Outsurance Abandoned My Car After a Hijacking

On 3 October 2024, I was hijacked in Cape Town. The hijacker held a knife to my throat and forced me to drive to Crossroads. In a desperate attempt to survive, I had to ride the clutch, over-rev the engine, and keep the car in one gear while struggling to keep control. I ultimately managed to escape, and SAPS recovered my vehicle that same day.

Outsurance collected my car from impound in a few days and initially agreed to repair the damages. However, when they discovered the engine had low compression, Outsurance ordered my engine to be dismantled for inspection by their appointed mechanic, they refused to cover the repair, claiming it was due to wear and tear—despite my comprehensive policy covering hijacking-related damage.

However, a Land Rover specialist who initially looked at the engine, independently assessed the damage and identified a blown head gasket, warped block, and bent pistons, recommending a full engine replacement.

Now, my vehicle sits disassembled and rusting away in a panel beater’s yard, with no clear plan from Outsurance to put it back together.

This has been an extremely frustrating and traumatic experience, amplified by the trauma of the claim process. I have submitted my case to the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance and am awaiting their resolution. I sincerely hope for a fair outcome and that Outsurance will reconsider their position.