As the first official mini- break for the year, many are looking forward to this year’s Easter weekend.
As the first official mini- break for the year, many are looking forward to this year’s Easter weekend. Kicking off between Good Friday, 29 March 2024 and running through to Family Day on 1 April 2024, this break gives you enough time to bond with family and friends. While others may be planning a local weekend getaway at a fun filled destination, some are planning to cross the border into a preferred neighboring country. The last thing you want to hear is that you are unable to enter a country due to missing documents.
Often such trips may be overwhelming, it is for this reason why you need to make sure you have covered everything. Makesure you run a full documentation checklist and a complete car inspection. It’s one thing to check your route ahead but make sure you are adequately covered for your ride. Siyakhe Masiye, Miway Spokesperson, provides a few guidelines to help you get ready for your trip.
Certified registration papers
It’s against the law to drive a car which is not roadworthy. When travelling in your car you need to make sure the car you are travelling in is proven as legally roadworthy. There are several leading suppliers for Roadworthy Tests in South Africa. For a detailed vehicle, motorcycle, caravan, or trailer roadworthy checklist, consumers should contact their nearest branch.
Cross-border letter
One of the key responsibilities as the policy holder is to contact and inform your insurer well in advance (at least a month in advance) that you will be crossing SA’s border. Your insurer will then explain what you will be covered for in an unexpected event such as accident, breakdown or car being stolen.
Your insurance policy has features that apply to the country in which you reside, and the cross-border letter lets you know what you are covered for once you are in another country. Take note though that the risks generally differ from country to country. The information below is what should be included in your cross-border letter:
Life-saving emergency items
Road infrastructure differs from country to country. Ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy before heading out is an effective safety measure. Before taking that road trip, as standard practice and to make sure your car is in good condition, check these emergency car items such as a reflector triangle, jack, pump, spare wheel are packed. Also check all your tyres have the right pressure, wiper blades are functioning well, and front and rear lights are tested as well as brake lights and indicators. Some modern cars have run-flat tyres. Regardless of the type of puncture you experience, the run-flat tyre will allow you to drive for up to 80km at about 80km per hour. Although the tyres offer stability and handling so that you can maintain control of the vehicle, should you feel unsafe, reach out to your insurer for road-side assistance.
Documents required
Remember to take your valid driver’s license, passport and visa. If travelling with passengers, don’t forget they would also need to take the same. If your vehicle is still being financed by a financial institution, as the owner it is your responsibility to notify the registered owner to provide you with a border letter, granting you this permission.
Vehicle rental
Others prefer to use rental vehicles when travelling. You will need a letter of authority from the car hire company for the same reason as you would need to notify the financial institution if the car is not paid off
