• Secured Debt (e.g., home loan, vehicle finance): Removal typically takes between 3 weeks and 2 months.
• Unsecured Debt (e.g., personal loans, credit cards): Removal generally takes 2 to 5 months, depending on the complexity of your debt profile.

The exact timeline may vary based on your specific situation and the legal processes involved.

Yes, debt can be written off under prescription if it meets certain legal conditions. In South Africa, most unsecured debts, as well as vehicle finance, prescribe after three years if the creditor has not taken legal action. This means they can no longer enforce payment. However, prescription is interrupted if you acknowledge the debt, make a payment, or if legal action is taken—after which the prescription period resets and begins again from the date of interruption. Secured debts, like home loans, have a longer prescription period.

If you’re under debt review and want to become creditworthy enough to buy a car, you first need to exit debt review and rebuild your credit profile. Start by removing the debt review flag from your credit record and ensuring there are no arrears on your name. Once your profile is clean, you can begin rebuilding your credit score by managing small credit accounts responsibly and maintaining a good payment history. Thereafter, you will most likely be able to apply for vehicle finance if it is within your affordability.

Legal cover in South Africa provides affordable access to legal assistance, helping individuals protect their rights without high attorney fees. It typically includes legal advice, representation, and coverage for civil, criminal, and labour matters. Many policies also cover contract disputes, debt-related issues, and unfair dismissals. Having legal cover ensures you can navigate legal challenges with professional support, giving you peace of mind and financial protection.

Debt prescription is a legal rule that limits the time a creditor has to collect a debt. In South Africa, most unsecured debts and vehicle finance prescribe after three years if no payment has been made, and the creditor has not taken legal action. Once prescribed, the debt is legally unenforceable. However, if you acknowledge the debt, make a payment, or if legal action is initiated, the prescription period resets and starts over. Secured debts, like home loans, have a longer prescription period.