South African Car Insurance Statistics: The real numbers

More cars, less insurance. A real Mzansi problem

• The latest Road Traffic Management Corporation data shows there were 13,355,118 registered vehicles in South Africa at the end of December 2024, up from 13,133,035 in 2023.
• Estimates of how many of those vehicles are uninsured vary.
• In September 2023, the Automobile Association, citing the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), said about 65% of South African motorists are driving without any insurance.
• That works out to roughly 8.74 million vehicles without cover.

Issues you will run into without car insurance

No matter if you travel long or short distances, for business or for private use, the lack of car insurance cover on our roads extends into different areas:

1. Roadworthiness

Roadworthiness is part of the bigger picture too. In July 2024, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa said about 10% of registered vehicles in South Africa are not roadworthy, and that the average age of vehicles on local roads is 11 years. Older, less roadworthy vehicles add to the risks drivers already face every day.

When last did you check your tyres? Learn more about why you need to be checking your tyres now

2. Accidents

According to the AA, around one million road accidents are reported in South Africa each year. If estimates on uninsured driving are correct, there is a strong chance that at least one vehicle involved in a crash may not have cover. given that only 35% of cars are insured. That can make repair costs slower, more expensive and harder to recover, especially if neither driver is insured.

Understanding the difference between car insurance and a motor warranty also matters here, because they protect against different risks and neither replaces the other.

3. Theft

Crime is another reason cover matters. SAPS recorded 32,221 cases of theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles in the 2024/25 financial year. Hijacking also remains a serious concern. Between October and December 2025 alone, SAPS recorded 4,420 carjackings and 349 truck hijackings nationwide. That works out to roughly 48 carjackings a day and just under four truck hijackings a day over the quarter.

Car insurance may be optional, but the risks aren’t

Vehicle insurance is still not compulsory in South Africa, which helps explain why so many motorists go without it. But more vehicles on the road, a large uninsured segment, persistent vehicle crime and an ageing vehicle population all make a strong case for cover. In this environment, insurance is less about formality and more about protecting yourself against costs you may not be able to control or comfortably pay out of pocket.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice. Coverage terms, pricing, and availability may vary. Always review policy documents carefully and confirm current pricing with suppliers before making any decisions.