SA gets people-focused insurance platform

A new independent hybrid insurance advisory service, Vouch SA, aims to make insurance simple, human, and transparent. The hybrid financial-advice platform launched in South African last month.

Vouch says South Africans are overwhelmed by insurance choices across car, home, life, gap, contents, and excesses. According to the company, the average consumer faces a maze of jargon, comparison charts, and “best offers” that promise simplicity but often deliver confusion.

Vouch says it is built around people, not products. Unlike traditional insurers or comparison sites, the company says, it offers independent, unbiased guidance, combining the convenience of digital access with the insight of real, qualified advisors.

It does this by aiming to deliver genuine human interaction, connecting customers directly to advisors instead of chatbots or scripted call centres. This approach gives people someone on the inside, which Vouch says cannot be underestimated when it comes to insurance, as customers want to speak to someone who understands and can advise quickly and professionally.

Vouch is contracted with 19 insurers across life, car, household, and health insurance, as well as investments. Advisors can match clients with suitable options based on individual needs, aiming to reduce complexity and save time. Each customer is assigned a dedicated advisor who provides ongoing support as their circumstances change, aiming to help clients make informed decisions without sales pressure.

The woman behind the brand

Vouch is led by CEO Vera Nagtegaal, who brings more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. She has focused on promoting transparency, accessibility, and simplicity in a sector often viewed as complex.

Drawing on her own experience as a breast cancer survivor, Nagtegaal says she recognises the importance of appropriate cover and informed guidance during times of uncertainty.

“It was a turning point for me,” she says. “My diagnosis made me realise that many people go through life underinsured, without the right financial safety nets or the right advice. When life changes overnight, you need to understand what you’re covered for, and why. That moment shouldn’t be the first time anyone really reads and understands their policy.”

Vouch was conceived and is funded by Kagiso Media Radio (KMR).

Nick Grubb, KMR CEO and Vouch chairperson, says: “We see this exciting new venture as an opportunity to broaden the real value we add to our audiences, as well as our advertising partners in the financial services category.

“All our businesses have consumer trust at the centre of their business models and Vouch will be another tangible example of how we successfully merge purpose and commercial success.”

Bridging the trust gap

SA’s insurance sector is among the most competitive in Africa, yet many consumers still find it complex and impersonal. Vouch aims to address this by providing accessible, personalised guidance to help consumers navigate the range of available options.

The company operates as a broker and advisor rather than an insurer or quoting platform. It curates suitable options from multiple providers without directing clients toward a specific product, with the goal of helping them make informed and confident decisions.

Vouch positions itself as a responsive and adaptable player in the market. The platform is designed to evolve through user feedback and changing consumer needs, reflecting a focus on continuous improvement and customer engagement.

Vouch highlights trust as a key element in its approach, framing it as a core factor in how consumers choose and value their financial advisors.