The holiday season in South Africa often includes stays in temporary holiday rentals, from cosy coastal cottages to mountain retreats. While these getaways can provide memorable experiences, they also need renters to understand their rights and the importance of insurance coverage. Risk Benefit Solutions Insurance Brokers (RBS) offers the following advice to ensure your temporary holiday rental experience is secure and worry-free.
Understand Your Rental Agreement
Before signing a rental agreement for a holiday property, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions thoroughly. Look for clauses that outline the renter’s responsibilities in the event of damage or theft.
Personal Liability Coverage
When renting a holiday property, you could be held liable for any damage caused to the property or injury to others on the premises during your stay. It’s crucial to have personal liability coverage as part of your travel or renters’ insurance policy.
Safeguarding Your Personal Belongings
Your personal belongings are just as at risk in a holiday rental as they are at home. Check what your personal insurance covers and what needs to be specified when travelling with electronics, sporting equipment, or jewellery.
Review the Property’s Insurance
Ask the landlord or rental agency about the insurance coverage on the property itself. While you’re not responsible for insuring the building, knowing what the owner’s policy covers can help you understand where their coverage ends and yours should begin.
Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can offer additional protection for your holiday, covering unexpected trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and sometimes even personal property. Speak with RBS Insurance Brokers to find a travel insurance policy that extends protection to include personal belongings while staying in a holiday rental.
Document Everything
Upon arrival and before departure, document the condition of the rental property with time-stamped photos or videos. This can provide evidence if there is a dispute over damages that the property owner claims occurred during your stay.
Emergency Preparedness
Know what to do in case of an emergency. This includes having contact information for local emergency services, understanding the escape routes from the holiday rental, and accessing your insurance policy details.
Ask About Additional Coverage
Depending on the location and nature of your holiday rental, there may be specific risks to consider, such as flooding or theft. RBS Insurance Brokers can provide information on coverage options that give you extra peace of mind during your stay.
Renting a holiday property should not come with undue stress about potential risks. With the right insurance advice and coverage from RBS, you can focus on enjoying your holiday retreat. Contact RBS Insurance Brokers before your next holiday rental to ensure that your rights as a renter are protected and that you have the necessary insurance for a serene getaway.
About RBS
Risk Benefit Solutions, better known as RBS, originated as an entrepreneurial-focused services business in 1998 and today is one of the largest fully-fledged black-owned insurance brokers in South Africa and a Level One BBBEE contributor. Celebrating 25 years in business this year, our growth has contributed to offering clients a unique approach to risk management by positioning our skilled resources as an extension of our clients’ risk management team. Our company covers a broad spectrum of services, including Insurance Broking, Risk Management, Commercial and Corporate Risk Advisors, and Corporate Vehicle Hire Services. With its head office in Cape Town, RBS has offices in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and globally, represented through its board membership with WING (Worldwide Insurance Network Group).