December holidays mean vitamin sea, mountain magic, and wonderful wildlife for many South Africans. But nothing brings a holiday to a screeching halt quite like realising that your expensive sunglasses are nowhere to be seen, or your cellphone has been called away to a new owner.
Ensuring that your valuable portable possessions (also known as all-risk items) don’t pull a disappearing act is as important as applying sunscreen. But, if the worst happens and you need to claim for them from your insurance, here’s what you need to know:
High-stakes hide-and-seek: Keep your stuff safe
Theft of personal property tops the charts when it comes to crimes against individuals, with Stats SA revealing that 45% of crimes are related to stolen personal items. So yes, while your biggest worry might be running out of SPF, you should also be concerned about your phone, tablet, camera, and shiny new smartwatch being the next target for sticky-fingered opportunists. Keep them safely tucked away, stay alert, and let your insurer know ASAP if they go missing.
Get specific about your cover… Really, really specific
While portable possessions cover protects everything that you take with you when you leave your property, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that general ‘unspecified’ cover will do. That’s usually reserved for less expensive things like keys and the random bits of make-up floating around in your beach bag.
Here’s the thing: Insurance won’t help you replace your pricey designer trainers or your flashy fold-able phone if they aren’t specified. High-value items must be specified individually, in detail. This means letting your insurer know every last little thing about them, from the make, model and serial number, to what it would cost to replace them at today’s replacement value. (Not what you paid for them.)
When it comes to your expensive portable possessions, remember that your insurer isn’t a mind reader. It’s up to you to help them make sure that everything is covered correctly.
Home contents cover is for stuff that’s, well, at home
Thinking that your home contents insurance has your portable possessions covered is a common mistake that people make. This is only true when your items *stay* in your house. The second that anything portable leaves your property, you need separate portable possessions cover for it. Without this cover, your belongings could be as exposed as you would be if your suitcase with all your clothing were to be stolen. (And that disturbing mental picture should be enough to motivate you to get the right cover in place.)
Number 1 on your pre-holiday checklist: A call to your insurer
In South Africa, we’re already super vigilant about keeping our stuff safe. But don’t let your guard down just because you’re visiting paradise for a few days. Before you depart, make sure to have a chat with your insurer about protecting the valuables you’ll be taking along with you.
That way, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your stuff is fully covered, even if it mysteriously vanishes mid-trip.
Bonus: Portable possessions insurance also covers accidental damage. So if the tide comes up and ‘drowns’ your e-reader while you’re napping on a lounger… We’ve got your back.
Click here or WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 for a commitment-free insurance quote.
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Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here.
