South Africa Needs Compulsory Third-Party Insurance: A Practical Step Towards Safer Roads

South Africa continues to face a tragic reality: road accidents claim thousands of lives each year and cost the economy an estimated R350 billion annually. Despite numerous campaigns and slogans aimed at improving road safety, the harsh truth is that our roads are still perilous.
The missing link?
A compulsory third-party insurance programme.
In an article written by Beqfin’s founder, Chris Barry, for Fleet Watch back in 2017, he made a powerful argument that still rings true today. Chris emphasized that the current state of road safety cannot be improved through mere marketing campaigns or press releases around school holidays. Instead, he proposed real, actionable steps that could reverse or at least slow the carnage. Seven years later, his words still hold weight, and it’s time we revisit his vision, as we share the “Legacy of Chris.”  

A Legacy of Real Solutions, Not Lip Service

Chris’s vision went beyond surface-level fixes. He urged authorities to replace political appointees with career road traffic management professionals – people whose priority is the safety of our roads. Furthermore, he highlighted how equipping SANRAL with adequate resources and technology could vastly improve road safety. Imagine toll booths equipped with cameras that automatically flag reckless drivers or overloaded trucks. What if our toll system could track trucks and highlight those likely experiencing driver fatigue, making our roads safer for everyone?
Chris didn’t just talk about road safety. He walked the talk. He was an entrepreneur with big dreams and practical solutions. At Beqfin, we carry forward his ethos by offering support to fleet owners, truck drivers, and other industry professionals through our in-house insurance broker, Keep On Trucking. Our clients not only benefit from financing but also from immediate access to tailored insurance solutions, making sure that safety on the road starts the moment a vehicle rolls out.
For those looking for more information on how we can help protect you on the road, reach out to us at 087 8067 390 or send an email to admin@keepontrucking.co.za
 

We Can’t Afford Not to Implement Third-Party Insurance

One of Chris’s most compelling arguments was his call for compulsory third-party insurance in South Africa. He debunked the myth that such a programme would be too expensive for road users, explaining that the costs associated with road tolls and vehicle licensing already exceed what a third-party insurance fee would be. He cited neighboring countries where such insurance is already in place, suggesting that a yearly fee between R750 and R1 000 would make a significant difference in road safety.
Consider this: each year, uninsured vehicle owners face the risk of financial ruin if they’re involved in an accident. From repair costs to medical bills and lost income, the fallout can be devastating – especially for those who can least afford it. By implementing third-party insurance, we can spread the financial burden more equitably while funding crucial interventions that will save lives and reduce the economic damage caused by accidents.
 

The Time for Action is Now

It’s becoming increasingly clear that we can no longer ignore the need for a compulsory third-party insurance programme in South Africa. This isn’t about creating additional financial strain – it’s about providing a safety net that will ultimately reduce the human and economic costs of road accidents.
Chris’s words still resonate: “We can’t afford not to implement a well-managed, private-entity third-party insurance programme.” Now, more than ever, we must take practical steps to make our roads safer for everyone.
By resharing his insights 7 years later, we hope to honor Chris’s legacy, while continuing to champion the solutions he so passionately believed in.

To read the original article Chris wrote for Fleet Watch, visit https://fleetwatch.co.za/uncategorized/south-africa-needs-a-third-party-insurance-programme/
If you’re interested in learning more about our insurance policies, feel free to contact Keep On Trucking at 087 8067 390 or email us at admin@keepontrucking.co.za
Let’s keep trucking toward a safer future.