Discovery Insure has highlighted the scourge of hijacking in the final months of the year and has warned South Africans to check that their trackers are working.
The company stated that vehicle tracking devices are crucial for recovering stolen vehicles, but they can also impact insurance coverage.
Many insurance policies require a tracking device to help reduce risk; however, they must be correctly installed and in working order to ensure the coverage is valid.
The small gadgets are more than just a theft deterrent; they also have a significant impact on one’s vehicle insurance coverage.
SAPS data showed that 86 vehicles were stolen per day between January and March 2025.
Discovery Insure’s data show that while overall vehicle theft and hijacking have declined over the past two years, vehicle-related crime still tends to rise toward the end of the year.
In November and December, incidents typically increase by roughly 10% compared to the rest of the year.
This means tracking devices are a critical line of defence against theft year-round, and especially during the festive season.
“Having a functioning tracking device in your vehicle improves the chances of it being recovered, said Precious Nduli, Chief Commercial Officer of Discovery Insure.
“This lowers your risk profile as a driver and reduces the expected cost of claims, which can make your premium more affordable.
Without a tracker, Nduli said that the risk might be too high for insurers to offer coverage at all, which is why many insurers need one for coverage, especially for high-value or high-risk vehicles.
How a tracker affects you
Discovery Insure stated that if you don’t install the device via an approved provider within a specified timeframe, your vehicle may not be covered for theft or hijacking.
This condition often applies to high-value vehicles, such as luxury cars and SUVs, which are at a high risk of theft, as well as commercial or fleet vehicles.
An insurer may even require more than one tracker to be installed in a vehicle if it’s deemed particularly high-risk.
“If your car is stolen, the tracking device is essential for recovery”, said Nduli.
“Without it, especially if your insurer has made it a prerequisite, your cover could be limited to basic third-party insurance or future claims rejected.”
Tracking devices also come with additional features that benefit the driver, such as an immediate emergency response trigger.
Tracking devices are also only designed to last between 18 months and two years before they need to be replaced.
They can also deplete sooner if the driving profile is more aggressive, the installation is poor, or the device is damaged.
“Contact your insurance provider to understand how to test if your device is not working. Some insurers will also notify you if they detect that your device is not working,” said Nduli.
“If you have a third-party tracker, make sure that your subscriptions are up to date.”
If you believe there is an issue, it is best to contact your insurer as soon as possible, as a delay can affect your coverage.
Discovery Insure has highlighted the increased risk of hijacking in the final months of the year, and has warned motorists to check their trackers.
