Hollard Review 2025: Comprehensive Insurance Solutions for South Africans

Hollard Group, South Africa’s largest independent and privately owned insurer, continues to lead the insurance industry with a diverse portfolio of short-term and life insurance products. Headquartered at 22 Oxford Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, Hollard is controlled by the Enthoven Family Trust through Captricon Ventures International. With over 40 years of operation, it serves 6 million policyholders across 18 countries, employing over 4,000 staff. This updated review builds on the April 2024 analysis, detailing Hollard’s products, new 2025 features, advantages, disadvantages, and application process, set against South Africa’s evolving financial landscape.

Overview of Hollard Group

Founded in 1980, Hollard Group has grown into a global insurance powerhouse, operating in South Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, China, India, and Pakistan. As a privately owned entity, majority-held by the Enthoven family, Hollard focuses on inclusive growth, offering mutually beneficial insurance solutions that empower individuals and businesses. Its independence allows flexibility in product design, distinguishing it from competitors like Sanlam and OUTsurance.

In 2025, Hollard enhances its digital capabilities with streamlined claims processing and expands pet insurance to include wellness add-ons, aligning with South Africa’s increasing demand for accessible, tech-driven financial services. With a customer-centric approach and a significant contribution to South Africa’s GDP, Hollard remains a trusted name in insurance.

Market Context for 2025

South Africa’s insurance sector is competitive, with digital transformation and economic recovery driving demand for flexible, affordable coverage. The South African Reserve Bank’s repo rate of 7.5% (prime rate 11.0%) supports consumer spending, while the two-pot retirement system boosts disposable income, increasing uptake of insurance and investment products. Hollard’s global reach and diverse offerings position it strongly against peers, with its 6 million policyholders reflecting market trust.

Services and Products Offered by Hollard

Hollard provides a comprehensive range of personal, business, and specialty insurance products, alongside investments, loans, and transactional accounts. Below are the key offerings, updated for 2025.

Personal Insurance

Funeral Insurance

Description: Covers funeral costs for policyholders and family, for ages 18–75.
Benefits:
- Standard: R250 airtime voucher, legal assistance, burial repatriation.
- Optional: Memorial benefit (up to R10,000), monthly provider (R2,000/month for 12 months), vehicle access, premium holiday, moneyback.
Coverage: Up to R100,000, depending on plan.
2025 Update: Digital claims submission with 48-hour payouts for eligible claims.
Ideal For: Families seeking affordable funeral planning.

Car Insurance

Comprehensive Car Insurance:
- Covers accidents, theft, fire, glass repairs, and third-party claims.
- Includes roadside assistance and hail damage protection.
Extended Car Warranty:
- Covers up to 23 major vehicle parts (e.g., engine, gearbox) post-manufacturer warranty.
Third-Party Car Insurance:
- Covers legal liability for third-party property damage, not the policyholder’s vehicle.
Long-Term Storage Cover:
- Protects stored vehicles against loss/damage, excluding hail and third-party claims.
2025 Update: Telematics-based premium discounts for safe drivers.
Ideal For: Vehicle owners seeking tailored coverage.

Life Insurance

Life Insurance:
- Coverage up to R1.2 million, with 20% cashback after 5 years (no medical tests).
Disability and Impairment Cover:
- Lump sum up to R10 million; monthly payments up to R100,000 for disability/physical impairment.
Critical Illness Cover:
- Tax-free lump sum up to R7.5 million for 57 serious illnesses (e.g., cancer, stroke).
2025 Update: Online health assessments for faster underwriting.
Ideal For: Individuals planning for long-term financial security.

Home Insurance

Home Contents Insurance:
- Covers household items against theft, storms, fire, earthquakes, and other insured events.
Building Insurance:
- Protects home structures against fire, theft, weather, and accidental damage (e.g., burst pipes).
2025 Update: Smart home device discounts for insured properties.
Ideal For: Homeowners and renters needing property protection.

Investments

Retirement Savings:
- Options: Pension preservation fund, provident preservation plan, retirement annuity.
- Tax benefits and flexible contributions.
Hollard Living Annuity:
- Provides regular retirement income (2.5%–17.5% annually of investment value).
- Tax-free investment returns (exempt from CGT).
- Access to diverse investment portfolios.
Hollard Linked Endowment:
- Tax-efficient investment for 5+ years, minimizing taxes on returns.
2025 Update: AI-driven portfolio recommendations.
Ideal For: Savers planning for retirement or long-term wealth.

Other Personal Services

Travel Insurance:
- Covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and baggage loss during global travel.
Legal Cover:
- Protects against civil, labor, criminal, and ID theft matters, including legal defense costs.
Pet Insurance:
- Covers pet illnesses, accidents, and optional routine/dental expenses.
- 2025 Update: Wellness add-ons (e.g., vaccinations, check-ups).
Loans:
- Up to R200,000, repayable over 1–6 months, subject to credit approval.
Hollard Money Account:
- Transactional and savings account with internet/cellphone banking.
- Requirements: ID, proof of residence.
Ideal For: Individuals seeking niche financial solutions.

Business Insurance

Commercial Insurance

Description: Protects businesses from property damage, employee injuries, revenue loss, and unforeseen events.
Benefits:
- Negotiable rates, tailored products (e.g., retail, manufacturing).
- Covers business interruptions and equipment damage.
Business Travel Insurance:
- Medical and financial cover for employees on work trips, customizable for individuals or families.
2025 Update: Digital policy management for small businesses.
Ideal For: SMEs and corporates needing flexible coverage.

Liability Insurance

General Liabilities:
- Covers legal defense costs and liabilities from business activities (e.g., customer injuries, product harm).
Special Liabilities:
- Protects against risks like director liability, public indemnity, and employment practices.
Ideal For: Businesses mitigating operational risks.

Other Business Products

Risk Management Services:
- Provides enterprise risk evaluations and tailored solutions.
Employee-Related Cover:
- Includes employee benefits, accident, and health insurance at competitive rates.
Specialist Sector Insurance:
- Covers agriculture, film, drone, marine, taxi, and risk finance sectors.
2025 Update: Drone insurance expanded for commercial operators.
Ideal For: Niche industries and employee-focused businesses.

Executive Office Members (2025)

Name	Tenure	Responsibility
Willie T Lategan	7/2022–Present	Chief Executive Officer
Viren Naidu	Present	Chief Information Officer
Heidi Brauer	Present	Chief Marketing & Corporate Affairs Officer
Wikus Luus	Present	Chief Risk Officer
Michael Cheng	Present	Chief Risk & Underwriting Officer
Ian Ross	Present	Chief Underwriting Officer
Mandla Shezi	Present	CEO: Hollard International
Brooks Mparutsa	Present	CEO: Hollard International
Angela Mhlanga	Present	CEO: Hollard Partner Solutions
Daniel Boi Addo	Present	Managing Director
Pierre Geyer	Present	Joint Managing Director: Hollard Broker Markets
Stef Theofanidis	Present	Managing Director: Hollard Equity Partnership
Willem Smith	Present	Managing Director: Hollard Personal Lines
Nash Omar	Present	Joint Managing Director: Hollard Broker Markets

Competitive Advantages

Diverse Product Range: Covers personal, business, and specialty needs, from funeral to drone insurance.
Global Reach: Operates in 18 countries, serving 6 million policyholders, with strong African and Asian presence.
Competitive Pricing: Affordable premiums, cashback (e.g., 20% on life insurance), and negotiable business rates.
Digital Innovation: 2025 enhancements include faster claims processing and app-based policy management.
Independence: Private ownership allows flexible, customer-focused product design.
Workforce: Over 4,000 employees ensure robust service delivery.

Competitive Disadvantages

Claim Delays: Some customers report slow processing, particularly for complex claims (e.g., critical illness).
Complex Policy Terms: Fine print and optional benefits may confuse users, requiring advisor support.
Limited Brand Recognition: Less visible than Sanlam or OUTsurance in South Africa’s retail market.
Digital Gaps: Online platform lags behind competitors like Discovery for user experience.

Comparison with Competitors

Feature	Hollard	Sanlam	OUTsurance
Product Range	Personal, business, specialty	Personal, business, investments	Personal, business
Funeral Cover	Up to R100,000, airtime benefit	Up to R100,000, family cover	Up to R50,000
Life Insurance	Up to R1.2M, 20% cashback	Up to R5M, Wealth Bonus	Up to R1M, no cashback
Pet Insurance	Illness, accidents, wellness add-ons	Limited coverage	None
Global Presence	18 countries	14 countries	South Africa, Australia
Customer Satisfaction	Moderate (no SAcsi score)	79.7 (SAcsi 2021)	High (no SAcsi score)

How to Apply for Hollard Products

Online: Visit https://www.hollard.co.za/, select a product (e.g., funeral, car insurance), and complete the application with ID, proof of residence, and income details (if required).
Hollard Money Account App: Download from Google Play or Apple App Store, register, and apply for accounts or insurance.
Phone: Call 011 351 5000 for assisted applications or quotes.
Brokers: Contact a Hollard-affiliated broker for personalized advice.

Requirements: Vary by product (e.g., age 18–75 for funeral cover, ID for Money Account).
Processing: Online applications offer instant quotes; approvals take 1–3 days. Policies activate upon payment.
Support: Email info@hollard.co.za or call 011 351 5000.

Why Choose Hollard in 2025?

Hollard excels for:

Versatility: Comprehensive coverage for personal, business, and niche needs.
Innovation: 2025 digital claims and pet wellness add-ons enhance accessibility.
Affordability: Competitive premiums, cashback, and tax-efficient investments.
Global Expertise: 18-country presence ensures robust underwriting.
Economic Impact: Contributes significantly to South Africa’s GDP with 4,000+ employees.

Drawbacks like claim delays and complex terms require careful review. Comparing with Sanlam or OUTsurance can help determine fit.

Conclusion

Hollard Group remains a powerhouse in South Africa’s insurance sector in 2025, offering a wide range of personal, business, and specialty products to 6 million policyholders across 18 countries. With 2025 enhancements like digital claims and expanded pet insurance, Hollard strengthens its appeal for diverse customers. Despite minor issues with claim speeds and policy complexity, its competitive pricing, global reach, and independent ownership make it a top choice. Explore products at https://www.hollard.co.za/ or call 011 351 5000 to secure your financial future.