All packed and ready? Make sure you're covered!

This checklist helps you get your car roadworthy, your documents sorted, and your car insurance ready for the trip — so the only surprise is the view.

 Before you leave (or the night before), do a quick walkaround:

• Tyres + spare: pressure, tread, sidewall damage; check the spare is inflated and the jack works
• Lights: headlights, brake lights, indicators
• Wipers + washers: replace worn blades; top up washer fluid
• Fluids: oil, coolant, brake fluid
• Battery basics: corrosion, weak starts, warning lights

If you’re not sure, book a quick inspection with a trusted workshop. This pre-trip guidance covers these exact “must-check” areas (tyres, spare, fluids, basics) and aligns strongly with what users search for.

Why this matters for insurance: an avoidable breakdown can turn into towing costs, delays, or secondary accidents — and that’s where the right cover and roadside help make a difference.

A lot of road-trip stress comes from assumptions. Rather confirm these items in your policy details:

• Cover type: comprehensive vs third-party/fire/theft (and what that means on a long trip)
• Excess: how much you’ll pay if you claim, and whether it changes by driver, area, or incident type
• Windscreen + glass: holiday routes = trucks, stones, chips
• Tyre & rim / pothole damage: common on SA roads (especially on secondary routes)
• Car hire after an accident: useful when you’re far from home
• Portable possessions: phones, laptops, cameras (especially if you’re road-tripping with tech)
• Trailer / caravan: towing changes risk — confirm it’s covered

Competitors that rank well do this “confirm the boring stuff” section clearly (excess, add-ons, what to tell your insurer).

If your road trip leaves South Africa — even for a quick hop — plan this at least a few weeks ahead.

What you’ll usually need:

• A cross-border letter/confirmation of cover
• Certified registration papers (and proof you’re allowed to take the vehicle if it’s financed or not in your name)
• Valid driver’s licence + passport (and any destination requirements)
• Third-party cover if the destination requires it (some countries do)

This is exactly why cross-border content tends to rank: it’s practical, document-led, and time-sensitive.

Build a simple “just-in-case” kit:

• Reflective triangle
• Torch/headlamp
• Basic first-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Phone charger / power bank
• Water + snacks (yes, more padkos)
• Blanket (nights get cold fast)

MiWay’s own road-trip safety content leans into these essentials and ties them to real roadside call-outs (flat tyres, jumpstarts, locksmith, fuel).

1. Avoid peak fatigue: swap drivers where possible; take real breaks
2. Don’t push speed “to make time”: that’s when things go wrong
3. Save your emergency support details: if you need help, the fastest route is the right number/app first (before you arrange your own tow)

Do

• Do a tyre + lights + fluids check before you leave
• Keep your policy details and emergency numbers saved
• Confirm excess and key add-ons (glass, tyre & rim, car hire)
• Plan cross-border documents early

Don’t

• Don’t assume trailers/portable items are automatically covered
• Don’t ignore warning lights “until you get there”
• Don’t arrange towing first if your policy requires pre-authorisation
• Don’t leave cross-border letters to the day before

Road trips are meant to feel free — not fragile. A quick car check, the right documents, and cover that fits your trip can turn a “what if” into “we’ve got this”.

If you’d like to check your cover or get a quote before you go, MiWay can help you sort it online — so you can focus on the route, the playlist, and the padkos.