South Africa's growing mix of vehicle brands and electric models is creating new challenges for insurers, brokers and fleet operators, particularly when vehicles need to be repaired after an accident.
The influx of newer brands and affordable imports is giving buyers more choice, but parts availability, access to approved repairers and vehicle downtime are becoming increasingly important considerations when assessing insurance risk.
According to Naamsa, South Africa's new vehicle market recovered above pre-pandemic levels in 2025, with total sales rising 15.7% to 596,818 units. The market has also seen a significant influx of imports from China and India.
The trend continued into 2026, with Naamsa reporting a 12.8% year-on-year increase in total new vehicle sales in May. The market now includes a growing number of Chinese-linked brands and newer entrants, including GWM, Chery, Jetour, Omoda, Jaecoo, BYD, Foton, JAC, Changan and BAIC.
Parts availability becomes a claims issue
For insurers and fleet operators, the changing vehicle mix can create challenges once a vehicle is involved in an accident.
Ian Graham, founder and executive director of Hamtern Financial Services, says the purchase price is only one part of a vehicle's insurance profile.
"The real test often comes after an accident, when approved parts, specialist repair skills, and realistic repair timelines determine how quickly that vehicle can get back on the road," Graham says.
If replacement components are not readily available locally, or repairs require brand-specific expertise, vehicles can remain off the road for extended periods.
For commercial fleets, prolonged downtime can affect vehicle utilisation, delivery schedules and replacement vehicle costs, while insurers may face increased claims complexity and costs.
Graham says insurers and brokers may not always have clear visibility of the local parts supply, approved repair capacity or longer-term parts strategy of newer vehicle brands.
A vehicle that is attractive because of its purchase price or technology therefore still needs to be assessed in terms of its repair costs, repair times, parts availability and insurance conditions.
Electric vehicles add complexity
Electric and hybrid vehicles introduce additional considerations because repairs can require specialised components, diagnostic equipment, battery-related procedures and trained technicians.
Limited availability of aftermarket or generic components can further complicate repairs. The use of non-approved parts can also create concerns around warranties, resale values and insurance cover.
As repair timelines lengthen and specialised components become more important, insurers may need to adjust how they categorise and price certain risks, as well as the terms and conditions attached to policies.
This could affect premiums, excesses and cover conditions for both businesses and private motorists.
Vehicle choice needs a broader assessment
For fleet operators and brokers, vehicle selection is therefore not only a question of purchase price, financing costs or brand appeal.
Questions around local parts availability, approved repair networks, expected turnaround times, warranty requirements and how insurers assess newer models can also influence the overall cost and practicality of operating a vehicle.
"The purchase price of a vehicle is only one part of its insurance profile," Graham says. "Insurers, brokers, and fleet operators" need to consider what happens when that vehicle enters the claims and repair process.
