Does Car Insurance Cover Theft and Hijacking?

Comprehensive and third party, fire and theft cover both pay out if your car is stolen or hijacked, subject to your excess. Third party only does not cover the loss of your own car. Given that vehicle crime is a real risk in South Africa, this is one of the most important things to get right when you choose cover.

Does car insurance cover theft?

Yes, if you have comprehensive or third party, fire and theft cover, your car is covered against theft, less your excess. Third party only does not cover theft of your own vehicle. Insurers usually require the car to have been reasonably secured and any required tracking device fitted and working.

Does insurance cover hijacking?

Yes, hijacking is covered under comprehensive and third party, fire and theft cover, in the same way as theft. You will need to report it to the police, get a case number and notify your insurer promptly.

Does insurance cover attempted hijacking or smash-and-grab?

Damage to your car from an attempted hijacking or a smash-and-grab, such as broken windows or bodywork, is normally covered under comprehensive cover as accidental or glass damage. Confirm the glass and accidental-damage terms in your own policy.

Does insurance cover belongings stolen from your vehicle?

Usually not under your car policy. Your car insurance covers the vehicle, not the personal items inside it. A laptop, phone or bag stolen from the car is normally claimed under your home contents or all-risks cover, not your motor policy. This is a common and costly misunderstanding, so check where your belongings are actually covered.

Which cars are most frequently stolen or hijacked?

According to current reporting based on Fidelity ADT data, frequently targeted models include the VW Polo and Polo Vivo, Hyundai Grand i10, Nissan Almera, Toyota Quantum, Hyundai Venue, Suzuki Ertiga and Nissan NP200, largely because of their prevalence and demand for parts. Tracker's Vehicle Crime Index for July to December 2024 found vehicle crime split about 56% hijacking and 44% theft nationally. See our most stolen cars guide.

How theft risk affects your premium

The higher the theft and hijacking risk of your car and area, the higher your premium. Based on Savvy Insurance quote data, that is part of why Gauteng averages about R1,364 a month against R975 in the Western Cape.

Why do insurers require tracking devices?

Because a tracker improves the chance of recovery and lowers the risk. In higher-risk areas many insurers require an approved, working tracker as a condition of cover.

What if your tracker is not working?

It can affect a theft claim. Some policies apply an additional theft excess if a required tracking device was not fitted or working when the car was stolen and not recovered. Keep your tracker active and its subscription current.

What to do immediately after a theft or hijacking

Get to safety, report it to the police and get a case number, then notify your insurer as soon as possible and follow their claims process. Make sure your cover is right before you ever need it.

Figures are Savvy Insurance quote data unless a third party is named. Cover depends on your policy schedule and wording, premiums are risk-profile dependent and paid monthly, and Savvy Insurance is a comparison service. Always check your own policy documents for exactly what is and is not covered.

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