Car Insurance Claim Checklist: What You Need to Claim

What do you need to claim car insurance in South Africa? A fast, successful claim comes down to having the right information ready: your policy details, clear photos, the other parties' details, a police case number where required, and repair quotes. This is the checklist to gather it all. For the full step-by-step claim process, see our guide on how to claim car insurance.

What documents do you need to claim car insurance?

Have these ready when you lodge a claim:

• Your policy number and policy schedule
• Your ID and driver's licence
• The date, time and place of the incident
• A clear description of what happened
• Photos of the damage and the scene
• The other parties' details (name, contact, ID, licence, vehicle and insurer)
• Witness names and contact details, if any
• A police case number, where one is required
• Repair quotes from approved workshops

The more complete this list is when you call, the faster the claim moves.

What photos should you take at the scene?

Take more than you think you need: wide shots showing the position of the vehicles, close-ups of all the damage on every vehicle, the number plates, the road and weather conditions, and any skid marks or debris. Photograph from several angles while everything is still in place, because you cannot go back for them later.

When do you need a police case number?

For theft, hijacking, malicious damage, and any accident involving injury or another vehicle, you typically need to report to the police and get a case number, which your insurer will ask for. For a minor single-vehicle knock a case number may not be required, but confirm with your insurer rather than assuming.

What information do you need from the other driver?

Exchange full name and contact number, ID number, driver's licence, the vehicle make, model and registration, and their insurer and policy details if they will share them. Stick to exchanging details and do not admit fault at the scene, because responsibility is for the insurers and assessors to determine.

How soon must you report the claim?

As soon as possible, and within the reporting window in your policy. Late reporting is one of the most common reasons claims are delayed or rejected, so make the call early even if you are still gathering documents. See why car insurance claims get rejected for the other pitfalls to avoid.

Quick recap before you lodge

Policy details, your ID and licence, photos of the damage and scene, the other party's details, a police case number where needed, and repair quotes. With those in hand, follow the full step-by-step claim process and pay your excess to get the repair moving.

The bottom line

A car insurance claim succeeds or stalls on the information you bring to it. Gather your policy details, photos, the other party's details, a case number and quotes, and report promptly. Compare cover that makes claiming straightforward.

Cover depends on your policy schedule and wording, and Savvy Insurance is a comparison service. Always refer to your own policy documents for exactly what is and is not covered.

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