Checklists
Car Theft and Hijacking Claim Checklist
By Sipho Dlamini · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- First
- Report to the SAPS, get a theft case number
- Insurer
- Notify the same day; hand in all keys
- Covered by
- Comprehensive or third party fire & theft
If your car is stolen or hijacked, report it to the SAPS immediately to get a theft case number, notify your insurer the same day, and be ready to hand in all keys and the registration papers - these are the steps that get a theft claim approved. Safety first in a hijacking: never resist; the car is replaceable.
Comprehensive cover (or [third party fire and theft](/claims/third-party-fire-and-theft-claim/)) pays out for theft, based on your insured value basis, minus the theft excess. Without theft cover, you carry the loss.
This checklist keeps you on track through a stressful event.
In a hijacking: safety first
Your life matters more than the car:
- Do not resist. Hand over the keys and step away.
- Try to stay calm and note details only if it is safe (number of people, direction taken).
- Get to safety, then call 10111 (SAPS).
- Seek support afterwards - a hijacking is traumatic.
Insurers do not expect you to risk your life to protect the vehicle.
Report to the SAPS straight away
Report the theft or hijacking to the SAPS as soon as you can and get the case number. This is essential for the claim. Note the station, the officer's name, and the exact time and place. If you have a tracking device, alert the tracking company immediately too - early recovery is possible.
Notify your insurer the same day
Lodge the claim the same day if possible. Have ready:
- The SAPS theft case number.
- Your policy number.
- Where and when the car was taken.
- Tracking company details, if any.
Fast notification matters for theft, where time affects recovery and the investigation.
Documents and keys for a theft claim
Insurers usually require:
- All sets of keys and remotes handed in.
- The vehicle registration certificate.
- The SAPS case number.
- Proof of the tracking device and any recovery report.
- A statement of what happened.
A missing key is a common sticking point - account for every one.
How the payout works
If the car is not recovered, the insurer settles based on your insured value basis (retail, market or trade) at the time of loss, minus the theft excess. On a financed car, the bank is paid first; anything left goes to you, and shortfall cover fills a gap if you owed more than the payout. See our cover and value guides.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my car is hijacked?
Do not resist - hand over the keys and get to safety. Then call the SAPS (10111), get a case number, alert your tracking company if you have one, and notify your insurer the same day. Your safety matters far more than the car.
Does car insurance cover theft in South Africa?
Comprehensive cover and third party fire and theft both cover the car being stolen or hijacked. Third party only does not. The payout is based on your insured value basis at the time of loss, minus the theft excess.
Why must I hand in 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 or complicate the claim, so account for all of them up front.
How long does a theft claim take to pay out?
Theft claims usually take longer than repair claims because the insurer waits a period to see if the car is recovered and may investigate. Once settled, the payout is based on your insured value, minus the theft excess and subject to the policy terms.
What if my car is recovered after I claimed?
If the car is recovered before settlement, the claim may switch to a repair claim for any damage. If recovered after payout, the car generally belongs to the insurer, since they paid you its value. Tell your insurer immediately either way.
Is there a higher excess for theft?
Theft and hijacking claims often carry their own excess, sometimes higher than the basic accident excess. Check your schedule so you know the amount that will be deducted from a theft payout before it happens.
