Motor insurance: South Africa's hidden safety net

As road deaths remain high, insurers play a vital role in protecting families, businesses, and the economy

- PAM RAMAGAGA

AS THE festive season approaches and traffic on South Africa's roads increases, the risk of serious accidents rises with it.

Recent data offers some cautious optimism: road fatalities declined by about 46% over the Easter weekend, and by nearly 15% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. These improvements show that targeted interventions and public awareness can save lives.

Yet the reality remains sobering. More than 2 400 people still lost their lives on the roads in just three months. Each statistic represents a personal tragedy and an economic shock. Sustained collaboration, behavioural change and resilient infrastructure are essential if every journey is to be safer.

Motor insurance is often perceived merely as a recommended safety net, but in reality, it plays a far greater role—it is a vital economic stabiliser. Beyond offering financial protection after accidents, insurance safeguards livelihoods, sustains small businesses, and underpins the resilience of the national economy.