Peace of mind this festive season

Are you planning on getting merry this holiday season? It’s been another long, hard year, but the finish line is in sight and many of us are getting ready for some much needed down time. Don’t let mishaps and festive foibles spoil your plans.

First things first – few of us are able to enjoy such a long getaway, but you must notify us if your home will be unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days. This is called an unoccupied disclosure and without it, all cover stops. Unless, that is, you’ve let us know, we’ve agreed in writing and any additional premiums are honoured.

Theft is subject to forcible and violent entry and exit. Please ensure that your possessions are kept safely. Negligence is unfortunately not insurable. Please also ensure that your valuable items such as laptops are concealed (i.e. out of sight) if left in a motor vehicle.

Did you know that loss of water by leakage is typically covered under personal lines insurance? This generally includes charges levied by a local authority for water lost through breakage or bursts from pipes in your water mains systems (up to the scheduled limit), is commonly subject to the consumption reading being at least 50% higher than the average of the preceding four readings, you taking immediate steps to make repairs on discovery of a leak (by physical evidence or on receipt of an abnormally high water account), or if unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days. Please note though that leaking taps, geysers, toilet systems and swimming pools are usually excluded, and your insurer will probably not accept liability for more than two separate incidents within a period of 12 months.

Another nightmare that can rear its head during the holiday season is the loss of personal luggage while travelling. Luckily, cover is typically provided for this risk and covers any bag or luggage away from home that is not in your possession. A reimbursement for toiletries or clothing while waiting for your luggage to be located is also available, up to the scheduled limit. This does not include cover for jewellery and watches though, unless the items are specifically insured under the policy, or carried on your person, or the items are kept in a locked safe that is fixed to a building.

There are also easy steps you can take to let yourself rest easy. Remember that you can add additional fire- or money cover over the seasonal period. Other risk management steps include:

• telling your neighbours and security company when you’ll be away;
• closing your water mains and checking your system before leaving;
• tagging your luggage properly;
• never leaving valuable items in a car or otherwise unattended;
• keeping your local emergency services contact numbers on you; and
• making a note of your destination’s emergency contact numbers.

Every great vacation requires some prep work – and this includes ensuring that your personal lines insurance is up to date to suit your and your family’s individual needs. Contact us to check, update or finalise your policies before you head off on your holiday.