Did you know that supply shortages in the automotive industry have created a backlog on car repairs and car hire options in South Africa?

South Africa currently faces a severe automotive supply shortage – in other words, we’re running low on spare parts. This comes as a result of multi-industry supply chain interruptions following recent local and global events. We’re referring to COVID-19, of course, as well as the catastrophic impact of the civil unrest in July 2021 and the 2022 KZN floods, which have compounded and snowballed into the problem we are now navigating.

It’s not just imported parts that have been affected. These constraints have also affected the local production of alternative parts and we’re also seeing a knock-on effect on the quality of available alternative parts, which is concerning.

In response to this, the South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA) has issued an urgent alert to motorists that their vehicle repairs may be delayed due to the current shortage of motor body repair components. Several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) advise that these supply chain constraints will continue for many months to come, until the supply chain has recovered.

How does that affect me and what should I do?

What this practically means on the ground for the everyday driver is that should their vehicle need repairs following an accident or breakdown, there’s a very real risk that the parts needed for the repair may take much longer to arrive. As a result, the driver may find themselves immobile for some time – this poses the risk of disruption to their daily routine and possibly even their livelihood.

You can prepare for these challenges by following the below simple steps – to keep you on the road and on the go for as long, and as often, as you need:

• Ensure that your motor insurance policy covers car hire and that the cover period selected is the maximum period available, so that you have wheels for as long as possible in the event of potential delays to your vehicle’s repairs.
• If your vehicle is still roadworthy and drivable following an incident, we suggest that you continue to drive it until the vehicle is booked in for the actual repairs. This means that your car hire period will only begin once repair parts have arrived and repairs have commenced.
• If in doubt, speak to your advisor regarding car rental products available to meet your immediate needs. Because the supply shortage is also impacting the availability of car rentals, Indwe offers access to a diverse range of solutions and partnerships, so you can find what’s just right for you. (e.g. Mobiliti4U)

We’ve thought of everything you need to get your wheels back on the road

Because life is as unpredictable as ever, we’ve taken a flexible – and more resilient – approach to car hire solutions. Indwe’s car hire products are now customisable, to suit individual needs or circumstances.

• If you find yourself unable to drive a car following an accident, you may require e-hailing services, rather than a rental car.
• We’ve factored in car hire cover in the event of a SASRIA motor claim, which many policies exclude.  
• Indwe allows you to extend your car hire for up to 90 days if you suspect that the sourcing of parts could cause delays.
• We also offer car hire solutions in the event of mechanical or electrical breakdown of a vehicle.
• Rent the car you need – we ensure that you’re able to access a specific type of vehicle when required. For example, we’ll source a rental bakkie with a canopy for a small business owner whose daily work depends on transporting equipment.

Let Indwe keep you mobile

We welcome your call – contact us to help find relevant, customised car hire cover that suits your specific needs.

Indwe is an authorised Financial Services Provider. FSP: 3425