Travelling for the holidays? Be sure your insurance will go the distance

Travelling for the holidays? Be sure your insurance will go the distance

As the year winds down, South Africans are preparing to hit the road to visit friends and family across the country. But with heavier traffic and a higher incidence of road accidents, the festive season also brings heightened risk.

Proper planning – and taking a few practical precautions – before you travel can make all the difference. Here are five essential insurance and safety tips to keep in mind before you leave your home for the holidays.

1. Give your vehicle a full safety check
Before setting off, take time to ensure your vehicle is road-ready. Check your tyres (including the spare), brakes, wipers, lights and fluid levels. A minor mechanical issue can quickly turn into a major problem on a long journey, especially in remote areas. Schedule a professional service if your car is due for one, and keep your emergency kit stocked with essentials such as a reflective triangle, torch, jumper cables, water and a first-aid kit.

Also make sure your licence disc and vehicle registration are up to date. If you’re towing a trailer or caravan, double-check these are roadworthy and that the tyres and lights are in good condition. These checks are small investments in both safety and peace of mind.

2. Prepare for the unexpected
Even the best-planned journeys can be disrupted by accidents, breakdowns or sudden weather changes. Make sure you’re ready for emergencies by packing essentials such as a fully charged phone and power bank, basic tools, and emergency contact numbers, including your insurance adviser, for roadside assistance and medical help.

If you’re travelling through unfamiliar or remote areas, share your route and expected arrival time with someone you trust. Planning for these ‘what if’ moments ensures you can stay safe and get help quickly if something goes wrong.

3. Know what to do if you’re involved in an accident
In the chaos that follows a collision, it’s important to stay calm and follow the correct procedure. First, check for injuries and call emergency services if needed. Move vehicles out of traffic if possible, and exchange details with all parties involved – including registration numbers, ID and driver’s licence details, and insurance information.

Be wary of unverified tow truck operators. Contact your adviser or insurer’s authorised towing partner before allowing anyone to remove your vehicle. Using an unapproved service could result in additional costs or complications when submitting a claim.

4. Don’t drive under the influence – or let anyone else do so
The festive season unfortunately sees a rise in alcohol-related accidents. Never drive if you’ve been drinking, and plan ahead by arranging a designated driver or lift service. Many insurers offer ‘take-me-home’ or chauffeur benefits as part of their value-added services, allowing you to get home safely without putting yourself as well as others at risk.

If you’re hosting friends or family, encourage responsible driving and help organise transport where needed. The consequences of drunk driving are simply not worth the risk – financially, legally or emotionally.

5. Catch up with your adviser
Whether you’re travelling across provinces or spending the holidays close to home, it’s worth getting in touch with your insurer or adviser to confirm that your policies are up to date and that you have the right level of protection for your vehicle and travel plans. Check that your cover includes roadside assistance, towing and car-hire options, and confirm whom to contact in the event of an emergency or accident.

Your adviser can also guide you on additional benefits you may not be aware of, such as emergency accommodation, medical evacuation or designated-driver services. Taking a few minutes to review your cover before you travel helps you avoid costly surprises – and gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re fully protected for the festive season.