Today, with modern interfaces such as the Internet, buying car insurance is very different compared to twenty years ago. There are indeed a number of ways in which you can purchase car insurance, some of these methods are specifically geared towards convenience and saving you time; while allowing you to gain as much information as you need to feel comfortable with , ensuring you are buying the right car insurance product.

• Today you can choose to contact the insurer of your choice directly via telephone and buy your insurance telephonically.  
• You also have the choice of dealing with an agent working exclusively for a specific insurance company. The agent will call on you at your convenience to discuss your insurance needs. Insurance companies use call centres to fulfil this role. 
• An Insurance Broker represents a number of insurance companies and will contact them to see which offer is most suited to your needs.
• The modern way of buying car insurance is to do so via the Internet. The benefits are that you can obtain information and quotes about a number of insurance companies and compare quotes before you make a decision. All the major insurance companies have websites where you can get information and buy insurance. 
• Aggregate websites offer you the choice to obtain quotes from a number of insurers at the same time.

Remember to ensure that the company you deal with is licensed as a Financial Services Provider in terms of the FAIS act.