claims process take?
– Are there any hidden waiting periods?
If the insurer cannot answer these questions clearly, choose another provider.
Official Resources:
– Financial Sector Conduct Authority: www.fsca.co.za
– Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance: www.osti.co.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Cellphone insurance premiums, excess amounts, and policy terms are subject to change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the insurer before purchasing.