Worry-free holidays start here: Indwe’s festive planning guide
The festive season is a time of joy, connection, and well-deserved rest. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip, hosting family at your holiday home, or indulging in some online shopping, proactive planning is key to ensuring your celebrations remain worry-free. With the right precautions and insurance cover in place, you can fully embrace the magic of the holidays without unnecessary stress.
Need advice? Here are some practical tips for securing your home, staying safe on the road, protecting your holiday assets, and ensuring peace of mind with tailored insurance solutions. Let’s make this festive season your most stress-free one yet!
Securing your home while you’re away
Planning to leave your home unoccupied while you celebrate at your home away from home or a fun destination? Here are some essential steps to safeguard your property and give you peace of mind:
– Use timer switches to create the appearance of activity.
– Secure all entry points – double-check locks on doors, windows, and gates.
– Test your alarm system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
– Unplug non-essential appliances to prevent power surges, but keep refrigerators and freezers running.
– Enlist help – ask a trusted neighbour or friend to check on your home regularly.
Insurance Tip: Update your home contents insurance to reflect recent purchases or renovations. Creating an inventory of valuables, complete with photos, can simplify claims in the event of loss.
Here’s why different types of insurance matter during the festive season: https://www.indwe.co.za/indwe-blog/ensuring-a-worry-free-festive-season/
Protect Your Home During Water Outages
South Africa’s ongoing water crisis is a reminder of how essential it is to prepare for potential disruptions, especially during the festive season when homes may be left unattended for extended periods. Aging infrastructure and increasing demand have made proactive planning a necessity.
Insurance tips:
- To prevent potential issues during a water outage, insurers recommend turning off your geyser completely. This simple step protects your geyser from overheating or malfunctioning when there’s no water in the system.
- Make sure all taps are closed. An open, unattended tap could lead to flooding or significant water wastage when the supply is restored. Taking these precautions can help you avoid unnecessary damage and inconvenience.
Planning a safe and enjoyable journey
Whether travelling by car or plane, preparation is vital to avoid unexpected hiccups:
– Service your vehicle and inspect essential components like tyres, brakes, and the battery.
– Pack an emergency roadside kit with first-aid supplies, a flashlight, and tools.
– Notify family of your travel plans or use a trip-monitoring service for added safety.
– Avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks on long drives.
Insurance Tips:
- If you are travelling abroad, speak to your broker about comprehensive travel insurance offerings.
- Ensure your car insurance is comprehensive and includes roadside assistance. Consider add-ons like tyre and rim cover for added peace of mind. Learn more about keeping your ride safe.
Checking and covering your holiday home
If you own a holiday home, ensure it’s ready for your stay – or for an extended vacancy:
– Inspect the property for maintenance issues, such as leaks or faulty locks.
– Ensure security measures, including alarms and outdoor lighting, are in working order.
– Arrange for a trusted neighbour or property manager to oversee the home if vacant.
Insurance Tip: Verify your holiday home insurance policy is up-to-date, covering risks such as theft or storm damage. Additional coverage for high-value items stored on the property is a smart precaution.
Protecting your valuables on the go
Keep your prized possessions safe while travelling:
– Travel light and avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.
– Secure items in safes or conceal them in vehicles.
– Be vigilant about locking doors and guarding against car jamming.
– Plan for pet safety if travelling with animals.
Insurance Tip: Portable possession cover ensures protection for electronics, jewellery, and other valuables. Double-check the policy limits for high-value items. Here’s 5 tips to consider before embarking on your journey.
Shopping and online safety
Festive shopping often involves increased online activity, which comes with risks:
– Shop securely: Use trusted websites with “https://” and avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions.
– Monitor your account for fraudulent activity.
– Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Insurance Tip: Cyber insurance protects against online fraud, data breaches, and identity theft. Speak to your broker to help protect you from unfortunate scams.
Staying prepared for unplanned situations
Despite the best planning, unexpected events can occur. Be prepared:
– Save emergency contact numbers, including your insurer and roadside assistance.
– Ensure travel insurance covers disruptions such as delays or lost luggage.
– Consider warranty or top-up cover for financed vehicles.
Insurance Tip: Review and update all insurance policies to confirm they provide adequate coverage for your holiday activities.
The festive season should be a time of celebration, not worry. By planning ahead and ensuring your insurance coverage aligns with your activities, you can focus on creating memories that last a lifetime. Indwe Risk Services is here to support you with tailored solutions for every need, providing peace of mind during the holiday season and beyond.
Ready to review your policies or explore additional coverage? Contact Indwe today and let us help you enjoy a worry-free festive season: 0860 13 13 14 or www.indwe.co.za
Indwe Risk Services is an authorised Financial Services Provider FSP 3425