Top tips on ensuring a happy holiday

Here are some things to keep in mind before going on holiday:

• Check that your alarm system is in working order
  It's a good idea to check that your security systems, such as an alarm, panic buttons and motion sensors are working properly before going on holiday. These should also be tested with your security provider about a week or two before your departure. Make sure to leave an emergency contact number with your security company so that they can get hold of you, if needed.
• Position your CCTV cameras well
  You must make sure your CCTV cameras are working and are positioned in such a way that they give a clear view of what is happening both inside and outside your property.
• Make sure your electric fence is working properly
  Check that your electric fence is in good working order. You should cut back any plants or trees that may interfere with the fence's efficient functioning.
• Make sure that all doors and windows are securely locked
  If your home is not secure, everything you own becomes vulnerable.
• Don't leave a spare key out
  To reduce risk, don't leave a key under the flower pot or door mat or any other public place that anyone could access. Rather leave it with a trustworthy neighbour or family member.
• Safely store away valuables
  If you need to, it's a good idea to place any valuable items in a safer place within your home. For example, store your jewellery in a locked safe. If you want to, you can even keep specific valuables in an alternative location for safekeeping while your home is unoccupied. Remember to store documents for your valuables in our Online Vault too.
• Unplug appliances
  While you are away, there may be a power surge in your area due to load shedding. To avoid damage, it is best to unplug items such as televisions, kettles, coffee makers, and sound systems that are not in use.
• Minimise tell-tale signs that you are away
  It is advisable to make sure that your property does not look like it is unoccupied while you're away. You should arrange with a trusted friend or neighbour to check your property and collect your post. If you have any, it is also advisable to cancel any newspaper subscriptions for the time you are away to minimise the amount of uncollected mail piling up at your home. Don't close your curtains and consider using a time-switch to turn your lights on at random times in the evening.
• Social or not
  It's highly advisable not to post specific details of your travel plans or itinerary on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media platforms. Sharing this information makes it easier for opportunistic criminals to track your movements, which leaves your home more susceptible to potential break-in while you are away.

If you are going away for an extended period of time, leaving your home unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days, we recommend that you advise your insurer. Discovery Insure buildings insurance allows you to tailor your cover for loss or damage if your building is unoccupied for more than 60 days. For general home insurance purposes, a home that is left unoccupied for such extended periods of time, is considered a higher risk.

Taking a road trip?

If your vehicle is your mode of transport during your holiday, it's important to check your insurance plan and make sure that your car and tyres are in ideal condition for your trip.

Travelling outside of SA?

If your holiday plans involve driving across the border and spending time in one of South Africa's neighbouring countries, it's a good idea to double check all paperwork necessary for when you reach a border post well ahead of your trip. We would advise you to get in touch with us or your financial adviser to check what is covered by your plan.

We would like to make sure your car is covered, even when travelling in areas where the territorial limits apply. If your vehicle is valued at over R2 500 000, it is required that you to fill out a cross border letter informing us of your travel plans so that the appropriate cover can be arranged.

The cross border letter can be accessed by requesting it from your financial adviser, downloading it online from the Discovery website and app, sending a WhatsApp to 0860 756 756 or by contacting us on 0860 751 751.