Discovery Insure has warned some Toyota Corolla Cross owners that their vehicles are now considered high risk for theft and hijacking in South Africa.

The insurer said an analysis of its claims data showed a significant rise in incidents involving certain vehicles and locations.

Private security companies have also reported increased targeting of the locally popular SUV since its South African launch in 2021.

Discovery said it regularly reviews vehicle-related risks to ensure that insurance cover remains appropriate and sustainable.

The company does not publish a permanent list of high-risk models.

Two trackers now compulsory

Some policyholders, including owners of the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR, must install two Crowd Search Sensors.

Discovery said both devices must remain active and operational for customers to keep comprehensive theft and hijacking cover.

The wireless tracking devices connect to a recovery network and are intended to improve the chances of finding a stolen vehicle.

Customers who fail to comply within the specified notice period could have their policies amended to exclude theft and hijacking cover.

The sensors are initially provided at no additional cost.

However, customers will pay a monthly stolen vehicle recovery fee of R135 from their next policy anniversary.

Discovery said the fee would be waived where an approved third-party tracking system is already installed.

Security specialists say organised criminals often target vehicles that are popular and difficult to distinguish in traffic.

Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann previously said hijackers favour vehicles that blend in, particularly common models in white or silver.

Stolen vehicles may be dismantled for parts, illegally re-registered or sold through criminal networks.

High sales volumes can also increase demand for replacement parts, making popular vehicles more attractive to syndicates.

Drivers urged to stay alert

Hijackings remain concentrated in major urban and peri-urban areas, particularly in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

Bartmann advised motorists to avoid predictable routines, remain alert when arriving home and keep valuables out of sight.

Drivers should comply if confronted and avoid actions that could place their lives at greater risk.

Experts also caution that crime figures must be viewed alongside the number of each model on the road.

Popular vehicles naturally appear more frequently in theft data because more of them are in circulation.