Check your insurance when checking out for the holidays

Don’t check out for a holiday break without first checking your insurance. That’s the getaway tip from leading short-term insurer Mutual & Federal.

Re-reading your insurance policy is the item most frequently neglected on the holiday checklist – especially by motorists.

So says Merrick Oeschger, Executive General Manager Business Support at Mutual & Federal.

“Car service demand at workshops and dealership is always high ahead of the holiday getaway as conscientious motorists will ensure their vehicles are in good condition.

“They will check safety critical items like brakes and tyres. They will check the jack, the spare tyre and tools, but all too often they forget to check their insurance. They may also forget to carry their roadside assistance brochures and contact details in the event of breakdown on the journey.

“As an essential part of the pre-holiday routine, we advise a thorough documents check before driving away.”

In addition, keep your broker's contact details handy and keep a note of your policy number and the emergency number of your insurer.

A key issue when checking your motor policy is cover in the event of an accident or breakdown. Motorists should be aware of:

• The level of cover (if any) for hotel expenses
• Whether a breakdown allowance is given to cover the cost of vehicle protection or removal
• Whether full cover is offered for stolen ‘factory-fitted’ car radios
• Whether car-hire or similar cover is in place should the vehicle be damaged or stolen
• The extent of cover in the event of mechanical or electrical breakdown
• The extent of medical cover for injuries as a result of the loss of or damage to the vehicle
• The extent of windscreen cover in the event of damage
• The nature and extent of any trauma cover
• The precise contents of any roadside assistance package and the procedures to be followed

Oeschger adds: “Policyholders sometimes assume optional cover is standard. They therefore feel entitled to a certain service when in fact they neglected to specify that particular provision. Should a problem occur, they are surprised to find they are liable in their personal capacity.

“Check on these issues now and seek clarity from your broker if you have any queries. Later it could be too late.”

Another tip from Mutual & Federal is to carry out a full household security check before departure; even if you are taking only a short holiday break or going away for a weekend.

Oeschger observes: “A frequently heard comment from claimants after a long weekend is ‘We thought everything would be all right because we were only gone for a few days’.

“If security is weak, it only takes a second for intruders to gain access. It’s irrelevant whether you are gone for four days on a long weekend or four weeks for your annual holiday. Be just as rigorous in your security check as you would be if you were leaving your house unoccupied for a prolonged period.

”Check locks, doors and windows; ensure outbuildings and the garage are locked. Lock away stoep furniture and garden furniture. Remember, better safe than sorry.”