You park your car. You double-check the locks. You walk away, feeling confident it’ll be there when you get back. But sometimes, it’s not.
The fact is that car theft and hi-jacking are still serious problems in South Africa, and if your insurance doesn’t include cover for theft or write-off, the shock won’t just be losing your car. It’ll be realising you now have to pay for something you no longer own. Eish.
Let’s help you avoid that.
You don’t just lose your wheels… You could lose money, too
It’s easy to think it won’t happen to you, especially if you’ve got a tracker, a secure garage, and good habits. But if your insurance excludes theft and write-off, you could be left with a hefty financial burden when your car disappears.
This is especially harsh if the car is still being financed. Without the right cover, you’re stuck repaying a loan for a car you no longer have. It’s a financial blow that few peeps in Mzansi are prepared for.
So… What are the actual risks?
They’re bigger than you think. Between January and March 2025, the SAPS recorded over 4,500 hi-jackings, which works out to more than 1,500 per month. Yoh! And that’s just hi-jackings, not even considering theft when you’re not in your car.
Even if your area feels safe, theft is often opportunistic. Long weekends, busy parking lots, and late-night events can quickly turn dreams into nightmares with high risk.
Theft and write-off insurance: What it includes
Not everyone needs or wants comprehensive insurance, especially if your car is parked at home most of the time or if you rarely drive long distances. Theft and write-off insurance offers essential protection for worst-case scenarios without the extra cost of full cover.
It covers your car if it’s:
- Stolen or hi-jacked.
- Written off after an accident.
- Damaged beyond the point of repair (aka uneconomical to fix).
If your car can’t be repaired, you’ll get a payout based on your insured value, just like with other types of car insurance (except for agreed value, where we agree on your insured value together).
Who this kind of insurance is for
This type of policy is a smart fit if:
- You work from home (lucky fish) and don’t use your car often.
- You park in a secure garage or complex.
- You’d rather self-fund smaller dings and scrapes but want protection for the big stuff.
- Your car isn’t financed (if it is, your finance house likely requires comprehensive insurance).
It’s about matching your insurance to your real-world needs, without overpaying for things you’ll never claim for. Life’s already expensive…
Still, prevention is better than payout
Even with theft and write-off insurance, keeping your car safe should be the priority (we live in Mzansi after all). A few smart habits can lower your risk:
- Never leave valuables in plain sight. That’s just asking for trouble.
- Always lock your car, even for ‘just a minute’.
- Avoid high-risk areas, especially after dark.
- Invest in a good tracking system.
- Tell your insurer if your parking situation changes.
Last word
Losing your car is no walk in the park (or maybe it is?). Losing your car and your money? That’s avoidable. Theft and write-off insurance gives you a financial safety net when the worst happens, so you’re not left stranded (in the park).
If you’re not sure whether your policy includes this protection, take 5 minutes and check now. You can manage your policy online here. It’s better to find out today than when it’s too late.
Click here to get a commitment-free quote for car insurance (whichever type you choose) with affordable premiums, amazing service, and roadside assist to help you. We’ve got your back!