Are you taking your car on a road trip beyond South Africa’s borders for the Easter holidays? Make sure that your car insurance keeps you covered in any other African countries you’re planning to visit.
Here’s a checklist from Ernest North, co-founder of Naked, the fully digital insurance provider, for taking your car to countries such as Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, eSwatini, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Check what your policy covers
If you don’t have comprehensive car insurance and you’re leaving the country, it’s probably something worth considering. Most South African car insurance policies offer some coverage in our neighbouring countries, but the extent and the nature of what they cover may vary. Read your policy document before travelling to ensure you understand what’s covered, what the limits are and if there are any additional costs.
Some things to check include:
- Is there a time limit for how long you’ll be covered when travelling outside South Africa?
- Are certain countries you’re visiting excluded from coverage, for example, due to civil unrest?
- If you’re travelling for work, does your policy cover business use? Most don’t.
- What happens if you need a tow when you’re outside South Africa due to a breakdown or accident? You’ll usually need to pay to get your car back into South Africa. At this stage, your insurer should have it towed to the nearest repair centre.
- Buy third-party liability cover
Most policies will cover damage only to your car when travelling outside South Africa’s borders. You can usually buy third-party liability cover at the border or from Outdoor Warehouse. Third-party liability covers damage done to another person’s property or causing bodily injury to someone. It’s a legal requirement in countries such as Zimbabwe, eSwatini, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, and Botswana.
TIP: Research the local laws of the country you’re visiting, especially regarding your car and insurance. You don’t want to drive all the way to the border only to realise that you need a certain letter from your bank or an international driving permit.
1. Get a letter to present at the border
You can usually email your insurer to get a cross-border letter. If this document specifies dates and countries, make sure the details are correct.
2. Ask your bank for a letter of permission
If your car is financed, you’ll also need a letter from the bank granting permission to take it across the border.
3. Take all your paperwork
You might need to show your car’s registration papers at the border. Also, ensure your car’s licence doesn’t need renewing anytime soon. Double-check whether your South African driver’s licence is valid where you are travelling or whether an international driving permit is necessary. Some insurers require that you have stickers on your car showing you are insured.
4. Make sure you have the necessary safety equipment
In some countries, it’s a legal requirement to have a triangle and a reflective vest in your car for emergencies.
Understanding the details of your car insurance policy when travelling outside of South Africa’s border will allow you to enjoy your travels without worrying about unexpected costs or legal complications.
