Frequently Asked Questions
<span>What/Who is the</span> Road Accident Fund (RAF)?
Q) What/Who is the Road Accident Fund (RAF)?
A) Every time you fill fuel into your vehicle, R2.18 cents of every litre goes to the Road Accident Fund. These fees are collected by the RAF to cover you when you are injured in a motor vehicle accident. It is your legal right to claim back money from the RAF if you are injured or disabled in a Road Accident due to third party negligence.
Q) The Road Accident Fund is Bankrupt?
A) The RAF receives its income from the fuel levy at R2.18 cents per litre of petrol used on our roads in South Africa, which equates to R35 Billion per year. This gives the RAF more than enough funds to pay the claims. When you work with the system correctly via our provider called RoadCover, you will get your claim settled and faster (if you are eligible).
Q) Is the Road Accident Fund capped?
A) The capping is specifically for loss of future earnings and support, currently valued at R368,035.00 (as at 2025 – adjusted annually) per annum up to your retirement age. RoadCover is also able to claim up to R18,000 for a funeral benefit. The rest is all uncapped.
<span>Who can claim, when to claim</span> and necessary limitations
Q) How do I know if I am eligible to claim or not?
A) Our partner at RoadCover will be able to assist you and advise on your eligibility as soon as they have made contact with you.
Q) How long after the accident does one have to submit a claim to the Road Accident Fund?
A) One has 3 years from the date of the accident when the negligent driver is identified. One has 2 years from the date of the accident when the negligent driver is not identified.
Q) Can I claim if it was a one vehicle accident, and I was the driver?
A) No, one may only claim from the RAF when your accident is caused by the negligent driving of another vehicle (a third party).
Q) I was not the driver, can I claim?
A) Yes, passengers always have a claim against the RAF.
Q) I already have attorneys managing my claim, can I also use the RoadCover benefit?
A) RoadCover appoints a panel of attorneys to facilitate your claim against the RAF. So, NO, one cannot have two attorneys facilitating the same claim.
Q) If I have Personal Accident (P.A.) Cover can I still claim?
A) Yes, you are still able to claim from the RAF. Your PA policy will pay you out the amount you have chosen when you are disabled or pass away. RoadCover will help you claim from the RAF all the necessary medical costs you have incurred, loss of earnings, funeral costs, or loss of support costs. This is over and above your PA cover.
<span>What Can Be</span> Claimed?
Q) What can I claim for?
A)
- Past and future hospital and medical expenses – unlimited
- Funeral Expenses – up to R18,000.00
- Past and future loss of earnings limited to R368,035.00 (as at 2025 – adjusted annually) per annum up to your retirement age.
- Past and future loss of support for a dependent of a deceased victim (breadwinner) limited to R368,035.00 (as at 2025 – adjusted annually) per annum up to your retirement age.
- General damages for pain, suffering and disfigurement in the case of bodily injury. (Determined after examining the extent and severity of the injury.)
Q) As a result of the injury sustained in the accident, I was booked off from work and was not paid for the time off, will RAF compensate my loss?
A) Yes, the RAF will compensate for proven loss of income as a result of the accident, provided it is substantiated in writing, and this amount is limited to the RAF CAP.
Q) I didn’t sustain serious injuries, but did pay for medical treatment, can I recover my medical expenses?
A) Yes, all proven accident related medical expenses are included in your claim.
Q) I broke my spectacles as a result of the accident, will RAF refund me the cost of the spectacles?
A) No, RAF will not compensate you for material damages (e.g., damages to your vehicle or material items). RAF only compensates you
<span>Membership administration and </span> payments
Q) How do I cancel my membership?
A) You may cancel your membership by giving us 30 days’ notice.
Q) How can I pay for my membership?
A) You can pay using your credit card or via a debit order.
Q) What date will the debit order or payment go off my account?
A) You need to specify your debit order date on sign up, Will will use your preferred debit order date.
<span>If I hit a pothole,</span> will Pothole Assist replace my damaged tyre?
Pothole Assist will not replace the tyre. Pothole Assist will manage the claim for what the member has paid to replace the damaged tyre. The member will then get 100% of what the road agency has paid out for the claim.
<span>Does Pothole Assist pay</span> for everything?
Pothole Assist will manage the member’s claim. The member will need to replace the damaged tyre or make the necessary repairs. Pothole Assist will then manage the claim for the member at Pothole Assist’s cost – this means that the member will be saved from the hassle of formulating the claim documents to the relevant road agency, as well as making follow ups to the road agency for feedback.
<span>Are gravel roads covered?</span>
Unfortunately, no. The road agencies that we have dealt with have not covered gravel roads.
<span>How long does the claims</span> process take?
The timing of the claim is totally dependent on the road agencies. Pothole Cover will forward the claims documents to the relevant road agencies after it is received and will constantly make the necessary follow-ups to try and get prompt feedback.
<span>If I drive through an area with roadworks every day, and after a few months realise something is wrong</span> with the car’s suspension, can I claim?
You may contact Pothole Cover and after considering the merits and details of the claim, Pothole Cover will decide on whether a claim can be lodged.
<span>How do you validate that damage was caused</span> by roadworks/potholes?
The onus is on the member to prove that the damage was caused by roadworks/potholes. Pothole Cover will then manage the claim for the member – this means that the member will be saved from the hassle of formulating the claim documents to the relevant road agency, as well as making follow ups to the road agency for feedback.
<span>When driving at night, you hit a pothole and damage your tyre/rim, and cannot stop to take a photo of pothole damages because it’s dangerous,</span> what happens then, how do I prove that it was caused by roadworks/pothole?
Safety always comes first, and we would not want you to endanger yourself or your family. If you are unable to go back for a photo, you will need to give this feedback to Pothole Cover with the reason that no photo has been included with the claim. You will need to also give Pothole Cover the location of the pothole.
<span>If the vehicle is damaged due to pothole/roadworks and it’s not mobile,</span> will Pothole Assist claim back the money for the towing services?
Unfortunately, the road agencies do not reimburse for towing services.
<span>If driving through an area with roadworks, a stone comes up and damages the windscreen,</span> can I claim?
This service is for damage due to potholes only, unfortunately the service does not cover chipped windscreens.
<span>Can I get a National Report?</span>
Yes, the traffic fines benefit will connect to all service providers as well as the RTIA (Road Traffic Infringement Agency) so they will give you the most comprehensive report.
<span>Can I settle my fines if I have a warrant</span> out for my arrest?
Yes, fines can be settled at any time, but the member will incur contempt of court charges.
<span>What happens if I do not pay</span> my fines?
Penalties will be incurred. The member may have to represent himself/herself in court. If the member does not represent himself/herself in court, a warrant of arrest will be issued and the member charged with being in contempt of court.
<span>Can your service look after my entire family</span> and business?
This membership will only cover yourself. Please contact us for details on how to cover your family or business.
<span>Will the traffic fines benefit alert me about fines</span> and demerit points?
Yes, we will be able to offer you all the services required to view and pay your fines and demerit points.
<span>Can you get me my fines</span> if I am not a South African citizen?
Yes, we can get all fines that you have received within South Africa. For the fines to be collected, we would require the traffic register number for a passport holder.
<span>What is</span> Roadside Assist?
Roadside Assist is a service that provides support if your vehicle breaks down. Whether you have a flat tyre, a dead battery, or need a tow, our team is here to help.
<span>Can I get</span> assistance anywhere?
Our service covers most urban and rural areas, but availability may be limited in extremely remote locations.
<span>Can Roadside Assist help if I'm not the registered</span> owner of the vehicle?
No, the main member needs to be present with their identification.
<span>What services are included</span> in my Roadside Assist plan?
Fuel Delivery: If you run out of fuel, we’ll deliver 10 litres of fuel – limited to two incidents per 12 month period.
Locksmith Assistance: If you’re locked out of your car, we’ll send a locksmith to assist you. This includes the call-out fee and the first hour of service will be free.
Mechanical Towing: If your vehicle breaks down, you will be towed to the nearest repairer or safe place.
Flat Tyre Assistance: You will be assisted with replacing your spare tyre. Should you not have a spare tyre, you will be towed to the nearest safe place or repairer. (Charges will be for your own account.)
Flat Battery Jump-start: If your battery dies, we’ll provide a jump-start to get you back on the road.
<span>What is</span> Funeral Assist?
Funeral Assist is not a funeral plan, it is a support service that provides financial and logistical assistance to families during the difficult time of losing a loved one. Our services include vouchers for essential needs, repatriation, and referrals for professional services.
<span>What benefits are included</span> in my Funeral Assist plan?
Your plan includes the following:
R1000 Grocery Voucher: To assist with immediate household needs.
R500 Electricity Voucher: To ensure power supply during the mourning period.
R300 Airtime Vouchers: To help with communication during funeral arrangements.
Repatriation of the Deceased: Transportation of the deceased from one province to another.
Referral to a Pathologist: Assistance with an autopsy if required.
Referral for Counselling Services: Access to professional grief and trauma counselling.
Contact our 24/7 helpline with the necessary details, including the deceased’s location and destination. Our team will coordinate the transportation process.
<span>How do I access</span> counselling services?
We provide referrals to professional grief counsellors. Contact our support team, and we will connect you with a qualified counsellor.
<span>How does</span> Legal Assist work?
Our experienced in-house legal advisors are available by phone or email during business hours to provide guidance on legal matters, whether they relate to home, work, or financial and contractual issues.
<span>What legal services</span> are offered?
Our legal advisors provide guidance on legal matters, whether they relate to home, work, or financial and contractual issues. We assist with drafting and interpreting legal documents, such as purchase and sale agreements, employment contracts, basic wills, and maintenance or divorce documentation. We provide guidance on various legal topics, including:
Civil disputes
Matrimonial matters
Labour law issues
Contractual matters
Adoption and family-related cases
Domestic violence
Sexual harassment
Divorce and maintenance
<span>Am I covered</span> if I go to court?
If your case requires further legal representation or in-court litigation, we refer members to a panel attorney at a negotiated reduced rate. Engagements beyond initial advice are arranged independently between you and the attorney, ensuring transparent, manageable costs.
<span>Can I come to</span> your offices?
Our legal advisors are able to assist telephonically during business hours. But members may also receive a complimentary 30-minute telephonic consultation with a panel attorney for matters that require in-person support, litigation, or legal representation.
<span>How does EasyFix work?</span>
RoadCover has partnered with Teljoy to offer help with unexpected repairs to your appliances and electronic equipment. All repairs are done in your home. If this is not possible, collection and delivery of the appliance or electronic system is included.
<span>What appliances and electronics</span> are covered?
TVs
Fridges
Freezers
Washing Machines
Tumble Dryers
Dishwashers
DSTV Decoders
Stoves
Microwaves
Blu-ray Systems
DVD Players
Sound Systems
<span>Am I charged separately</span> for spare parts?
The plan will cover the call-out fees and spares up to a specific amount.
<span>Who will be repairing the appliances</span> and electronics?
All repairs will be done by a Teljoy-accredited agent – giving you peace of mind.