For some motorists, the unthinkable does happen, when a hijacker takes their car. Drivers who have never experienced a hijacking cannot come anywhere close to imagining how horrible it must be. Unfortunately, it is a reality in South Africa. In the last quarter of 2021, police stated that 5455 hijackings had occurred in South Africa, which was a 13.8% increase compared to the same quarter the previous year.1
Luckily, the motorist and any passengers have survived a hijacking ordeal, in this life-changing, hypothetical situation. What should this South African motorist do next? Read on and find out more. 2
Take the following immediate steps2
Immediately, make sure if anyone was hurt or requires some medical attention. Contact the tracking company should you have a tracking device in your car.
Record as much as you can2
Collect and write down as many facts about the incident while you still remember them. Try and gather as much information as possible from any passengers. Your statement is crucial when you report the hijacking to the police station and obtain a case number. The latter is necessary for any insurance claim you wish to make, assuming you have taken out car insurance. Your insurer will arrange for someone to question you about the whole incident.
Seek some counselling2
Something that couldn’t be further from the truth is when you hear someone who has just been hijacked say, “I don’t need a counsellor. There’s nothing wrong with me.” We are delicate and such trauma can affect us for years if not dealt with properly.
What if the police have caught the hijackers? 2
Prepare yourself for the fact that you may have to identify them. You may have to appear as a witness in court should the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have decided to prosecute them. This will be at no cost to you, while the prosecutor will help you with the court proceedings.
What to do if the police find your vehicle? 2
When the police contact you that they’ve got your car, don’t think that’s the end of it. You’ll have to follow a specific process for repossessing your car legally and also for insurance reasons.
Steps you must take to repossess your car2
After identifying your car at the impound facility, inform your insurer immediately that you have found the car. After the insurer has completed the investigation, take the car to an approved panel beater for a quote on any possible damage incurred. After issuing the quote, the insurance assessor will finalise a report. Once the panel beaters have completed repairs, you need to take the car to obtain police clearance. After that, obtain a printed Request for Police Clearance from a Motor Vehicle Registration office to verify the car’s existence. The licence department will officially deregister the car.
Prevention is better than cure2
Be alert for any suspicious activity as you approach your home, especially when you are about to enter the driveway. If a car keeps following you, drive to the nearest mall or police station.
You’ve just read about an insurer’s crucial role after a hijacking. Imagine if you had no car insurance? Do you have car insurance that covers hijacking? Get affordable comprehensive car insurance with PMD that comes with excellent benefits like cover for hijacking and theft, as well as fixed premiums*, a reduce to zero excess* and world-class service. T’s and C’s apply.
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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
