What is SASRIA cover, and does your business or home need it?
SASRIA covers damage from riots, strikes, public disorder and terrorism, which ordinary policies exclude. It is bought through your insurer, and after July 2021 it stopped being a line people skip.
By DPI Financial Services
General information, not advice. Figures checked September 2026.
In short: SASRIA is special risk cover for loss or damage caused by riots, strikes, civil commotion, public disorder and terrorism. Ordinary South African property and motor policies exclude those events, so without SASRIA there is usually no cover for them at all. You cannot buy it directly: it is added to an existing policy through your insurer or broker.
Who is SASRIA?
Sasria SOC Ltd is a state-owned, licensed non-life insurer. It exists because private insurers generally will not carry politically motivated and mass-disorder risks on their own. Your insurer collects the SASRIA premium with your normal premium and handles the claim on your behalf.
What does SASRIA cover, and what does it not?
| Usually covered | Not covered |
|---|---|
| Damage to buildings, contents, stock and vehicles caused by riots, strikes, civil commotion and public disorder | Looting that happens outside an active SASRIA event, which is treated as ordinary theft |
| Damage caused by terrorism within South Africa | Terrorism outside South Africa's borders, and war |
| Business interruption, where it follows insured physical damage | Loss of income with no physical damage to your property |
The full list of exclusions is published by SASRIA and is worth reading if you run premises in a busy commercial area.
Is SASRIA compulsory?
For most individuals and businesses, no. SASRIA states that policyholders may decline it, provided they understand what they are exposed to without it. In practice the premium is small relative to the risk, and for many businesses a lender or landlord will expect it.
Why July 2021 changed the conversation
The unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021 produced the largest set of SASRIA claims in its history. By October 2023, SASRIA had paid about 97% of the more than 17,500 claims it received, totalling over R30 billion, supported by a capital injection from National Treasury. Businesses without SASRIA on their policies carried those losses themselves.
What to check on your own policy
- That SASRIA appears on each section that needs it: buildings, contents, stock, vehicles and business interruption.
- That the SASRIA sum insured matches the main sum insured. An out-of-date value leaves you underinsured here too.
- That business interruption is extended to SASRIA events, not only fire and storm.
Common questions
Can I buy SASRIA cover directly?
No. SASRIA does not sell to the public. It is added to a policy through a licensed insurer, which administers the cover and submits claims.
Does SASRIA cover looting?
Only when the looting happens during an active SASRIA event such as a riot or public disorder. Opportunistic theft on its own is an ordinary theft claim under your main policy.
Does SASRIA cover my car?
Motor policies can include SASRIA cover for damage caused by riots, strikes and public disorder. Check that it appears on your motor schedule.
Is there a limit on SASRIA claims?
Yes. SASRIA sets maximum limits of cover, and very large risks may need additional cover above those limits. Your broker can confirm whether your values fall within them.
We check SASRIA as part of every commercial and personal lines review. Book a conversation if you would like yours looked at.
