Claims Investigator KZN

What will you do?

The Vehicle Theft Investigator is responsible for conducting specialized investigations into reported vehicle thefts, hijackings, and related fraudulent activity. The primary objective is to validate the authenticity of theft claims, facilitate vehicle recoveries, and detect organized crime patterns or opportunistic fraud. This role involves intensive fieldwork, technical vehicle analysis, and close collaboration with law enforcement and tracking service providers.

Beyond technical expertise, the role requires a commitment to customer centricity—ensuring that policyholders who have experienced the trauma of a theft or hijacking are treated with empathy and professionalism while maintaining the integrity of the investigative process.

What will make you successful in this role?

Minimum Qualification Required

•    Grade 12 / National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4)
•    A valid driver's licence (Code B or higher) – Essential 
•    A relevant diploma or degree in Criminology, Law, Forensics, or Police Management (Advantageous).
•    Specialized training in Vehicle Identification (VCI) or Forensic Vehicle Examination (Advantageous).
•    Professional certification such as CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or IAATI (International Association of Auto Theft Investigators) membership – preferred.

Minimum Experience

•    2 – 3 years of experience in short-term insurance claims investigations (motor, non-motor, or commercial)
•    2 – 3 years of dedicated experience in vehicle theft investigations or specialized motor crime units.
•    Proven experience in interpreting vehicle tracking data and telemetry (e.g., Netstar, Tracker, Matrix).
•    Strong working knowledge of vehicle security systems, including transponder keys, immobilizers, and key-coding fraud.
•    Extensive experience liaising with SAPS (VISS/Pounds) and understanding the criminal justice process regarding vehicle crime.
•    Field investigation experience, specifically in crime scene assessments and suspect/witness interviewing.
•    Experience in identifying vehicle cloning and VIN/Engine number tampering

Key Deliverables

•    Investigative Oversight: Conduct end-to-end investigations into high-risk vehicle theft and hijacking claims.
•    Technical Analysis: Analyze tracking logs, signal jamming indicators, and electronic control unit (ECU) data to verify the timeline of events.
•    Field Evidence Gathering: Conduct site inspections at the place of loss, interview witnesses, and recover CCTV footage.
•    Physical Inspections: Perform physical examinations of recovered vehicles to identify signs of forced entry or electronic bypass.
•    Stakeholder Liaison: Maintain a network with SAPS, the South African Insurance Crime Bureau (SAICB), and specialized recovery units.
•    Reporting: Compile comprehensive factual reports detailing findings, discrepancies, and recommendations for claim validation or repudiation.
•    Legal Representation: Provide expert testimony in criminal court proceedings or internal disciplinary hearings.
•    Trend Analysis: Identify emerging theft methods (e.g., relay attacks, CAN bus injection) and contribute to risk mitigation strategies

Core Competencies and Skills

•    Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of modern vehicle anti-theft technology.
•    Analytical Thinking: Ability to cross-reference statements with digital footprints (tracking data/cell tower logs).
•    Observation Skills: High attention to detail regarding physical vehicle tampering.
•    Communication: Ability to handle high-stress interactions with policyholders and firm negotiations with third parties.
•    Integrity: Uncompromising ethical conduct when handling high-value assets and sensitive information.
•    Autonomy: Proven ability to manage a high-volume field caseload independently.

Knowledge and Skills

Personal Attributes

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping  our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. Deadline to apply: 24 April 2026. 

Our commitment to transformation