Checklists
What Documents You Need to Claim Car Insurance
By Sipho Dlamini · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Always needed
- Policy number, driving licence, SAPS case number
- Accident
- Photos, other driver's details, scene record
- Theft / hijack
- All keys, theft case number, registration papers
To claim car insurance in South Africa you generally need your policy number, your driving licence, the vehicle licence disc, the SAPS case or AR number, photos of the damage, and the other party's details if anyone else was involved. Having these ready up front is the single biggest thing that speeds up a claim.
The exact list varies by claim type - theft, accident or write-off - so this guide breaks it down so you do not get sent back for missing paperwork.
Gather what you can, lodge the claim within the policy's reporting window, and send extra documents as they come.
Documents needed for any claim
- Your policy number
- Your valid driving licence
- The vehicle licence disc (current)
- The SAPS case or AR number
- Your ID number and contact details
- Bank details for any payout
These form the backbone of every motor claim. Missing a current licence or disc is a common reason claims stall.
Extra documents for an accident claim
- Photos of the damage and the scene
- The other driver's name, ID, cell, reg and insurer
- Witness details, if any
- Your scene record (see our accident checklist)
- A repair quote, if you already have one
The more complete your scene record, the faster fault and cover are confirmed.
Extra documents for theft or hijacking
- The SAPS theft or hijacking case number
- All sets of keys and remotes
- The registration certificate
- Proof of any tracking device and the recovery report
- A statement of what happened
Insurers usually require every key to be handed in, and a missing key can delay or affect a theft claim.
Extra documents for a write-off
- The assessor's report (the insurer arranges this)
- The registration papers and roadworthy history
- A settlement letter from the bank if the car is financed
- Confirmation of your insured value basis
For a financed car, the bank is paid first from the payout; anything left goes to you (or shortfall cover covers a gap).
How to keep it organised
Create one folder (digital or physical) the moment something happens and drop everything in it:
- The scene record and photos.
- The SAPS case number.
- Your policy schedule.
- All emails and the claim number.
- A call log with names and dates.
A tidy file makes the difference if the claim is ever disputed or escalated to the Ombud.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to claim car insurance?
At minimum your policy number, valid driving licence, current vehicle licence disc, the SAPS case or AR number, ID and bank details. For accidents add photos and the other party's details; for theft add all keys and the theft case number.
Do I always need a SAPS case number?
For accidents involving another vehicle, injury, theft or hijacking, yes - insurers almost always require a case or AR number. For very minor single-vehicle damage some insurers waive it, but confirm with your policy before assuming.
What if I do not have all the documents yet?
Lodge the claim within the policy's reporting window anyway, then send outstanding documents as they come. Late notification is a bigger risk than incomplete paperwork - get the claim registered first, then complete the file.
Why do they want all my car keys for a theft claim?
Handing in every key and remote helps the insurer confirm the car was not given away or left accessible, and rules out certain fraud. A missing key can delay the claim or prompt extra questions, so account for all of them.
Do I need a repair quote before I claim?
Not usually - most insurers appoint their own assessor or send you to an approved panel beater. A quote helps you understand the scale, but never authorise repairs before the insurer approves, or you risk the claim.
What documents are needed to claim for a write-off?
The assessor's report (the insurer arranges it), the vehicle registration papers, and a bank settlement letter if the car is financed. The payout is based on your insured value basis, with the bank paid first on a financed car.
How do I prove the damage if I cleaned up the scene?
Photos taken at the scene are your strongest proof, which is why a full photo set matters. The SAPS case number, any witness details, CCTV or dashcam footage, and the assessor's inspection of the car also help establish what happened.
