Garrun Group Tips for the Holiday Season
It’s that time of the year again when most of us are thinking about taking a much needed break. Before you head out on your holiday - please take note of a few points we've put together for your own peace of mind.
Review your insurance cover, check that you are adequately insured. If you have a new digital camera or cell phone, remember to insure them under the “all risk” section of your policy.
When travelling to a foreign country know there are some very real risk as well as unforeseen events, which may hamper your holiday journey. However unpleasant the thought may be, make sure that you are covered against risks like Terrorist attacks, floods, earthquakes and so forth.
Please feel free to contact our offices to arrange special travel insurance cover, as you never know when you may need additional cover while away, especially travelling outside the border of South Africa.
We are here to offer you the best possible advice and solutions for your forthcoming holiday. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Should you be driving outside of South Africa, please check with us to ensure that the country you will be travelling to is included in the territorial limits of your policy. Please be aware that you may need a letter of confirmation for the country you are entering.
Garrun Group Holiday Season Checklists
To make your planning a little easier this year, and ensure that while you are away your belongings are safeguarded, we have compiled checklists that will give you peace of mind while relaxing on your holiday.
Before you leave
- Have a trusted friend or family member check up on your house. Notify your security company and give them the designated contact person’s details in case of emergency.
- If you do not have someone house sitting or coming in to switch the lights on and off during your holiday, install timer switches to the outside and interior lights to give the impression that the premises are being occupied.
- Temporarily cancel the delivery of newspaper/magazines/TV guides and ask a friend or neighbor to clear you postbox on a regular basis.
- Arrange for your pets to be looked after or have them placed into kennels while you are away.
- Store valuables such as jewelry, in a safety deposit box at your local bank.
- Make sure that sinks with leaking taps are not left with the plug in – this is a major cause of flooding.
- Remove plugs from wall sockets and switch off the stove in case of lighting or power surges, your home appliances will be protected.
- If you are not taking your DSTV card with you, place your account on hold for the time you are away, saving you money when not using the service.
- Also turn off your geysers while you are away as this draws a lot of electricity and will save you a substantial amount of money while you are away.
- Lock up all gardening tools.
- Lock all car and other keys away in the event that there is a break in to your home.
- Ensure that all your windows, doors and security gates are closed and locked when you leave your home.
- Most importantly, if you have an alarm, make sure it is armed before you leave for your vacation.
Travelling
- Before you set out, check your car’s tyre pressure (including the spare) and increase the pressure in the tyres to manufacturers suggested specifications.
- Check your oil, water and lights.
- Pack the first aid kit and any extra spares or emergency equipment that you may need.
- Make sure you have your driver’s licenses with you and have your policy number and contact details with you.
- Place valuables in the boot of the car and don’t leave cell phones and wallets etc. unattended or on the seat of a car.
- Plan your travel route in advance and tell people of your plans and final destinations.
- Be cautious when driving, especially at night and avoid stopping in remote areas.
- Drive with your lights on during the day, this just makes those road users more aware of your presence on the road.
- Stop for rest breaks every 2 to 3 hours.
- Do not give lifts to strangers.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Be alert when using ATM machines.
- Think twice about shopping in an unfamiliar environment.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, displaying flashy jewelry, watches or cell phones.
- Don’t leave valuables in shopping trolleys and always accompany your children to public toilets.
Garrun Assist Please make a note of our assistance center number, 0860 427 786. In the event of an accident you will be able to phone our call centre from anywhere in the country and we will arrange for your vehicle to be picked up and taken to a safe location in order to ensure repairs are done as soon as possible, protecting your family and your valuable asset.
If for some reason you are in a part of South Africa where we have a branch and there is something specific to that area that you need, please feel free to contact the local branch and they will gladly assist you.
If you need clarification on any of the above information, please contact your Garrun Group partner for more detailed assistance. We would like to thank you for your continued and loyal support and wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous festive season and a prosperous and happy 2012