Quick answer
Most declined goods in transit (GIT) claims come down to two things: the loss falls under an exclusion, or a policy condition was not met at the time. Common examples are a load left unattended, a tracking unit that was not working, goods the policy excludes, a load worth more than the limit, or a riot loss without SASRIA cover. Knowing these before a loss is the best way to make sure your claim pays.
Exclusions and conditions: what is the difference?
An exclusion removes a type of loss from cover altogether, such as wear and tear or delay. A condition is something you must do for cover to apply, such as keeping a tracking unit active or parking at a secure site overnight. Breaking a condition can reduce or void a claim even when the cause of loss is normally covered. Always read both sections of your wording.
Twelve reasons GIT claims are reduced or declined
Wordings differ, so treat this as a checklist to test against your own policy.
| Reason | Typical example | How to stay covered |
|---|---|---|
| Unattended vehicle | A loaded truck left on a roadside while the driver buys food | Know the unattended-vehicle rule and plan stops at secure sites |
| Security condition not met | Tracking unit switched off or not linked to a control room | Check units daily and keep proof they were active |
| Excluded or restricted goods | Cash, cellphones or cigarettes carried without the insurer’s agreement | Tell your broker about every commodity before you carry it |
| Load worth more than the limit | An R800,000 load on a R500,000 limit | Set the limit to your highest load and declare unusual loads in advance |
| Riot, strike and unrest | A load burnt during public unrest | Add SASRIA cover for goods in transit |
| Poor packing or securing | Pallets shift and crush because they were not strapped | Use proper load securing and record it on loading |
| Inherent vice and wear | Goods that spoil or deteriorate by their nature | Ask about deterioration cover for perishables |
| Refrigeration breakdown | A reefer unit fails and the load spoils | Check whether breakdown of the cooling unit is covered |
| Delay and consequential loss | Penalties for late delivery or lost contracts | These are normally excluded; manage them in your contracts |
| Unlicensed driver or unroadworthy truck | A driver without the right licence code | Keep licences, PrDPs and roadworthiness records current |
| Outside the covered area | A trip into a country not listed on the policy | Confirm every country on the route before you leave |
| Late or incomplete reporting | A theft reported days later, with no SAPS case number | Report to SAPS and your broker straight away |
The Road Freight Association has pointed out that many hijackings are reported only because insurers require a case number. Without one, a theft or hijacking claim will stall.
Habits that keep your cover working
- Give every driver a one-page summary of the policy conditions.
- Check tracking units and immobilisers at the start of each shift.
- Plan fuel, rest and overnight stops at secure depots or truck stops.
- Photograph loads and seals at loading and keep signed delivery notes.
- Tell your broker before you take on a new commodity, a higher-value load or a new cross-border route.
- Report any loss to SAPS and your broker immediately, and keep the case number.
If you do need to claim, follow our step-by-step GIT claims guide.
Frequently asked questions
Usually, yes, but only if the policy’s security conditions were met, such as an active tracking unit and approved parking. A SAPS case number is normally required.
Standard policies usually exclude riot, strike and public unrest. In South Africa this is covered through SASRIA, which can be added for goods in transit.
Many insurers exclude or restrict high-theft goods such as cellphones, cigarettes and cash, or cover them only with extra security. Tell your broker before you carry them.
The policy pays no more than the load limit, and some policies reduce partial claims in proportion to the under-insurance. Set your limit to your most valuable load.
It can be reduced or declined if late reporting breaks a condition or makes the loss harder to prove. Report to SAPS and your broker immediately.
Related reading
- Comprehensive GIT insurance: a cover checklist
- Choosing your GIT load limit
- How to claim on GIT insurance
- Top risks to goods in transit
- Peak season GIT insurance checklist for Black Friday and the festive season
Sources
- Freight News: Truck hijacking decline masks under-reporting (RFA), 1 September 2026
This article is general information, not financial advice. Cover depends on underwriting and the policy wording. Cross-Cover Insurance Brokers is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 14628).