Don’t leave your home exposed these April holidays

As many South Africans prepare to travel over the April holidays, ensuring that your home is properly protected should be a key priority.

“Household insurance is not a luxury, it is a critical safety net,” says Dr Hardy Ncube, Head of Personal Products from Standard Insurance Limited. “In many ways, it’s no different from having a security system or knowing your emergency numbers. It’s there to cushion you when the unexpected happens.”

When homeowners go away, their insurer remains in the background, ready to step in and assist should something go wrong.

“A single incident can quickly turn a holiday into a stressful experience, especially if you’re unsure about your cover or don’t have adequate insurance in place,” he says.

Ncube explains that a home is both a financial asset and a personal sanctuary, which makes protecting it essential.

“Your home is your physical and emotional space. If there is a fire, you call the fire services. If there’s suspicious activity, you contact your security company or the police. In the same way, if your home is damaged by weather, a burst geyser, or theft while you’re away, your insurer is there to step in and help you recover.”

He adds that homeownership is a long-term investment that comes with risks along the way.

“Without the right insurance, unexpected events can become a significant financial burden. Insurance is a resilience partner, it helps ensure that disruptions do not derail your plans or your financial stability.”

Before heading off on holiday, homeowners should make sure their insurance policies are up to date and that all insurance requirements are met to avoid complications when claiming.

“Taking a few simple steps before you leave can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth claims process, should you need it,” says Dr Ncube.

Pre-holiday home protection checklist
Ncube shares the following tips to help keep your home secure while you’re away:

1. Inform your security company that you will be away and provide them with your travel dates and emergency contact details.
2. Arrange for a trusted person to check on your home periodically.
3. Ensure your home contents insurance reflects the correct replacement value of your belongings.
4. Confirm that your building insurance is in place and covers risks such as fire, flooding or geyser-related damage.
5. Review your valuables cover, especially for items you are taking with you, as some may need to be specified separately.
6. Make sure your vehicle insurance is up to date before travelling.
7. Use timer switches for lights to create the impression that someone is home. Avoid leaving lights on continuously.
8. Switch off your geyser to reduce both risk and electricity costs.
9. Unplug non-essential electrical appliances for added safety.
With the right precautions in place, homeowners can enjoy their holiday with greater peace of mind.

“Your holiday should be a time to relax,” says Dr Ncube. “Having the right insurance in place means that even if something unexpected happens while you’re away, you have the support you need to deal with it.”