South Africa has some of the best summers and for those living in small towns, it is great to get some travelling done during this time. Whether your home for the holidays is a cosy tent, caravan or even on the road, or being at home, make sure you take note of these important safety checks and balances so that nothing comes between you and a well-deserved break.

Get your car ready for the road:  

1. Make sure your motor insurance is up to date and that the value of your vehicle is correct.
2. Check that any trailers and cars you use on holiday are roadworthy and properly licensed.
3. Get your car serviced and check tyre tread and inflation, windscreen wipers, oil and water. Make sure you have a functional spare wheel, jack, wheel spanner, safety triangle and jumper cables.
4. Repair any cracks or chips in your windscreen.
5. Make sure your tracking device is operational.
6. Ensure that your driver’s licence is valid and if you are travelling outside SA, check the territorial limits of your cover regarding cross-border requirements – some countries insist on licence papers or proof of insurance.

If you’re at home:

1. Be vigilant – keep an eye out for loiterers or unfamiliar people scanning the area. If anything seems out of place, notify your armed response to investigate.
2. Activate your alarm – house robberies are a common occurrence and burglars really don’t need a lot of time to make off with your household contents and parked vehicles.
3. Get involved – join your local WhatsApp community group to keep a finger on the pulse of goings-on in your suburb.
4. Get handy – it’s a perfect time to get those important home maintenance jobs done that you never have time for during the year. Remember that all homeowner’s insurance policies require that property owners maintain their homes in good condition and secondly that they take reasonable measures to prevent loss in the first place.

Make sure your holiday checks are done, and your insurance policies are current and up to date, so that the only thing you need to worry about this holiday is to rest, relax and recharge.