Tips from an insurance exec

By: Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam Client Solutions

Despite a welcome drop in reported incidents, vehicle theft and hijackings remain a primary concern for South Africans. According to the latest SAPS’s quarterly crime stats, hijackings decreased by 15.1% between January and March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, with 4,533 hijackings recorded in only three months (about 50 vehicles hijacked per day), the risk remains uncomfortably high.

This aligns with Santam’s 2025 Insurance Barometer, which found that 50% of consumers surveyed cited crime (including burglary, mugging and hijacking) as one of their top risks, second only to the rising cost of living.

“It’s encouraging to see the numbers trending down, but hijacking and theft are still far too common,” says Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam Client Solutions. “What’s important is that we’re now seeing what works, particularly when it comes to proactive interventions like enhanced tracking systems in high-risk vehicles.”

Here are five key takeaways Matebesi believes every vehicle owner should keep in mind:

Hijackings remain high

While theft and hijacking trends are down nationally, hotspots remain. Tracker’s most recent crime data shows that Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape remain high-risk zones, with the Eastern Cape recording a shocking 8:1 hijacking-to-theft ratio. In terms of metros, Midrand, Honeydew, and Roodepoort recorded the highest number of hijackings in early 2025.

Not to dissuade people from being less vigilant during other times, but it’s important to note that most hijackings occur on Friday evenings between 4pm and 9pm.

Hijackings are replacing traditional theft

According to Tracker, criminals are increasingly choosing hijackings over theft because modern vehicles are harder to steal when parked. Matebesi notes that hijacking gives criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents without having to bypass sophisticated ignition and security systems.

This shift means owners need to be more vigilant when entering or exiting vehicles, particularly in driveways, traffic queues and poorly lit areas.

Installing multiple tracking devices is proving effective, and it could reduce your insurance premium

Santam’s own claims data shows a noticeable decrease in hijacking and theft claims for vehicles fitted with two tracking systems. With two devices, the chance of vehicle recovery by tracking companies’ increases - if one device is tempered with by hijackers the second device may still be functioning.

“These underwriting interventions are making a measurable difference,” says Matebesi. “Fitting a dual tracking system doesn’t guarantee your vehicle won’t be targeted, but it significantly increases the chances of recovery. A win for everyone.”

Comprehensive insurance and more affordable alternatives are available

With hijackings and vehicle theft still an everyday reality, comprehensive vehicle insurance has become more critical than ever. “It’s not just about replacing the car,” Matebesi explains. “It’s about protecting yourself financially against the ripple effects of a loss. It all adds up, from car hire costs and excess payments to potential debt obligations if the vehicle is financed,” he says.

In many cases, he says claims related to hijacking are not limited to the car alone. They may even include damaged property, trauma counselling, or legal processes. Matebesi’s advice is to have proper cover in place to help reduce the long-term impact on your life and finances.

Comprehensive insurance may not be affordable to everyone, so individuals should consider taking more affordable cover types such as Third Party, Fire and Theft as an alternative. This kind of insurance policy does not cover accidental damage, but it can be significantly cheaper than comprehensive insurance and you’d be fully covered if your car is hijacked or stolen.

Extra layers of protection go a long way

Insurers and security providers are constantly evolving their offerings to stay ahead of criminals. For businesses, this includes AI-powered dashcams, cargo door sensors, and panic-alert buttons that link to rapid response teams. For personal vehicles, Matebesi says it’s worth investing in:

• Multiple tracking devices (GPS plus RF) – confirm with your tracking company that it runs on the 5G network
• Early warning alerts for unauthorised movement
• Remote immobilisation features
• Parking in well-lit, secure locations – especially overnight

“Insurance is just one part of the equation, prevention and recovery should be a joint effort between the vehicle owner, the insurer and security providers. With smart technology and better awareness, we can keep closing the gap between risk and safety,” says Matebesi