What You Will Learn From This Article
- What to tell your insurer before a long trip
- The vehicle checks insurers recommend, and why roadworthiness matters to a claim
- How cover for belongings in the car really works
- What to do on the road, after an accident and after a theft
- A one-page checklist to print
Before You Leave
1. Tell Your Insurer About the Trip
King Price tells customers heading out on a long road trip to let their insurer know, and to confirm whether the trip is private or business, since business use outside South Africa is not covered. If you are crossing a border, get written confirmation of covered countries and the cross-border letter. Our cross-border guide covers this, including towing boats and taking bikes.
Confirm SASRIA is on your schedule
2. Sort Out Who Will Be Driving
King Price asks you to update the regular driver details if someone else will do most of the driving. Check whether your policy is open, nominated or single driver, and that every driver’s licence is valid. Our guide to lending your car explains the rules.
3. Make the Car Roadworthy
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) lists an unroadworthy vehicle, or an accident caused by poor maintenance, as a ground for rejecting a claim. Bidvest Insurance, which also sells tyre and rim and scratch and dent cover, recommends checking each tyre for uneven wear, cracks and bulges, checking pressure when cold, and not forgetting the spare. It also lists fluids, the battery, lights, wipers and brakes. IOL’s pre-holiday checks add belts, hoses and an emergency kit with a first-aid kit, torch, jumper cables, warning triangle, wheel tools and reflective vest, although that article cites no sources. OUTsurance, in a 2017 article, adds fixing chips and cracks in windows and making sure the spare wheel and tools are in order. See also our guides on tyres and insurance and pothole damage.
4. Know Your Cover and Your Excess
King Price recommends comprehensive cover for a long trip and says to know your excess and budget for it. It also lists optional extras such as trailer cover, portable possessions cover and scratch and dent cover. On belongings, Pineapple says standard car policies typically do not cover personal items stored in the car, and that most comprehensive policies offer an option for possessions, which is not standard on third-party or third-party fire and theft policies. If you are packing laptops, cameras or luggage, ask about contents cover before you go.
5. Pack the Paperwork and Evidence
Carry your licence, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, and save your insurer’s 24-hour emergency number. Also prepare for the worst now. Naked says insurers typically ask after a theft for registration documents, a certified ID copy, photos of all vehicle keys, tracking device details, last service details and current mileage. Photograph your keys and note your service history before you leave.
On the Road
6. Call Your Insurer Before You Arrange Help
King Price says to call its emergency assist line before arranging any help after a breakdown, or you might end up footing the bill yourself. Check whether your insurer has the same rule.
7. Lock Up and Park Sensibly
Pineapple says a stolen item will not be covered if there are no signs of forced entry, because the absence suggests the car was not secured by locking the doors and closing the windows. It also says cash, credit and debit cards, and business equipment are excluded from possessions cover. Lock every door, close every window and take valuables with you.
8. Plan for Alcohol
SAIA describes driving while intoxicated as one of the most common reasons for claim repudiation. Decide who drives before the first drink. Our main December guide covers all five documented rejection reasons.
If Something Goes Wrong
After an Accident
Discovery Insure (9 March 2026) and Pineapple give a consistent sequence:
- Check for injuries and call emergency services. Pineapple adds to switch on hazard lights and move vehicles to safety if possible.
- Report to SAPS within 24 hours if there is damage, injury or death. Discovery notes a grace period if you were injured or hospitalised. Pineapple says no claim of this kind proceeds without a stamped and signed police report and case number.
- Photograph everything: all vehicles, the exact location and the road conditions, and collect witness details.
- Do not admit fault. Both insurers advise leaving the claims process to your insurer.
- Tow through your insurer only. Discovery says to photograph the car before it is towed and note the tow truck details.
- Do not repair the car until your insurer has inspected it.
- Notify your insurer as soon as possible. Discovery mentions a 30-day submission window, but yours may differ, so check your policy.
After a Theft or Hijacking
Naked lists three priorities in order: contact your tracking company, report to police so a case is opened and the car is flagged, then notify your insurer. Naked also says the recovery rate without a tracker is 5 to 10% against 80% with one. That is Naked’s own claim and we could not verify it independently.
The One-Page Checklist
- Tell your insurer about the trip, and confirm private use.
- Update regular driver details and check every licence.
- Service the car, check tyres including the spare, fluids, lights, wipers and brakes.
- Ask about contents cover and know your excess.
- Get cross-border confirmation in writing if leaving the country.
- Save the emergency number and carry policy and vehicle documents.
- Photograph your keys and note service history and mileage.
- Call your insurer first after a breakdown.
- Lock up, close windows and take valuables.
- Plan a sober driver.
- After an accident: police within 24 hours, photos, no admission of fault, insurer-arranged towing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell my insurer before a long road trip?
King Price tells customers to let their insurer know before a long road trip and to confirm the trip is private use. Requirements differ by insurer, especially for border crossings and business use, so check your policy.
Does car insurance cover things stolen from my car?
Not by default. Pineapple says standard policies typically do not cover belongings in the car, and that comprehensive policies usually offer possessions cover as an option. A stolen item is not covered if there are no signs of forced entry.
How soon must I report an accident?
Discovery says accidents involving damage, injury or death must be reported to SAPS within 24 hours, with a grace period if you were injured or hospitalised, and that you should notify your insurer as soon as possible. Deadlines differ by insurer.
Can I use any tow truck after an accident?
Discovery says to arrange towing through your insurer only, and King Price says to call its emergency assist line before arranging any help after a breakdown, or you may pay yourself.
Should I admit fault at the scene?
No. Discovery and Pineapple both advise against admitting fault and say to let your insurer handle the claims process.
What will my insurer ask for after a theft?
Naked says insurers typically ask for the time and place you last saw the car, the police case number, registration documents, a certified ID copy, photos of all keys, tracking device details, and last service details and mileage.