Festive-Season Driving in South Africa: Claims and Cover

December is one of the highest-risk periods on South African roads, with heavy holiday traffic, long-distance trips and tired drivers all adding up to more accidents. Before you load the car for the festive season, it is worth a few minutes to make sure your insurance is in order, so a bad day on the road does not become a financial disaster too.

Why the festive season is riskier

Long journeys, unfamiliar roads, fatigue, more vehicles and, sadly, more drunk driving all raise the odds of an accident over the holidays. That makes it the worst possible time to discover a gap in your cover.

Your pre-holiday insurance checklist

• Confirm your cover is active and comprehensive, so your own car is protected, not just third parties. Our comprehensive car insurance guide explains the levels.
• Check your excess so you know what you would pay on a claim.
• Look for car-hire and towing benefits, which are invaluable if you break down far from home.
• Confirm roadside assistance is included and save the number in your phone.
• Make sure your tracker and security are working and declared.

On the road

Rest before long drives and every two hours along the way, do not drink and drive, keep a safe following distance, and secure valuables out of sight at stops. If you do have an accident, stop safely, photograph everything and report it to your insurer promptly. Our how to claim guide walks through the steps.

The bottom line

The festive season is when you are most likely to need your cover and least able to afford a gap in it. Check that your comprehensive cover, excess, roadside assistance and towing are all sorted before you travel. Not sure your cover is up to the trip? Get a car insurance quote and compare before the holidays.

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