Stay Safe and Secure This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for celebration, relaxation, and creating memories with friends and family. Whether you're staying cosy at home or heading out for a well-deserved vacation, it's essential to ensure both your vehicle and your home are safe and secure. With increasing risks such as car theft, hijackings, and home burglaries, now is the perfect time to double-check your safety measures and take proactive steps to protect what matters most.

Safety on the Roads: Be Vigilant

Before you hit the road, make sure you are fully prepared for safe travels, especially if you're planning to drive to your holiday destination or out for a night on the town.

• Follow the Road Rules: Always practice road safety. Stick to speed limits, use your seatbelt, and avoid distractions while driving. Stay alert and mindful of other drivers.
• Use Home Drive Assist: If you’re out with friends or family, take advantage of Santam’s home drive assist value added benefit to ensure a safe journey home. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Protect Against Car Theft and Hijacking: Car thefts and hijackings are on the rise, with criminals becoming increasingly innovative. Stay vigilant when parking and driving, especially in unfamiliar areas.
• Install a Vehicle Tracker: Consider installing a tracking device. It can help with the recovery of your car in case of theft, while many advanced trackers also allow for remote disabling of the vehicle.
• Signal Blocking Pouches for Car Keys: Protect your car from keyless entry theft by investing in a signal-blocking pouch. This simple accessory blocks the signal from your key fob and prevents criminals from hacking into your car’s system.
• Ensure Adequate Car Insurance: Make sure your car insurance policy is up to date and provides adequate cover. If you are driving to our neighbouring countries, ensure that you have your cross-border letter to be covered while you are temporarily out of the country.

Home Safety: Protect What’s Most Important

The holidays are the perfect time to take a break and enjoy time away from home, but it’s crucial to leave your house in safe hands while you're gone. Ensure that your property is secure and protected from any potential risks, including burglaries or house break ins.

Here are some essential tips to protect your home this holiday season:

• Lock Up and Go: Before heading out, make sure all doors and windows are securely locked. Don’t forget to check your garage and side gates.
• Activate Your Alarm System: Test your alarm to ensure it's working correctly and activate it before you leave. Also, inform your security company of a contact number for a friend or family member in case your alarm goes off.
• Consider House-Sitting: If possible, arrange for a trusted person to stay at your house while you’re away. They can keep an eye on your property and respond quickly in case of emergencies.
• Store Valuables Safely: Keep important documents, jewellery, and other valuable possessions locked in a secure place, like a safe.
• Unplug Electrical Appliances: Unplug all non-essential electrical appliances, like TVs and computers, to prevent power surges and reduce the risk of fires. The exception? Your fridge or freezer, of course.
• Be Discreet on social media: Avoid posting travel plans or pictures that reveal you're away. Criminals often monitor social media for this kind of information. You can always post after, right!
• Keep Up with Maintenance: Ensure your home’s maintenance is up to date before you leave. This includes checking the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Santam’s Extra Protection for Clients

At Santam, we know how important it is to feel secure during the festive season. That’s why we automatically add an extra 10% cover on household contents between 15 December and 31 January—at no additional cost! This added protection ensures that you have peace of mind knowing your new purchases are covered during the holiday season. Remember to contact us and adjust your insured value to ensure that you are sufficiently covered.

In addition, our Home Assistance service offers support for emergencies, including plumbing, electrical, locksmith services, and repairs to essential appliances. Whether it’s fixing a burst pipe or getting your fridge up and running, we’ve got you covered.

Your Holiday, Your Safety

As you gear up for the holiday season, take these steps to protect your car and home. Whether you’re at home or away, Santam is here to provide you with the extra cover, security, and support you need to enjoy a worry-free holiday.

Drive safely, lock up securely, and take advantage of our services to ensure you and your loved ones are safe this season. Happy holidays from Santam!

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