Tips for Accident Claims in South Africa: How to Prepare, File and Follow Up

Overview: What to expect when making accident claims in South Africa

Filing an accident claim can feel daunting after the shock of a crash. Knowing the key steps, the paperwork insurers usually require, and how damage type affects settlement can reduce delays and help you protect your rights. These tips are aimed at private owners and small-fleet managers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and elsewhere around South Africa.

When to make a claim versus when to consider other options

Not every incident needs a full insurance claim. If repair estimates are low relative to your excess or if making a claim will materially raise future premiums, it may be sensible to pay for repairs privately. Conversely, if the vehicle is non-running, written-off, flood- or fire-damaged, an insurer claim is usually the appropriate route. If you’re thinking of selling instead of repairing, our process explains how vehicle sale works and paperwork handling on the site: Sell Damaged Cars.

Quick checklist after an accident

• Ensure safety and call emergency services if needed.
• Record the other party's details and vehicle registration.
• Take clear photos from multiple angles, including vehicle damage, scene and licence discs.
• Obtain an official police case number if required and preserve any medical reports.

How to prepare supporting documents for your claim

Insurers commonly request proof of ownership, your ID, the vehicle registration document, photos, a repair estimate and a police report for accidents involving third parties or injuries. If your vehicle is financed, inform the finance provider - settlements often require their consent. If you prefer to avoid arranging towing or paperwork yourself, you can learn about our paperwork handling and collection service on the company overview page: How it works.

Repair cost vs value retained

Documenting damage: photos and estimates that insurers accept

High-quality photos reduce back-and-forth with assessors. Include wide-angle shots showing vehicle position and close-ups of specific damaged components (bumpers, lights, chassis areas). Obtain at least one written estimate from a trusted panel-beater or authorised workshop; some insurers accept electronic estimates and photos as preliminary evidence.

If your vehicle is non-running after the accident and you are weighing options, our dedicated page explains selling non-running vehicles and the paperwork we handle: Sell Non-Running Car.

How the accident-claims process typically works in South Africa

After you notify your insurer, they will log the claim and often appoint an assessor to inspect the vehicle. The insurer may authorise repairs, request additional documentation, or declare the vehicle a total loss (write-off) if repair costs exceed a practical threshold. Timeframes vary by insurer; aim to provide complete documentation early to avoid delays.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

Legal & paperwork essentials in the South African context

If the accident involved injury, theft or significant third-party damage, obtain a police case number from the South African Police Service and keep copies of all incident reports. For write-offs, settlement paperwork may involve the vehicle registration certificate, ID documents and finance settlement figures where applicable. If a finance agreement exists, the settlement cheque is often directed to the finance house first; ask your insurer how they handle financed vehicles to avoid surprises.

Tips to maximise the efficiency and transparency of your claim

• Report the accident promptly and be accurate - inconsistencies slow claims.
• Keep receipts and medical reports if injuries or recovery costs are claimed.
• Ask for an itemised explanation of any insurer deductions, such as excesses or salvage retention.
• If you disagree with an assessor, request a second opinion or escalate through the insurer’s complaints process.

If dealing with logistics after a claim feels overwhelming - for example if the vehicle is non-running or written-off and you prefer to sell - our nationwide service can collect the vehicle and manage paperwork. Learn more on the homepage: Sell Your Damaged Car homepage.

What happens after settlement and practical next steps

If the insurer pays for repairs, confirm the workshop uses authorised parts and request a completion report. For write-offs, clarify whether the insurer retains salvage and how deregistration is handled. If you decide not to repair, you can legally transfer or sell the vehicle following settlement - many owners choose to sell salvage or non-running vehicles rather than manage repairs themselves.

Experience-based example: owners in metro areas such as Johannesburg often face faster assessor response times than remote regions, which can affect turnaround. If you need a service that handles collection and paperwork after a claim, our process page explains free towing and full admin support: How it works.

Sources

• South African Insurance Association (SAIA) - industry guidance and consumer information
• Automobile Association of South Africa - accident, towing and insurance advice
• South African Police Service - reporting accidents and obtaining case numbers

These sources provide official and practical guidance; always confirm policy-specific procedures directly with your insurer and check how finance agreements affect settlements. Figures and examples in this article are indicative for South African circumstances and should not be taken as formal financial advice.