• Don’t check out for a holiday break without first checking your insurance.
• Vehicle service demand at workshops and dealerships is always high ahead of the holidays so ensure your vehicle is booked timely.  Safety critical items such as brakes and tyres will be checked.  Also check the jack, the spare tyre and tools.
• Keep your broker’s contact details handy and keep a note of your policy number and the emergency number of your insurer.
• A key issue when checking your motor policy is cover in the event of an accident or breakdown.  Motorists should be aware of:
• The level of cover (if any) for hotel expenses
• Whether a breakdown allowance is given to cover the cost of vehicle protection or removal
• Whether full cover is offered for stolen ‘factory-fitted’ car radios
• Whether car-hire is in place as a result of the loss of or damage to the vehicle
• The extent of windscreen cover in the event of damage
• The nature and extent of any trauma cover
• The precise contents of any roadside assistance package and the procedures to be followed.

What to do in the case of an accident

• Stop immediately and stay calm. DO NOT admit or accept liability for the accident.  It is the responsibility of the insurance company to deal with fault and liability issues.
• Call the Law enforcement Agencies, if anyone is injured or fatally wounded, or where a third party suffers damage to their property.  Assist anyone who is injured and DO NOT move any vehicles until the police arrive. 
• Collect as much information as possible from the other party - i.e. the  make, model and registration of the vehicle; details of the other driver including their identity number, telephone numbers, postal address, email, employer and insurance company; details of witnesses and the details of the driver of the vehicle, should he not be the owner. The other party is not compelled to give such information, however, try to obtain whatever you can.
• Where possible, take photos of the scene and particularly of the damaged vehicles and property.
• If your car CANNOT be driven, call our call centre immediately on 0800 247 365 and let the operator take charge of the situation.  Ensure that you are given the name of the towing company which will assist you, a reference number and the name of the panel beater to whom the vehicle is being towed. 
• Only allow your car to be towed by the APPROVED recovery unit arranged through the call centre.   
• You have the right to select your own tow operator.  No tow operator or Police officer may force a choice on you. 
• Do not pay money to anyone.
• Where a vehicle has to be towed by an unapproved company, request to see their tow and storage rates in writing. This will allow your insurer to compare rates and determine the final cost. 
• Inform the police of the accident within 24 hours.
• Report the incident to your insurance advisor noting full details of the accident.

Your home

• Cut back shrubbery and vegetation to reduce hiding areas for intruders;
• Ensure the alarm system is completely functional through regular testing, especially after heavy storms and power disruptions. A non-functioning alarm could lead to the repudiation of a claim;
• Test your security company’s response times on a regular basis;
• Carry out a full household security check before departure – even if you are only taking a short break or weekend away.  Check locks, doors and windows and ensure outbuildings and the garage are locked.
• Lock away garden furniture.
• Cancel all deliveries, particularly newspapers, and ensure your mailbox is cleared regularly for the duration of your holiday.