South Africa's second-hand car market is growing rapidly, with used vehicle applications now outpacing new vehicle applications by more than two to one, according to WesBank's 2024 data. While affordability is a major appeal, many buyers face unexpected risks – from odometer fraud and stolen or cloned vehicles, to rejected insurance claims due to undisclosed histories or limited cover. To provide expert insight into the critical role insurance plays in second-hand vehicle purchases and how consumers can protect themselves, Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Herman van Heerden, Chief Executive Officer of PPS Short-Term Insurance