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You could be the most vigilant person, and car theft could still happen to you. It is a common reality in our country.
Car theft remains a significant concern in South Africa, threatening not only personal property but also public safety, economic stability, and the livelihoods of individuals and businesses. With a car stolen approximately every 22 minutes in the country, the reality is dire and demands urgent and informed responses, by both individuals and insurers alike (SAPS Q1 Crime Statistics 2024).
Car Theft Landscape in South Africa
According to the South African Police Service, over 8,611 vehicles were stolen between April and June 2024, averaging nearly 96 stolen vehicles daily. Gauteng leads as the highest-risk province, accounting for 52% of reported thefts. Within Gauteng, theft hotspots include Brooklyn, Honeydew, and Krugersdorp. KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape following closely behind.
Most Targeted Vehicles For Car Theft:
- High-theft brands: Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford
- Primary targets: Popular sedans, bakkies, and SUVs due to ease of resale and demand for parts
Your Stolen Car Is Being Sold In Parts:
Organised crime syndicates can dismantle a vehicle within 20 to 30 minutes, stripping engines, airbags, electronics, wheels, and other components for rapid distribution through black-market channels. Stolen parts are often sold to informal workshops or online platforms, making recovery and prosecution difficult (Tracker SA).
Cartrack’s Insights on Car Theft To Put It All Into Perspective
Cartrack reports that approximately 60 hijackings occur daily in South Africa, with over 70% happening in residential driveways. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of vigilance even in seemingly safe environments.
Insurance Requirements and Recommendations on Navigating Securing Your Vehicle for a Successful Claim If Theft Happens
Due to the increased risk, insurers are tightening underwriting requirements to protect policyholders and reduce exposure.
Key requirements often include:
Common Security Requirements (as per policy wordings from major insurers):
- Approved tracking devices with early-warning functionality (e.g., Beame, Matrix, Tracker, Netstar)
- Secondary immobilisers or remote kill switches
- Anti-hijacking devices (particularly for high-value vehicles)
- Secure overnight parking at a locked garage or behind a locked gate
- Regular updates of vehicle usage and driver details
Some examples of wording requirements:
- Insurer 1 requires that insured vehicles fitted with alarm or tracking devices must have them in full working order for theft cover to apply.
- Insurer 2 specifies that theft claims will be denied if the vehicle’s security system is not operational at the time of loss or if keys are left in the vehicle or accessible to unauthorised persons.
- Insurer 3 enforces cover suspensions during unoccupied periods or if agreed risk-prevention conditions (e.g., tracker installation) are breached.
- Insurer 4 requires vehicles valued over R400,000 to be equipped with an active tracking device from policy inception. Failure to install or maintain a tracker can result in rejection of theft-related claims.
Practical Safety Strategies for Individuals and Businesses
To reduce exposure, drivers and fleet operators should:
- Invest in layered security systems, combining alarms, immobilisers, and tracking.
- Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight inside parked vehicles.
- Always park in well-lit, secured areas and engage steering locks in public spaces.
- Utilise Faraday pouches to block keyless relay signals.
- Ensure drivers are trained on hijack prevention tactics, especially for delivery fleets.
Compliance with Policy Condition Make Or Break a Successful Claim
Failure to comply with specific security and usage declarations can lead to claim rejection. Policyholders must:
- Disclose the correct risk address
- Keep declared security features operational
- Report vehicle changes or additions promptly
- Maintain up-to-date tracking service subscriptions
Non-compliance examples:
- Claim denial due to the vehicle being stolen from a non-disclosed overnight address
- Denied theft claim when tracking was inactive due to unpaid subscription
Optional Cover to Support Business Continuity In The Event Of Theft:
Business clients reliant on commercial vehicles should consider adding additional cover to their policies:
- Car hire following theft or hijacking (LDV or SUV class where applicable)
- Goods in Transit cover for high-value equipment or inventory
Vehicle theft in South Africa is an evolving risk, creating cause for a proactive and compliant approach to security. We advise all clients to review their current cover, understand their policy obligations, and ensure that all insurer requirements are being met. Proactivity in prevention and compliance is not only good risk management but essential for claim certainty in today’s high-risk environment.
For assistance reviewing your policy, assessing your current vehicle risk profile, or upgrading security features to meet insurer conditions, contact us at Garden Route Insurance Brokers (GRIB).
Give Us A Call : 044 382 0550
