Many South Africans are looking forward to taking a break over the Easter weekend. If you’re going on holiday, there are a few things you can do to protect your home and your vehicle. Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of digital insurance platform Naked, provides some tips about how you can get the most from your home and car insurance cover over the Easter holidays:
1. Make sure your car is roadworthy
Make sure that your car is roadworthy for the safety of everyone you’re travelling with and to ensure a smooth claims process if you have an accident. Check that tyre tread isn’t worn out, your indicators and brake lights are working, and your brake pads are in a healthy state.
2. Get the right cover if you’re driving to a neighbouring country
If you’re planning to visit neighbouring countries, find out whether your policy covers you outside South Africa’s borders and get a letter from your insurer that you can present at the border. Most policies only cover you for damage to your car while it is outside of the country; you still need to buy liability cover for that country (either at the border or in advance from a travel specialist).
3. Keep your insurer’s emergency number on hand
Keep your insurer’s emergency numbers on hand, ideally on the app if you’re with a modern insurer. It may offer roadside assistance which you can call for help if you have an accident or engine trouble. A good home insurance policy will include 24/7 emergency assistance, such as a plumber, locksmith or electrician if something goes wrong at your home while you’re away.
4. Update your home policy if necessary
Double-check that your home contents are insured for their replacement value. Make sure that you’ve accounted for any new and expensive things you’ve bought and for the effects of inflation.
5. Specify expensive items you’re taking with you in your home policy
If you’re travelling with precious items like your golf clubs, notebook, jewellery or camera, make sure they’re all insured for their full value by specifying them in your home contents policy. You might even be able to pay standalone cover for them.
6. Do a home security check
Ensure that external locks and safety doors in your home are in good condition and securely locked before you depart. Also ensure that your alarm and electric fence are in good working order. Remember that it may be difficult to get a claim paid if your home is robbed and there are no signs of forced entry.
7. Keep digital records of your home contents
To make claiming easier, keep digital records of your home contents. Save videos and photos of your things and any receipts on your phone or in the cloud. You can use inventory apps on your phone to keep track of everything.
8. Pause cover on cars that will remain at home or at the airport
With Naked’s mobile app, you can pause your accident cover for the days that you’re not driving your car. You will save up to 50% of your premium on the days you use CoverPause. It’s a great way to save a little more money for your trip.