Yes — but only if you have comprehensive car insurance. Hijacking is covered as standard on most South African comprehensive policies. Third-party fire and theft and third-party only policies do not cover hijacking.
What comprehensive insurance covers for hijacking
A standard comprehensive policy in South Africa will cover the loss of your vehicle in a hijacking — typically at retail or market value, less your excess. Most policies treat hijacking the same as theft: if your vehicle is not recovered within 30 days (or the period specified in your policy), the insurer will settle at the agreed or market value.
Check your policy schedule for two specific terms:
- Defined event: Confirm that "hijacking" or "carjacking" is listed as a covered event. Most SA comprehensive policies include it explicitly.
- Unoccupied vehicle proviso: Some policies distinguish between a vehicle being taken while occupied by you (hijacking) versus being stolen while unattended (theft). Both are typically covered under comprehensive, but the excess structures may differ.
Tracking device conditions
Many South African insurers require a tracking device as a condition of comprehensive cover — particularly for higher-risk vehicles such as bakkies, SUVs, and premium sedans. If your policy requires a tracker and your vehicle is hijacked without one installed, the insurer may reduce or reject the claim.
Check your policy schedule: it will list any security conditions (immobiliser, tracker, gear lock) that are required for theft and hijacking cover to apply. These are often listed under "general conditions" or "security requirements."
What is typically not covered
- Personal belongings in the vehicle at the time of hijacking (covered separately under a specified items or all-risks extension)
- Cash, cards, or valuables left in the vehicle
- Accessories not specifically listed on the policy schedule
- Damage to the vehicle during the hijacking (this is usually covered — but confirm with your insurer)
What to do if you are hijacked
Your safety is the only priority. Do not resist. Once you are safe:
- Report the hijacking to SAPS immediately and obtain a case number — your insurer will require this
- Contact your tracking company (Tracker, Netstar, or similar) to alert them and activate vehicle location services
- Notify your insurer within the timeframe specified in your policy (usually 24–48 hours)
- Submit your claim documentation: SAPS case number, your ID, driver's licence, and policy details
Does hijacking affect your future premium?
Yes — a hijacking claim is treated as a major claim and will affect your claims history. Expect a premium increase at the next renewal and a reset of any no-claims discount. The increase varies by insurer but is typically 15–35% in the year following a hijacking claim.
This is another reason to compare quotes at every renewal: the premium increase post-claim is applied unilaterally by your current insurer, but a competitor may price your post-claim profile more competitively.