Does car insurance cover theft & hijacking?
Does car insurance cover theft and hijacking?
Comprehensive car insurance and third-party, fire and theft both cover the theft or hijacking of your car - third-party only does not. Given South Africa's theft and hijacking rates, most insurers require an approved tracking device, and a claim can be rejected if security conditions weren't met. You'll pay your excess on a theft claim, and the payout is based on the car's insured value.
Key takeaways
- Comprehensive and third-party, fire & theft cover theft and hijacking.
- Third-party only does not cover theft of your own car.
- Most insurers require an approved tracker because of theft rates.
- Not meeting security conditions can get a theft claim rejected.
- Theft payouts are based on the car's insured (usually retail or market) value.
Which cover pays for theft?
Comprehensive and third-party, fire and theft both cover the theft or hijacking of your car. Third-party only covers damage you cause to others, not theft of your own vehicle.
Why a tracker usually matters
Because vehicle theft and hijacking are common in South Africa, insurers often require an approved tracking device on higher-risk cars, and it can lower your premium. If your policy requires a tracker (or an alarm or garaging) and the condition wasn't met, a theft claim can be turned down.
How a theft claim works
Report the theft to the police for a case number, then to your insurer. Once approved, the payout is based on your car's insured value, minus your excess. If the car is financed, the payout usually settles the finance first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my car covered if it's hijacked?
Do I need a tracker for theft cover?
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