Warmer weather is finally making a return around the country, as many South Africans are dusting off road trip plans, hiring cars for weekend getaways, and exploring new cities in new provinces.

The seasonal jump in traffic – and in first-time visitors to unfamiliar roads, makes this the right moment to check that both you and your insurance cover are ready to leave the driveway, board the bus or order that Uber on your next adventure.

According to Youlon Naidoo of a national insurance company being “trip-ready” goes beyond packing a bag of essentials. “Look at the fine print of your cover, as a few simple checks before you leave, and knowing exactly what you’re covered for, can save you a lot of stress if something goes wrong on the road,” he says.

“This is important whether you’re planning to use hired or public transport, or to get around using your own vehicle – and even when walking while exploring a new city.”

Below are five key tips to follow before your journey begins. 

1)         The important checks many drivers forget

Most drivers know to check their oil, water and fuel before a long trip, but tyre tread and windscreen condition are just as important, particularly on unfamiliar routes and gravel roads leading to popular getaway spots. Worn tyres and chipped windscreens are among the most common causes of avoidable accidents and claims over the travel season, and both take only a few minutes to check before departure.

It is also worth confirming that your driver’s licence is valid well ahead of time. A lapsed licence can complicate a claim if you are involved in an accident, so this is not a detail to leave until the morning you set off.

2)         Know your roadside assistance before you need it

A breakdown or accident is stressful enough without having to search for help on an unfamiliar stretch of road. Before leaving, confirm what roadside and emergency assistance is included in your policy, save the emergency number to your phone, and check whether your vehicle has tracking installed and active. “Having these details on hand, rather than trying to find them in a panic, makes a real difference to how quickly a situation is resolved,” says Naidoo.

3)         Read the fine print especially when hiring a car

Hire cars are increasingly part of the picture, whether for airport arrivals or one-way road trips. Before signing for a hire vehicle, check what excess applies, what the rental cover (really) includes, and whether it duplicates or falls short of your own policy’s protection. It is also worth confirming whether other drivers, such as a travel companion sharing the driving, are covered to get behind the wheel of either your own car or a hired one.

4)         Exploring on public transport or on foot

Not every leg of a trip happens by car. Exploring a new city by public transport, the comfort of your own Uber or by foot is part of the appeal of domestic travel, but it can also create additional exposure to theft, or the risk of an item being forgotten – and lost – on a bus or taxi. Keeping bags zipped and valuables out of sight, and being mindful in busy transport hubs, is worth factoring into travel plans alongside the usual road safety precautions.

5)         Cover that travels with you, every day

All Risk cover, such as Miway’s Mi-Moveables, is often thought of purely as holiday cover, but it matters just as much for everyday movement with laptops, smartphones and other portable items, not only for trips away. It is also worth understanding what happens if luggage or portable possessions are stolen from a vehicle, whether parked overnight at a stopover or left briefly during a stretch break, so there are no surprises if a claim needs to be made.

Preparation is about more than avoiding accidents

“Checking your cover before you travel is not only about preventing accidents, but also about ensuring a stress-free holiday. If something does go wrong, the right insurance can significantly improve the experience and outcome, limiting any stress you were going on holiday to relieve in the first place,” Naidoo concludes.

“A bit of preparation now means you can focus on enjoying local travels ahead, knowing you, your vehicle and your belongings are protected wherever the road takes you.”