Festive season, holiday season, Dezemba, aka: Silly Season! We know that the South African holidays can come with their share of risk and chaos! From unpredictable storms to opportunistic crime, here’s our festive season survival guide to being prepared so you can enjoy those cocktails instead of relying on them. 😉
Here’s how to protect what matters most:
1. Lock down your home
If you’re travelling, don’t leave your home vulnerable.
- Test your alarm, lock valuables away and ask a trusted friend or neighbour to check in. Your plants and your pocket will thank you later!
- Use timer switches on your lights or smart cameras to create the illusion of someone’s home; you’re less likely to be targeted if your house doesn’t look “empty”.
- Update or review your building and contents insurance; burglary claims often spike at this time of the year.
- And remember, resist the urge to post your travel plans on social media. Letting the world know you’re not home for a few weeks is like handing over your keys and asking for trouble.
2. Ready your car for road trips
Wherever you’re headed, if you’re hitting the road, your car needs attention.
- Schedule a service and check essentials such as tyre pressure, fluids and brakes.
- Make sure your insurance includes emergency roadside assistance. You’ll thank yourself later.
Our car insurance cover has your back if you’re stranded. Read more about that here: After-hours Emergencies on The Road.
We also have a complete road trip checklist just for you!
3. Secure your valuables
Portable possessions such as phones, jewellery and holiday purchases are easy targets for thieves.
- Don’t leave valuables such as handbags or shopping bags in your car, if you do, keep them out of sight!
- Update your insurance to cover new items and gifts. You can manage your policies with us from the 24/7 Online Manage Portal.
4. Prepare for storms and power cuts
A South African summer means thunderstorms and power cuts for some parts of the country. For the entire country, load-shedding is always a risk!
- Clear gutters, trim trees and check your roof for leaks.
- Protect your electronics with surge protectors and find out if your policy covers things such as spoilage if your freezer fails. RIP to all the lost gammons out there!
5. Stay safe when staying home
Even if you’re not travelling, always keep safety in mind!
- Set your alarm, lock gates and park your cars securely.
- Be cautious with open flames and overloaded plugs. Candles are great for ambience, but not if they are near flammable festive decorations.
Enjoy worry-free festivities with insurance
The holidays are for celebrating, not stressing. With dotsure.co.za, you’re covered for life’s unexpected twists. Get a quote or review your policy today at dotsure.co.za.
