The December holiday period is generally a time when most businesses close enabling people to travel to their loved ones in other provinces to celebrate the holidays as a family unit, while others find their little corner to unwind by the beach.
However, the contrary is true for crime in South Africa. Generally, criminal activities like hijackings, robberies and house breakings tend to reach a peak during this time of the year. The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) would like to encourage the public and policy holders to be extra vigilant in everything they do as they wind down their activities for the year.
Ms. Pamela Ramagaga, General Manager: Insurance Risks at SAIA, says insurers emphasise risk mitigation and risk management first and foremost, advising consumers not to take their insurance policies for granted.
“Securing your assets through adequate insurance cover is something within your control, and a wise thing to do. As you prepare to go on holiday and get excited about meeting members of extended families, bear in mind that there could be someone waiting to take advantage of your unoccupied property and help themselves to your hard-earned belongings.’’
“It is vital that you ensure that your belongings are protected from any possible physical risks or exposures before you go on holiday,” Ms Ramagaga.
She adds that observing the basic precautions without becoming stressed out is the best way to both relax and stay safe.
Before going away, or even just going visiting, consumers should ideally have liaised with their insurer or broker who can assist with advice and, most importantly, confirming what is and is not covered under your current policy, including what the expectation is within your policy for instance, prevention of loss expectations from the insurer. An example is not leaving your property unoccupied for more than 30 days.
“When going on holiday, always ensure that your wallet only has carefully considered contents. Carry only those bank cards you will need to use. Avoid carrying identity documents and passports if you are not crossing the border(s).
A good form of identity is your valid driving licence or the new ID card.
Exercise extra care when it comes to electronic or online purchases, as this is where a great deal of identity theft normally takes place, both online and in store. Also, closely monitor your bank accounts and credit card activity throughout the holiday period just in case you pick up any anomalies. Ensure that the websites you log into are secure websites and always log off after completing your purchases” advises Ms. Ramagaga.
Below are some of the tips that could help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season:
For the Household/Home
- Before you go on holiday it is a good time to ensure that all your insurance policy details are up to date and that you are holding up your side of the policy agreement, so that, if you need to claim, it will be straightforward.
- Check that the cover for your home contents is adequate – in other words, that the sum insured accurately reflects the replacement value of the contents insured in your home.
- Ensure that your homeowner’s insurance (for the building) is in order. This covers events including fire or water damage from floods or a burst geyser etc.
- Avoid posting your holiday on social media pages as this may inform criminals that you are away from your home.
- If in good books with your neighbours, advise them of your absence therefore for them to be a bit more vigilant whilst you are away.
- Ensure that your geyser is switched off, this will save you a lot in terms of your electricity bill.
- Ensure that you unplug all non-essential electrical items, plus it will assist in reducing potential power surge or electrical fires claims due to loadshedding.
- Keep your yard or grounds free of any equipment that may aid criminals, for instance ladders left against boundary walls, easily accessible to criminals.
For the Vehicle:
- If you are travelling by road, check your vehicle insurance. Among the things to consider are:
- If someone is sharing the driving load, will you be covered in the case of a claim? If insured on a named basis, that person’s name and details need to be advised to your broker or insurer as that will jeopardise your cover should there be a claim.
- Ensuring you are covered for emergency breakdowns, accommodation, roadside assistance, and car hire, and upgrade your cover if necessary. Car hire is usually an optional cover at additional premium.
- If you are travelling with a trailer, make sure it is insured.
- If you are crossing into a neighbouring country, you will need the following:
- A letter from your insurance company stating that the vehicle is covered for cross-border travel.
- A letter of authorisation from the financing bank stating that the vehicle may be driven across the border, as it is the property of the bank until it is paid off.
- If possible, do not park your vehicle in full view of the street, as you may not know who may be watching.
