Can I renew my driver’s license at FNB?

FNB has once again disrupted the industry with one of the most innovative additions to hit banks across SA. From this week, you can now renew your vehicle license on the FNB app, and the whole process is as easy as ABC. Part of a full platform called nav>> Car, this smart online tool provides several handy tools that allow consumers to perform multiple checks and transactions online. While vastly welcomed and hailed as revolutionary in the industry, there does seem to be a downfall with the app for some people. Should you choose the ad-hoc feature, on top of the renewal fees, the bank has added an extra R199 for handling and delivery fees. Although consumers are blown away by how the new feature can save hours of queuing, the excessive fee is simply not sitting well with them. We take a look at the new feature.   

How Does It Work?

Should you use the ad-hoc vehicle license renewal, the process has been simplified to renew their license in a few easy steps.

  1. Scan the license with your smartphone
  2. Pay for the renewal using the in-app payment system
  3. The license disk will be delivered to your door

Convenient right? This seems like it is too good to be true! Well, there are several more features to this app that make it really appealing for customers! Well, there are several more features within the app that make it really appealing for customers! Should you choose the On-road PROTECT, the app includes the following services:

  • Renewal for up to five different licenses
  • Receive instant notifications of traffic infringements and instant payment options
  • Fine negotiation assistance, reducing the amount that you need to pay off
  • Vehicle Finance Management options
  • Licence disc renewal notifications
  • 24/7 bail assistance at roadblocks
  • Road Accident Fund claim assistance
  • Tyre repair claim assistance

What Has The Response Been?

While there are many really positive responses to the news, many have questioned the fee which seems a bit excessive. Many are blown away by the bank’s innovation and have praised the bank for being on the forefront of disrupting the industry. https://twitter.com/LKRawlins/status/872369858897481730 https://twitter.com/davydavez/status/868092417899212801 Others, however, are not as convinced about the service. https://twitter.com/chan_Nav/status/872491808122691585 In a comment on an article posted on Business Tech, one user questioned why the fee was so high to do the renewal.

“I would’ve jumped for this feature had it not been for that ridiculous R199 fee. I’d rather keep doing it the way I have been doing it for years. For the 6 years I owned my vehicle, I have only once received the renewal notice. So I just download and print the MVL form, fill it in and go to the post office to renew. Can’t say that I have ever waited longer than 15 minutes. I would’ve settled for a fee of R50 at most for the convenience of doing it via the app and saving me the time and effort, nothing more though…”

Are The Fees Outrageous?

For many, especially in this day and age of cutting costs, R199 is quite an expense for something that you can do yourself. Should you choose the On-Road PROTECT, which comprises of the R95 monthly fee, you will also be able to renew five different licenses.  This works out to R1 140 per year. The average car’s license costs around R276 to R303, depending on the weight and you will wait for an average of 1.5 hours to renew the license. This naturally depends on where you are, with some departments being quicker than others. There are various services that offer to do the renewal for you for a fee. Don’tQ, for example, who are based in Johannesburg, charge a fee of R285 to do the renewal for you. Should you need it to be delivered, however, that will be an extra R95. Bearing in mind, is the FNB app then outrageous? We contacted some courier services to find out just how much an envelope size package would cost to be couriered within the same town. DHL Express quoted R285.63 should the package be delivered from Cape Town City Center to Claremont. Postnet offers courier services of up to 5kgs, delivered in 2-3 days for R99. Postnet offers courier services of up to 5kgs, delivered in 2-3 days for R99. So, the question is, is this really excessive for a quick and easy service? Will other banks follow suit? And will they make the fees lower than the FNB?

Tax and Insurance in South Africa 2025

Tax and Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025

In South Africa, understanding the relationship between tax and insurance is essential for protecting your financial future and making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual, a freelancer, or a business owner, the smart use of insurance can help you reduce your tax liability and safeguard your assets.

Why Insurance Matters for Tax in South Africa

Insurance is more than just a safety net—it can also have a direct impact on your tax situation. From medical insurance to business insurance, certain premiums and policies may qualify for deductions or influence how you declare your income and expenses to SARS (the South African Revenue Service).

  • Tax Deductions: Certain insurance premiums, especially related to medical schemes and business cover, may offer tax advantages.
  • Asset Protection: Insurance helps manage risk, ensuring you’re financially secure when unexpected events occur.
  • Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a key role in reducing estate duty and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.

Types of Insurance and Their Tax Implications

1. Medical Insurance (Medical Schemes)

If you're contributing to a registered medical aid, you're entitled to a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC). This credit is a fixed amount per month for you and your dependents and reduces your overall tax liability.

2. Life Insurance

While life insurance pay-outs (on death) are generally not subject to income tax, they can be considered when calculating estate duty. Policies structured under a trust or with specific beneficiaries may help reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.

3. Short-Term Insurance (Vehicle, Home, Contents)

Personal short-term insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you use part of your home or vehicle for business, the portion of insurance premiums related to business use may be claimed as a business expense.

4. Business Insurance

For companies and self-employed individuals, business insurance premiums—such as professional indemnity, commercial property cover, or key person insurance—are usually tax-deductible as operating expenses.

5. Disability and Income Protection Insurance

The tax treatment of disability insurance changed in recent years. Payouts from income protection insurance are now generally taxed as income, but premiums are not tax-deductible. Understanding this shift is important when planning your cover.

Tax Tips to Maximise Your Insurance Benefits

  • Keep Detailed Records: Always keep documentation of insurance premiums, especially those linked to business or medical expenses.
  • Consult a Tax Practitioner: SARS regulations around insurance and tax can be complex. A registered tax advisor can help ensure you claim all available deductions correctly.
  • Review Policies Annually: Update your insurance portfolio regularly to ensure your cover aligns with your income, expenses, and current tax laws.
  • Use Structuring Wisely: For high-net-worth individuals, structuring life insurance policies within a trust can reduce estate duty exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tax and Insurance in South Africa

Q: Can I deduct life insurance premiums from my South African taxes?
A: No, life insurance premiums are generally not deductible. However, they may play a key role in estate planning.

Q: Are medical aid contributions tax-deductible?
A: Not exactly. Instead, you receive a Medical Tax Credit—a fixed monthly rebate that reduces your tax payable.

Q: Can I claim car insurance as a tax deduction?
A: Only if the vehicle is used for business purposes. You can claim the business-use portion of your vehicle insurance.

Q: Is business insurance tax-deductible in South Africa?
A: Yes. Business insurance premiums related to company operations are generally tax-deductible.

Final Thoughts

In South Africa, insurance isn't just about protection—it's a strategic tool for managing your tax liability, preserving wealth, and supporting long-term financial stability. Whether you’re reviewing your medical insurance, planning your estate, or choosing the right business insurance, it’s essential to understand how these choices affect your tax outcomes.

With the right advice and a well-structured insurance portfolio, you can reduce your tax bill while ensuring comprehensive protection for yourself, your family, or your business.