What to Do with Car Registration Papers After an Accident in South Africa

Overview: Why your car registration papers matter after an accident

After an accident, your vehicle registration documentation (vehicle license disc, registration certificate/logbook, proof of ownership and any service records) is central to insurance claims, transfer of ownership, police statements and potential salvage or repair decisions. Keeping accurate paperwork can protect you from liability, speed up insurer processes, and preserve resale or salvage value. This guide explains practical steps South African vehicle owners should take with registration papers after a collision and how those papers factor into selling, repairing or deregistering a damaged vehicle.

When to keep, when to prepare for transfer: sell vs repair

Deciding whether to keep your car and repair it, or prepare to transfer ownership (sell) often depends on repair estimates, insurer decisions and the condition of the vehicle. If an insurer writes a vehicle off, you will typically receive instructions about ownership and the registration document. If you are considering selling a damaged or non-running vehicle instead, having original registration papers and a clear logbook speeds up valuation and transfer.

Key documents to keep accessible

• Vehicle registration certificate/logbook (or national alternative)
• Valid proof of identity for the registered owner
• Police accident reference (case) number if the incident was reported
• Insurance claim number and correspondence
• Service history and any invoices for recent work

Repair cost vs value retained (estimates for SA context)

These ranges are estimates for South Africa and depend on make, model, age and local salvage demand. Always obtain at least two independent repair estimates and consult your insurer before committing to repairs.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

If you decide you will not repair the vehicle, prepare original registration papers for inspection by valuers or buyers. For private sales or specialist buyers, having a complete file speeds the process and is often required for legal transfer.

If the vehicle is insured, notify your insurer and keep copies of all communications and the police case number. Many insurers require the original registration document to process a total loss claim.

If you want more detail about selling non-running vehicles or damaged cars, see our Sell Non-Running Car and Sell Damaged Cars pages for practical options.

How the paperwork and transfer process typically works in South Africa

After an accident, the main administrative steps involving registration papers usually include: reporting the accident (if required), informing the insurer, providing documents for valuation, and handling transfer or deregistration if the vehicle is sold or destroyed. If you sell your damaged car to a specialist buyer or accept an insurer write-off, the buyer or insurer will often request the registration certificate and a signed transfer form. Always keep copies before handing over originals.

Practical checklist for handling documents

• Make photocopies or photos of the registration document and ID before handing originals to anyone.
• Obtain a written receipt whenever you surrender original documents to an insurer, buyer or tow company.
• If the vehicle is under finance, notify your lender - the registration is often held as security and transfer requires settlement or lender consent.
• Keep the police accident number and insurer claim reference in your file.

Legal & paperwork specifics in South Africa

Different provinces use slightly different licensing procedures, but common elements apply nationwide: the registered owner must sign transfer forms when selling; a valid ID is required for registration changes; and vehicles declared wrecks or written off often need formal deregistration or surrender to a licensed recycling facility. If a vehicle is scrapped, ensure you receive documentation confirming deregistration or destruction to avoid future liability.

Vehicles under finance

If the car is bonded, the financier is a key stakeholder. Do not transfer ownership or surrender registration papers without the lender's written instruction. The lender may require settlement or will arrange transfer with the insurer. For guidance on consumer credit rules, consult the National Credit Regulator or your finance agreement.

Tips to maximise your paperwork value and streamline transfer

• Organise a single folder with originals and copies: ID, reg. certificate, service history, police and insurer references.
• Take clear photos of documents and vehicle condition for records and to share with valuers.
• If selling, be transparent about damage and present all paperwork up-front to avoid disputes and delays.
• If unsure about transfer steps with an insurer or buyer, request written instructions and keep copies of all documents you sign.

What happens after collection or sale of a damaged vehicle

When a damaged vehicle is collected by a buyer or insurer-appointed contractor, expect these typical actions: the collector will check the registration documents, ask you to sign transfer or handover paperwork, provide a collection receipt, and then arrange transport. If the buyer handles deregistration, ask for confirmation once the process is complete. If you handle deregistration yourself, follow provincial traffic department steps and keep a proof of deregistration.

Example scenario (Cape Town owner)

A Cape Town owner with a written-off sedan submits photos and copies of the registration certificate to an insurer and a specialist buyer. The buyer arranges valuation, collects the original registration documents with a signed receipt, and organises free towing. The seller receives written confirmation that the vehicle was deregistered or transferred. Keep copies of all receipts and transfer forms for your records.

For more on how specialist buyers work and what to expect, see our About / How it works page and the site homepage at Sell Your Damaged Car.

Sources

• Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - vehicle registration and licensing information
• South African Police Service - reporting accidents and obtaining case numbers
• National Credit Regulator - guidance on vehicles under finance

This information is intended as practical guidance for South African vehicle owners. Specific requirements can vary by province and insurer; always confirm exact steps with your insurer, lender and local licensing authorities. When in doubt, retain copies of all documentation and request written receipts for any handover of original registration papers.