Your Pre-Holiday Car Insurance Checklist

With the festive December holidays fast approaching in South Africa, doing a pre-holiday car insurance check is essential to ensure you’re good to go for a stress-free road trip.

In a few simple steps, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind, even when unforeseen events happen.

Let’s go through some basic but vitally important things to check before you start your holiday road trip, whether it’s a detail in your car insurance policy or your car itself.

Firstly, make sure your policy is up to date and covers everything you need. Reach out to your insurance service provider to ask any questions you might have. 

It’s always best to over-communicate and ensure you know precisely what you’re covered for and what you need to do in the event of an accident or if your car breaks down on your journey.

If you’ll be driving long distances, you might want to consider upgrading to comprehensive insurance for better coverage. This helps you stay protected in a greater variety of situations, making your journey safer and worry-free.

Going on a road trip and will be taking turns to drive? If someone else will be driving your car, be sure to let your insurance provider know.

Ask them to add the driver to your policy so they’re also covered. This simple step is essential to avoid paying for damages from your own pocket if they get into an accident with your car.

Do a pre-trip inspection to make sure your car is in good condition before you get behind the wheel. 

It’s best to fix any small issues, like a cracked windscreen, before they become big problems on the road, as some of your insurance provider’s approved repair shops may close for the holiday. So, make sure you get this done sooner rather than later!

If you have car insurance with us, download the PMD app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to keep your insurance details and emergency contact numbers on your phone.

Take time to understand what you should do and how to submit a claim if something happens. This will help you stay calm and collected in an emergency. Also, don’t forget to make sure your car is stacked with all the emergency supplies you could potentially need.

You should ensure your driver’s and car licence are valid for the duration of your trip. Taking care of these details well in advance helps avoid fines and unnecessary interruptions during your trip.

If your insurance coverage doesn’t include roadside assistance and towing, consider adding it. 

It can be extremely helpful if you have unexpected issues like a breakdown or even just a flat tyre. Knowing that help is just a call away makes your holiday travel experience much less stressful.

If you plan to rent a car during your holiday, check if your insurance covers it, too. This can save you from buying extra insurance from the rental company, simplifying the process and helping you avoid high costs.

On the other hand, check whether you will get access to a rental car if something happens to your car during your holiday.

Knowing your car is in good shape, you have good insurance, and you’re ready for any situation sets the stage for a smooth and fun-filled December road trip. However, it should not eat too much into your holiday budget, either!

If you still need car insurance, don’t hesitate to look at our various affordable car insurance plans and get your quote today.

This article provides general information on what to check before your road trip during South Africa’s holiday season. However, this article only lists some of what there is to check, so always do your own research.

Remember to always buy car insurance with much thought and only through a certified financial services provider.

Reach out to us today to learn more about getting affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. *T&Cs apply.