It’s easy to think car theft won’t happen to you. Maybe you live in a secure complex, have a tracking device, and always park in well-lit areas. But car theft and hi-jacking are still an everyday reality in South Africa, and if your car disappears, the real shock could come later… When you realise you’re not covered for theft or write-off.
Let’s change that.
You could lose more than just your car
We get it. No 1 wants to pay more for cover they might never use. But here’s the thing… If your car gets stolen or written off and your insurance doesn’t include theft, you’ll be left footing the bill for a car you no longer have. And if you still owe money on your stolen car, that’s a bill you’ll have to foot.
That’s a double blow most people can’t afford.
The stats don’t lie
It might sound dramatic, but the truth is that if you drive in South Africa, you’re at risk of having your car stolen. The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported 4,533 hijackings between January and March 2025 alone. That’s slightly down from the previous year, but it’s still more than 1,500 incidents every month. So yes, the risk is real.
What ‘theft and write-off’ cover actually includes
We like to keep things on the simple side, so let’s give you top notes of this policy. Basically, we designed our theft and write-off cover for people who want solid protection without the higher premiums of comprehensive cover. And yes, if your car is never recovered or too damaged to fix, we’ll pay out an amount based on your policy terms, whether that’s market value, trade, or agreed value.
To put it in shorter terms, so you can get an idea of what this policy covers you for, take a gander at these points.
The king’s theft and write-off insurance covers your car if it is:
- Stolen.
- Hi-jacked.
- Written off after an accident.
- Damaged beyond the point of economical repair.
What’s the difference between this and comprehensive
Comprehensive car insurance includes theft, write-off, accidental damage, hail, fire, and more. It’s the Full Monty of car insurance policies, but not everyone needs that level of cover. That’s where our theft and write-off cover steps in, giving you the option to get protection against the worst-case scenarios, without paying for extras you may not want or need.
So, it’s ideal if you work from home and don’t drive often, or if your car is parked securely most of the time. It’s also worth considering if you’re willing (and able) to handle smaller repairs yourself and just want peace of mind in case your car disappears.
Ultimately, if your car isn’t financed (which means you’re obligated to get comprehensive over) and you want less expensive cover, then this could be the policy for you.
A few quick tips to reduce your theft risk
Even with great cover (and boy, do we offer great cover), prevention is key. Here’s what we suggest:
- Always lock your car, even at petrol stations.
- Don’t leave valuables visible inside your car.
- Install a tracking device if you haven’t already.
- Avoid hi-jacking hotspots, especially at night.
- Update your policy if your parking arrangements change.
Our advice
Check your policy. Right now. Does it include theft and write-off? If not, and you’d like to make a change, we’re just a WhatsApp away. You can hit us up on 0860 50 50 50 or click here for a commitment-free quote.
Because if your car is stolen or written off tomorrow, we want you to be covered. No surprises, no drama. That’s not something any of us want to deal with… Ever.
FAQs
1. Does theft and write-off cover include hi-jackings?
Yes. If your car is hi-jacked and not recovered, or recovered in a written-off state, you’re covered.
2. Will I get the full value of my car back if it’s stolen?
That depends on your policy terms. We’ll pay out based on the insured value (market, trade, or agreed).
3. How is this different from comprehensive insurance?
Theft and write-off cover excludes things like accidental damage and weather-related claims. It focuses only on major loss events.
4. Can I switch from comprehensive to theft and write-off?
Absolutely. Just chat to us and we’ll help adjust your cover based on your needs.
5. What if my car is stolen and later recovered?
If your car is recovered, but damaged or written off, we’ll sort your claim out.