What is AVBOB?

What is AVBOB mutual society?

AVBOB is Africa’s largest mutual assurance society, owned by its policyholders. Because it is not listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, AVBOB is not a public company. Profits are returned to members through free benefits, bonuses, and improved services, prioritizing members over shareholder dividends.

AVBOB operates under the Mutual Societies Act, which emphasizes member protection and regulatory compliance. The organization has three divisions:

1. Insurance for funeral policies.
2. Funeral services are provided at over 160 parlors nationwide.
3. Manufacturing of coffins and other funeral necessities.

What is the purpose of AVBOB?

AVBOB’s core purpose is to provide hope to South African families through affordable, dignified funeral solutions and mutual value reinvestment. It addresses the fear of expensive funerals and ensures every individual receives respect in death.

What is the AVBOB vision and mission

Vision

They aim to be South Africa’s most trusted mutual provider of funeral and financial solutions.

Mission

• Put members first at all times.
• Deliver affordable and accessible funeral cover.
• Maintain financial strength and sustainability.
• Uphold dignity, compassion, and service excellence.

What makes AVBOB different from a listed company in South Africa?

AVBOB’s structure and purpose set it apart from most listed companies in South Africa, particularly those found on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

Unlike companies listed on the JSE, AVBOB is accountable to its more than 2.1 million members.

The key differences between the JSE and AVBOB stem from who owns the organization, how profits are used, and the basis on which decisions are made.

Member-Owned vs. Shareholder-Owned

AVBOB operates as a mutual society, meaning it is owned by its members, who are typically the policyholders.

In contrast, JSE-listed companies, including insurance companies like Old Mutual and Sanlam, prioritize shareholder returns and often distribute profits to investors in the form of dividends.

Profit Distribution

A mutual company like AVBOB reinvests surplus profits back into member value rather than distributing them to shareholders.

In listed firms, profits are used for share price appreciation and payments to investors, and they may prioritize short-term financial metrics.

Long-Term Purpose vs. Market Performance

Listed companies often balance profitability for shareholders with service delivery for customers. They are under pressure to deliver quarterly performance.

AVBOB’s mutual model supports a long-term focus on member well-being, community stability, and sustainable service delivery.

Shared Value Culture

AVBOB fosters a culture of shared value and belonging — when the society performs well, members collectively benefit.

JSE-listed companies, on the other hand, report to a smaller group of investors and balance quarterly pressures.

What Does AVBOB do?

AVBOB is one of South Africa’s most recognized funeral insurance and service providers, operating as a mutual assurance society. It serves urban centres and rural communities and handles all aspects of end-of-life arrangements.

1. Funeral Insurance and Coverage

AVBOB offers funeral insurance policies – covering yourself, your spouse, children, and other family members.

1. The Cashback Funeral Plan gives you back a year’s worth of premiums in cash if you have five claim-free years.
2. Some plans include an Accidental Death Benefit, which means the payout may be higher if the death is caused by an accident.
3. The Breadwinner Benefit allows the policy to stay active for dependents without extra premiums if the main policyholder passes away.

2. Funeral Planning and Arrangements

AVBOB has funeral homes and agents across the country who help arrange and provide funeral services.

1. Funeral arrangements tailored to cultural and personal needs.
2. Many insurance plans also include arrangements for a coffin and hearse.
3. If AVBOB handles the funeral, they can also provide extras like transporting the deceased within South Africa, catering, memorial books, tents, and chairs.

3. Member-Centric Financial Benefits

As a mutual society, AVBOB gives its members extra financial benefits, including:

1. Cashback premium plans every five years.
2. Members can also get rewards, bonus payments, and special benefit programs for long-term membership.
3. If the insured person passes away, covered family members receive financial protection.

4. Support Services and Member Care

AVBOB also helps families with administrative tasks during difficult times, not just with the funeral itself:

1. Assistance in obtaining relevant death documents.
2. They offer emotional support resources and guidance.
3. Families can easily access policy information and track claims.

What is the benefit of being a member of AVBOB?

For South African families, joining AVBOB means more than simply signing up for a funeral policy — it provides them with a range of financial, service-based, and long-term benefits that protect you and your family when you need it most.

Shared Value Through Profit-Sharing Benefits

One of the greatest benefits of AVBOB membership is the opportunity to share in the Society’s profits. AVBOB may distribute a portion of its surplus to members through special bonus programs such as the 65Alive Cash Benefit – a cash bonus paid when an eligible policyholder turns 65, provided the policy has been active for a specified period.

Enhanced Funeral Benefits

AVBOB members receive free funeral benefits, especially when the funeral is conducted through AVBOB Funeral Service, significantly increasing the total value you or your family receives at the time of claim.

A basic funeral service benefit – potentially worth thousands of Rands – includes: immediate cash assistance for funeral expenses, discounts on tombstones, cremation or aquamation, and free transportation of the deceased within South Africa.

These free benefits have grown over time, demonstrating AVBOB’s commitment to member value.

Member Rewards and Everyday Value

AVBOB’s member rewards program gives members more than just funeral cover. It also includes special partnerships and offers designed for everyday needs.

Financial Security and Peace of Mind

As an AVBOB member, you get reliable, guaranteed policy benefits. This safety net helps cover funeral costs and related expenses.

You receive short-term financial relief from enhanced policy features, along with long-term benefits like profit-sharing cash bonuses. Together, these offer emotional reassurance and help you plan your finances, especially when times are uncertain.

Community Trust and Nationwide Support

AVBOB is one of South Africa’s oldest mutual societies and has strong ties to local communities. Members have access to funeral service offices across the country, a brand people trust, and a company that puts people first.

What is the age limit for AVBOB?

AVBOB policies cover from birth to 65 and over for pensioners, with options like the Pensioner Plan staying active lifelong if premiums continue. Family plans extend to parents-in-law and relatives.

How much does AVBOB pay out?

AVBOB offers payouts starting at R5,000 and going above R50,000, depending on your policy and premium. For instance, you can get cover from as little as R46 per month for up to R50,000. Policies also come with free loyalty benefits, like R3,000 cash paid upfront.

How to be a member of AVBOB online?

To become an AVBOB member, you need to buy a qualifying funeral policy. You can apply for one online at avbob.co.za.

How to Apply for a Policy Online?

You can join AVBOB by buying one of their funeral insurance policies or another product that qualifies.

To sign up, fill in your details like your ID number, contact information, and policy choices. Make sure JavaScript is turned on in your browser.

How ONE AVBOB Connect Self Service Works?

After your policy is approved and activated, you become a member. You can then use your policy number to register and log in to the Self-Service Portal at #Selfservice.avbob.co.za.

Complete the verification step, such as entering the OTP sent to your phone, and submit it to finish registering on the Service Portal. Once you are verified, you will have access to the Self-Service dashboard.

After you register on the Service Portal, you can choose to join the free Member Rewards program. This lets you manage your policy and enjoy extra benefits.

Best AVBOB Funeral Cover for SASSA Beneficiaries

If you or your family get a SASSA grant, like an old-age pension or disability grant, and you want reliable funeral cover in South Africa, it’s important to find a plan that is affordable, offers good benefits, and is easy to qualify for, even if you don’t have proof of income.

These are some of the top AVBOB funeral cover options for SASSA beneficiaries:

• AVBOB Cashback Funeral Cover
• AVBOB Pensioner Funeral Plan
• Extended Family Funeral Cover

What is AVBOB’s self-service?

Self-service is AVBOB’s online customer portal, called ONE AVBOB Connect Self Service. You can register and access your account 24/7 using your policy details.

With Self Service, you can quickly check and update your policy details online, get important notices, and redeem rewards from the free tier program.

What are the benefits of AVBOB’s online self-service account?

1. You can see information about your current AVBOB funeral or life insurance policies, such as the policy status, coverage amount, and what benefits are included.
2. You can update your contact details like your phone number, email, or address. This helps AVBOB send you updates about your benefits and bonuses.
3. As a policyholder, you can check if you qualify for the Policyholder Rewards Program, sign up for it, and claim your benefits.

How to submit funeral insurance claims via the AVBOB app? – 4 Phases

The AVBOB funeral claim process via app – it’s got 4 main stages that you’ll need to navigate.

Phase 1: Notification and Claim Reporting

When someone passes away, you’ll want to get in touch with AVBOB as soon as possible. Call their 24-hour number (0861 28 26 21), pop into a branch, get in touch with a local agent or use their online self-service. They’ll help sort out getting the deceased to a funeral home – which is obviously a top priority.

Phase 2: Document Submission

You’ll need to start collecting the bits and bobs of paperwork: the death certificate (DHA-1663), the claim form, the deceased’s and your own ID, a medical certificate and the beneficiary’s banking details for when the payment comes through. AVBOB can even help out with sorting out the death registration at Home Affairs if you need a hand.

Phase 3: Processing and Verification

Send all the documents over to AVBOB and they will get to work on processing the claim. They’ll keep you updated via SMS as to how things are going and will give you a shout on private numbers to verify a few things – just make sure you take the call. They will be checking the policy status, waiting period, cause of death, who’s been named as the beneficiary and all the documents to make sure everything adds up.

Phase 4: Claim Decision and Payment

Once the claim has been ticked off as approved, the beneficiary will get the payment for the funeral from AVBOB – or a cash payment if that’s what you opted for, all within 48 hours.

How long does AVBOB take to payout a claim?

Once your documents are verified, AVBOB can process your payment within 24 to 48 hours. If any documents are missing or more verifications are needed, the payment might take a bit longer.

What happens if my claim is taking too long?

If your AVBOB claim takes longer than the usual 48 hours to process after you submit your documents, it could be because some documents are missing, there are validation issues, or the policyholder’s information is outdated.

What types of funeral cover does AVBOB offer?

AVBOB sells a range of funeral cover options in South Africa through its Mutual Funeral Assurance policy. These plans are designed to meet the needs of groups and employers.

Cashback Funeral Plan: This policy offers cover up to R50,000 and a cashback payment every five claim-free years. This includes free basic funeral services, transportation, and an immediate cash benefit if AVBOB conducts the funeral.

Standard/Individual Funeral Cover: Individuals choose their preferred cover level, which typically includes R3,000 instant cash and a free funeral service up to R23,500.

Pensioner Funeral Plan: Designed for people aged 65 and over, this plan offers lifetime coverage, free basic funeral arrangements up to R13,303, transportation, and an immediate cash benefit.

Extended Family Funeral Cover: This plan covers you and up to six members of your family, including spouse, children, parents, siblings, or in-laws.

Employer/Group Funeral Scheme: This group plan is designed for employers or organisations and provides cover for employees and their families.

What is the purpose of AVBOB funeral in South Africa?

This ensures affordable dignity amidst rising costs (averaging R40,000), protecting families from debt during a time of grief.

AVBOB funeral cover and funeral services in South Africa aim to provide individuals and families with financial security, peace of mind, and support during a very difficult time. Specifically, AVBOB funeral cover aims to:

Cover funeral costs like the coffin, transport, and mortuary fees, up to R50,000, to give families financial security.

Take care of all the details for a respectful, stress-free funeral, from mortuary care to the ceremony, so families can focus on grieving instead of planning.

Provide both emotional and practical support, helping members with everything from paperwork to the burial or cremation.

Promote social upliftment through cooperation, with AVBOB sharing its profits with policyholders in the form of added value.

What is the benefit of AVBOB funeral cover?

AVBOB Funeral Cover offers more than a death benefit payment.

Comprehensive Financial Security

Funeral cover provides a lump-sum payment, ensuring the burden of funeral and related expenses does not fall on your loved ones.

Free Funeral Benefits in Addition to the Payout

AVBOB provides free basic funeral benefits, including funeral arrangements, a coffin, R3,000 for essential expenses not covered by the policy, free transportation of the deceased within South Africa, and a R3,000 discount on a tombstone, cremation, or aquamation.

Cashback and Loyalty Rewards

If you remain claim-free for five years, you get your fifth year’s premium back as a loyalty reward.

Breadwinner and Premium Protection Benefits

AVBOB’s cover supports families beyond the policyholder. If the main policyholder, usually the breadwinner, passes away, the policy continues for dependents without extra premiums.

If the premium payer is retrenched, AVBOB can suspend payments for up to six months to keep the cover active.

Accidental Death Benefits

Many AVBOB funeral plans include double cover for accidental death, so the payout can double if the policyholder dies in an accident, providing families with extra security.

Practical and Emotional Support

Funeral planning involves more than finances. AVBOB often assists with administrative needs, such as obtaining documents, coordinating logistics and handling other details. This reduces stress during a difficult time.

Family-Focused Flexibility

AVBOB policies allow the inclusion of multiple family members, from spouses and children to parents and other relatives, providing comprehensive protection for the entire family under one plan.

Which funeral cover does not have a waiting period?

Pensioner cashback plans, children’s funeral cover, and some policies for accidental death provide immediate coverage without a waiting period.

Does AVBOB refund money?

Yes! AVBOB can give a refund in some situations.

• If you do not make any claims for five years in a row, AVBOB will pay you back the value of one year’s premium in cash as a cashback benefit. This money is paid straight to you.
• If you cancel your funeral policy soon after starting it, within the 30-day cooling-off period, you can usually get back the premiums you paid as long as you have not made a claim.
• If you meet the age and membership requirements for certain benefit programs like 65Alive, you can get a bonus cash payment from AVBOB.

What is the minimum cost of a funeral in the South Africa?

According to Finmark Trust, a basic funeral costs about R40,000. In comparison, AVBOB’s basic funeral benefits package is typically priced at R15,000.

What is the cheapest funeral I can have in South Africa?

The most affordable funeral option from AVBOB is the basic funeral benefit, which comes with many of their funeral plans and is arranged by AVBOB Funeral Service.

This standard cover pays for a basic funeral, including the coffin, hearse, transport, and arrangements, without any extras. It offers dignity and affordability during a difficult time.

What is the most expensive part of a funeral?

The most expensive part of a traditional funeral is usually the coffin, followed by transportation and cemetery costs, which include the plot, grave lining, and opening/closing fees, or professional funeral home service fees.

Extras like catering and premium coffins can quickly escalate the cost from manageable to expensive.

Can I pay for my own funeral with AVBOB funeral policy?

No, you cannot pay AVBOB in advance to secure a specific funeral date or service.

If your policy only offers a cash benefit and not a funeral service benefit, AVBOB will not arrange or manage the funeral services.

If your AVBOB policy pays out cash instead of providing funeral services, you can use that money to pay any funeral home you choose.

How to borrow money from funeral policy?

No! You cannot borrow money against your AVBOB funeral policy.

Why You Can’t Borrow from a Funeral Policy? Funeral policies are risk-based insurance products, not savings or investment accounts. The benefit is only paid upon death, so you cannot withdraw, borrow against, or take an advance on your policy while you are alive.

What is the WhatsApp number for AVBOB?

AVBOB’s official WhatsApp business number is 087 153 1049, used for customer support via their chatbot.

You can send messages there for general inquiries like:

• Policy questions
• Claim inquiries
• Funeral service support

Other AVBOB Contact Options (If WhatsApp doesn’t work for different needs and queries)

📞 AVBOB Customer Care Toll-Free: 0861 28 26 21

📞 Head Office Phone: +27 12 303 1000

✉ General Email: [email protected]

As a pensioner, which AVBOB funeral policy can I buy?

✔ Pensioner Funeral Plan: funeral cover designed for people aged 65 and older, including free funeral services and a cash payout.

✔ Group funeral plans offer special rates for pensioner groups through associations or similar organizations.

✔ Additional benefits may become available as members get older, such as bonus payouts for long-term membership.