How to claim the Road Accident Fund
If you or a loved one is injured in a road accident in South Africa, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) may compensate you for the harm caused by another driver's negligence. The process can feel daunting, and there are strict time limits and plenty of touts hoping to take a cut. This guide explains who can claim, what the RAF covers, and how to go about it.
What is the Road Accident Fund?
The RAF is a state body, funded largely by the fuel levy, that provides compensation to people injured or affected by motor vehicle accidents caused by another road user's negligence. Its purpose is to cover the human cost of road accidents — medical bills, lost income and support for dependants — rather than damage to vehicles, which is what your own car insurance is for.
Who can claim?
You may be able to claim if you were injured in a road accident caused by another driver's negligence — whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist. The dependants of someone who died in such an accident may also claim for loss of support. Generally, a driver who was solely at fault cannot claim for their own injuries. Because eligibility depends on the facts, it's worth getting proper guidance for your specific situation.
What the RAF covers
- Medical expenses arising from the accident.
- Loss of income or earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Loss of support for dependants of a breadwinner who died.
- General damages for serious injury, and certain funeral costs.
The claim process
Broadly, a claim involves reporting the accident to the police and obtaining a case number, getting medical treatment and keeping all records, gathering your supporting documents, and lodging a claim with the RAF on its forms. The RAF then assesses the claim before any settlement. You can lodge a claim directly with the RAF yourself at no cost, or use an attorney who will charge a fee for handling it.
Documents you'll typically need
- Your ID and contact details.
- The police accident report or case number.
- Medical records and accounts relating to your injuries.
- Proof of income or loss of earnings, where relevant.
Mind the time limits
RAF claims are subject to strict prescription periods — deadlines after which you lose the right to claim. The period differs depending on the circumstances (for example, claims involving an unidentified "hit-and-run" driver have a shorter window than those where the driver is known). Because missing the deadline can cost you everything, find out the applicable time limit early and don't delay.
Why claims get delayed or rejected
RAF claims can be slowed down or turned away for avoidable reasons, so it pays to get the basics right. Common pitfalls include missing the prescription deadline, an incomplete claim with gaps in the documents, a lack of a police report or case number, insufficient medical evidence linking the injuries to the accident, and difficulty proving loss of income. Keeping thorough records from the outset — medical reports, accounts, proof of earnings and the accident details — gives your claim the best chance. Where the injuries are serious or the amounts significant, proper legal guidance can help you navigate the requirements and avoid simple mistakes that cost you the claim.
Avoid the touts
Claimants are often targeted by touts who demand upfront payments or a cut to "fast-track" a claim. Lodging a claim directly with the RAF is free, and legitimate attorneys are paid in a regulated way — never hand cash to someone promising to speed things up. If a claim is also being handled through your own insurer and gets disputed, our guide on what to do if an insurance claim is rejected may help, and keeping an emergency fund can carry you while a claim is processed.
Key takeaways
- The RAF compensates people for injury and loss caused by another driver's negligence.
- It covers medical costs, lost income, loss of support and serious-injury damages — not vehicle damage.
- You can lodge a claim directly with the RAF for free, or use an attorney for a fee.
- Strict prescription deadlines apply, so find out your time limit early and don't delay.
- Never pay a tout who promises to "fast-track" your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost money to claim from the RAF?
No — you can lodge a claim directly with the RAF for free. Using an attorney is optional and involves a fee; never pay a tout to "help" you claim.
Does the RAF cover damage to my car?
No. The RAF compensates for bodily injury and related losses, not vehicle damage — that's what your car insurance is for.
How long do I have to claim?
There are strict prescription periods that vary with the circumstances. Find out the applicable deadline as early as possible, because missing it can end your claim.
This article is general information for South Africans and not financial or legal advice. RAF rules, processes and time limits change and depend on the facts — confirm current details with the RAF or a qualified attorney.
