Going on holiday outside SA's borders this year?

Many people choose to spend their December holidays in Mozambique, Botswana or Namibia and all those other beautiful secluded places just to the North of our borders.  For good reasons too: After a relatively accessible drive in your 4x4, most of these destinations offer a perfect getaway from the stress of the office and a long year of work.

But there are some very important things to do and check before you leave on that holiday:
 

1. Make sure your 4x4 is properly maintained, and serviced. The last thing you want to do is get stuck with a breakdown before you reach your destination. Ensure that your 4x4 recovery equipment is in good working order.
2. See your Doctor to get that Malaria tablet prescription (if you're going to a malaria area). On the subject of health - also make sure you have all the necessary emergency medicines and a proper First Aid kit.
3. Make sure your 4x4 complies with the regulations of the country you will be visiting. Things like the triangles, ZA stickers, insurance documents as well as the registration papers of the vehicle are going to be checked at the border.
4. Get your GPS's maps updated - a GPS without up to date maps is no good!
5. Make sure your insurance company is aware which countries you will be visiting, and get a border letter from them. If your 4x4 is still financed you will need to get authorisation from the finance company as well.
6. Some countries require you to buy a once off liability insurance. This can be purchased beforehand and should save you some time getting through the border.
   

Why you need proper 4x4 insurance when travelling outside South Africa for the holidays:

Towing Costs: Did you know that very few insurance companies cover towing and recovery costs outside of South Africa? Let's say you have an accident (heaven forbid) en route to your holiday destination, 200 km from the border.  That is going to cost you several thousand Rand, if your insurance company does not cover the towing costs.  Our recommended products not only cover the cost of towing to a repairer in SA, but also the cost of recovering your vehicle back to South Africa.

Repatriation: Imagine the cost of getting back to South Africa after an accident? Our products cover repatriation of the driver and passengers back to South Africa, not only after an accident, but also after a breakdown!

Cover outside South Africa: Most 'normal' insurers cover your vehicle for use in South Africa, and some of the surrounding countries. Only our recommended products provide cover all the way up to Kenya.

Emergency medical evacuation:  Our recommended products also include airborne emergency medical evacuation. So in the case of injury or illness you will be swiftly returned to South Africa so that you can get treatment in a proper hospital.

Breakdown of winching equipment:  If you're going far off the beaten track, you're sure to have a winch to help recover your 4x4 when you get stuck.  Now, imagine the winch breaks?  Your average motor insurer will never pay that claim -- but our products cover that too!

So, before you pack your bags and leave for that annual holiday in your 4x4, speak to your insurer and make sure that they cover you for ALL of the above points. 
If not, you need to speak to us!

Some more questions to ask your 4x4 insurance company:

• Do I have cover for damage to the engine caused by water?
• Do you charge an additional excess if I damage my 4x4 while driving off-road?
• Am I limited to any specific driver, or do I have cover if my friend drives too?
  
• Is there a 24/7 emergency number that I can contact in case I have an accident, breakdown or injury while outside South Africa?

Finally, once you are all packed and ready to go: lock the house, relax, it's time for that holiday... drive safely.

PS: Remember to pack the sunscreen - it's hot in Africa!