THESE ARE THE HOLIDAY HABITS THAT COULD COST YOU YOUR COVER

Summer holidays are all about road trips and much-needed downtime. However, while many South Africans are counting down to their getaway, few stop to think about how their ‘holiday habits’ might affect their insurance cover.

“People are more relaxed over the holidays, which is entirely the point,” says Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance. “But this also means that they sometimes take risks or forget small details that can have big consequences for their insurance cover.”

Here’s what to watch out for before you switch on your out-of-office reply:

Lending your car out: It might seem harmless to hand your car keys over to a friend or a family member, but you should always check who’s actually covered to drive your car. “Your insurance is based on the regular driver you’ve declared,” Van Vuuren explains. “If another driver has an accident in your car, especially if they’re under 25, it could affect your claim or excess amount. And, if this person doesn’t have a valid driver’s licence, your insurer may reject your claim outright.”

Leaving your home unattended: Most insurers have a limit on how many consecutive days a property can be left unoccupied before your cover conditions change, so if you’re planning an extended break, it’s wise to check this clause.

It’s also important to take sensible precautions before you go. Lock all doors, windows and gates, test your alarm, make sure someone trustworthy checks on your property, and lock away your valuables. Take extra precautions with high-value items like solar panels, gate motors, and gas bottles because they’re frequently targeted by thieves.

Neglecting car maintenance: The open road is part of most South African holidays, but skipping a basic car check can cost you… And not just in mechanical repairs. “If poor maintenance is found to be a contributing factor to an accident, your claim could be partially or fully rejected,” Van Vuuren warns. Check that your tyres have enough tread, make sure the windscreen wipers work, fix any chips or cracks in the windscreen, test the brakes and lights, and top up all fluids.

Ignoring the fine print: Festive anticipation often means we skip the admin, but knowing what your insurance does and doesn’t cover can make a world of difference. “Many people assume they’ll automatically get a rental car, towing, roadside assistance, or emergency medical transport after an accident, but not all policies include these options and, if they do, there might be specific procedures to follow,” says Van Vuuren. “The fine print matters, especially when you’re far from home.”

It's also worthwhile getting in touch with your insurer and going through your cover. This way, you can make sure that your car, your home and everything in it, and the things you take with you, are all correctly covered.

Driving recklessly or while under the influence: Insurers are unlikely to pay a claim if a driver’s blood alcohol level is over the limit. So, remember that if you’re caught driving under the influence, you’re not only breaking the law and risking the safety of your passengers and other road users – you’re also risking your cover. The same goes if you’re caught speeding or driving recklessly.

The holidays should be about freedom, not frustration, and this starts with knowing you’re covered. A little preparation before you go can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful claim. Check the details, double-check the locks, and then switch off knowing that you’ve done what you can to protect what matters most.

“Peace of mind isn’t something you pack. It’s something you prepare for. When your planning and insurance are in order, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is packing the sunscreen,” ends Van Vuuren.