With lockdowns and curfews firmly in the rear-view mirror, South Africans are spending more time on the road again. Unfortunately, increased mobility also means increased exposure to vehicle crime — particularly hijackings.
The good news? With the right cover and a clear understanding of how your policy works, you can protect yourself financially and avoid nasty surprises if the worst happens.
This guide breaks down what South African motorists need to know about hijacking, insurance cover, tracking devices, and what happens if your car isn’t recovered — in plain language, without the jargon.
Vehicle crime remains a serious concern across the country. According to the Tracker Vehicle Crime Index (July–December 2024), hijackings now account for 56% of all vehicle crime incidents, overtaking theft at 44% nationally.
This reflects a sustained shift towards more violent vehicle crime, particularly in high-traffic urban areas and major commuting routes.
This reality makes it more important than ever to ensure your car insurance and security requirements are correctly set up before an incident occurs.
In most cases, yes — but only if you have the right type of cover.
Comprehensive car insurance
Comprehensive cover typically includes:
If your vehicle is hijacked and not recovered, a comprehensive policy usually pays out according to your policy’s insured value, provided all policy conditions were met.
Third Party, Fire & Theft
This option generally covers:
However, it does not cover damage to your own car from an accident unrelated to theft or hijacking.
Choosing the right cover isn’t just about price — it’s about how much financial risk you’re prepared to carry.
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of car insurance.
Items such as:
are usually not automatically covered under your car insurance.
These items typically fall under portable possessions cover, which is linked to your home insurance policy, not your car policy.
High-value items often need to be specified individually to ensure they’re insured outside the home and inside your vehicle.
Tip: Always check whether valuables left in your car are covered — especially if they’re visible or stored overnight.
In many cases, yes.
Insurers often require a tracking or recovery device as part of their minimum security requirements, particularly for:
According to guidance from the FAIS Ombud, failing to meet these security requirements — or allowing a tracking device to lapse or malfunction — can result in a claim being rejected.
What this means for motorists
Always confirm your insurer’s specific tracking requirements — they differ from policy to policy.
If your vehicle is hijacked, taking the right steps early can make a big difference:
Having your paperwork and security requirements in order can help avoid delays and disputes during the claims process.
If your vehicle is declared permanently lost, your payout is usually based on the insured value stated in your policy. This could be:
Your excess will usually be deducted from the final settlement. Mileage, condition and service history may also influence the assessment.
Understanding which value applies to your policy is essential — especially when budgeting for a replacement vehicle.
Hijacking is traumatic enough without the added stress of financial uncertainty. The best protection comes from:
At Miway, insurance is about giving you clarity, confidence and control — so you can focus on what matters most.
