Did someone say long weekend? The Easter holidays are upon us, which means Easter egg hunts, family time and some long distance driving could be on the cards for many of us.
Did someone say long weekend? Easter is the perfect excuse for family time, a well-earned break and perhaps a road trip to your favourite South African holiday spot.
Whether you're heading for the coast, visiting loved ones or planning a relaxing staycation, the last thing you want is an unexpected emergency spoiling your holiday plans.
The good news? A little preparation can go a long way towards keeping you and your loved ones safer.
How can you prepare for an Easter holiday emergency? Start by checking your vehicle, reviewing your car insurance, saving important emergency contacts and confirming what roadside assistance is available. If you're travelling across borders or leaving your home unattended, check your insurance arrangements before departure.
At Miway, we're all about helping you enjoy life's special moments, even when things don't quite go according to plan.
South Africa's roads are particularly busy during major holiday periods, making responsible driving and emergency planning important.
According to the South African Department of Transport, road fatalities during Easter 2026 were 39% lower than the 2024 Easter peak, while crashes decreased by 24%.
While this improvement is encouraging, unexpected incidents can still happen.
From a flat tyre on the highway to a burst geyser at home, understanding your insurance benefits before something goes wrong can make a difficult situation easier to manage.
Here are some practical ways to get more than just road-trip ready.
Before packing the padkos and choosing your favourite playlist, give your car some attention.
Long-distance driving can place additional demands on your vehicle, especially when you're carrying passengers and luggage.
Check the following before leaving:
It's also worth confirming that your car is up to date with its required servicing.
For more information, read Miway's road trip safety checklist.
Imagine you're halfway to your holiday destination when your car develops a problem.
A flat tyre, empty fuel tank or unexpected breakdown can quickly turn a relaxing journey into a stressful experience.
That's why knowing what emergency roadside assistance is available through your insurance matters.
Miway offers 24/7 roadside assistance with eligible car insurance policies, helping with selected roadside emergencies.
Depending on your cover, assistance may include:
Need Miway emergency roadside assistance?
Call 0860 07 67 64 or use the Miway App to request assistance.
If your vehicle breaks down, prioritise your safety. Move to a safe location where possible, activate your hazard lights and contact an authorised assistance provider.
Avoid accepting an unsolicited tow without confirming the arrangement with your insurer.
Your holiday preparations shouldn't stop at the front door.
Before leaving your home unattended over the Easter break, take a few simple precautions.
It's also a good time to review your home and contents insurance.
Depending on your selected policy, cover may help protect your property and belongings against events such as theft, fire or certain forms of accidental damage.
If you experience a household emergency, check whether your Miway policy includes access to emergency home assistance.
Planning to spend Easter in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique or another neighbouring country?
Before crossing the border, make sure your vehicle documents and insurance arrangements are in order.
Your South African car insurance policy might not provide identical protection in every country.
Before departure:
Miway customers can access certain insurance documents and cross-border letter services through the Miway App.
Remember: Don't assume that all policy benefits automatically apply outside South Africa. Confirm the details before you travel.
Nobody plans to have an accident on holiday, but knowing what to do can help you respond more confidently.
If an accident occurs:
You may need a police reference number and supporting documentation, depending on the circumstances.
Miway customers can use the Miway claims service or the Miway App to submit claims, upload supporting documents and track progress.
It's important not to authorise repairs before your insurer has provided the necessary approval.
Safe driving is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of your holiday being interrupted.
A few simple habits can make a difference:
If your Easter celebrations involve alcohol, arrange a sober driver or a suitable transport option.
Miway's eligible car insurance policies include access to WeDrive, a service that can help customers get home safely in their own vehicles.
Check your policy for the current eligibility requirements, booking conditions and limits.
For some South Africans, the Easter long weekend isn't only about taking a break.
Delivery businesses, transport operators and essential service providers may still have vehicles on the road while many other businesses are closed.
If your business relies on bakkies, vans or trucks, it's important to prepare your drivers and vehicles for holiday traffic.
Business vehicles & fleet insurance can help protect eligible commercial vehicles against selected insured risks, including accidents, theft and damage.
Before the Easter period, business owners should:
For businesses that depend on transporting goods, it may also be worth reviewing separate goods in transit insurance.
Having suitable commercial vehicle protection can help reduce the financial impact of unexpected incidents and interruptions.
There's more to preparing for Easter than booking accommodation and packing your bags.
Before you leave, take a few minutes to review your insurance details.
Ask yourself:
Small checks now can save time and uncertainty when you need assistance.
Move to a safe location if possible, switch on your hazard lights and contact your insurer's approved roadside assistance service. Miway customers with eligible cover can request assistance through the Miway App or call 0860 07 67 64.
Some car insurance policies include roadside assistance as a standard benefit, while others offer it as an additional service. Miway advertises 24/7 emergency roadside assistance with its eligible car insurance options, subject to the policy terms.
This depends on your insurer, destination and selected cover. You should confirm territorial limits, roadside assistance arrangements and cross-border documentation before leaving South Africa.
Check everyone's safety, contact emergency services if necessary, record the incident details when safe and notify your insurer. Miway customers can submit qualifying claims using the Miway App or its online claims service.
Business vehicle insurance may cover eligible vehicles during the Easter period, provided their use falls within the policy conditions. Business owners should check driver authorisation, permitted vehicle use, territorial limits and any applicable exclusions.
From family road trips to relaxing weekends at home, Easter should be about enjoying time with the people who matter most.
While nobody can predict every emergency, being prepared and having suitable insurance can help make unexpected situations easier to manage.
Whether you need personal car insurance, home protection or Business vehicles & fleet insurance for your company, Miway offers insurance solutions designed around different needs.
Ready to get more than road-trip ready?
Get a Miway car insurance quote or find out more about business vehicle insurance before your next journey.
Have a safe and enjoyable Easter break!
