Holiday Readiness Starts with Smart Risk Management

Holiday Readiness Starts with Smart Risk Management

As the year draws to a close, South Africans are preparing for a well-deserved festive break -  a time for travel, connection, and celebration. Yet, as someone who works closely with clients in hospitality and real estate, I have seen how this season can also bring its fair share of unexpected challenges - from property damage and guest liability issues to travel delays and vehicle accidents.

The truth is, peace of mind does not just happen; it is planned for. This festive season, a few proactive insurance checks can ensure that your business, property, and personal assets remain secure — no matter what surprises the holidays bring.

1. Motor Cover: Prepared for the Open Road

Whether you are managing a fleet for a guesthouse or heading out on a family trip, make sure your vehicle cover is comprehensive — not just third-party.

• Confirm that all regular drivers are listed on your policy.
• Update or add roadside assistance benefits for long-distance trips.
• Extend your car hire period in case of repairs, so mobility is not disrupted during the holidays.

For hospitality operators, ensure delivery vans, shuttle vehicles, and staff transport are properly covered — especially if they’re used across multiple sites or provinces.

2. Home & Property Protection: Strengthen Your Foundation

Your home and investment properties deserve as much protection as your business.
Take time to:

• Test alarms and verify your security company’s contact details.
• Review your household contents and building values — inflation and upgrades can easily make your cover outdated.
• Notify your insurer if your home or holiday property will be rented out — short-term letting increases exposure and must be disclosed.

In the real estate sector, vacant properties are especially vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and storm damage. Consider unoccupied property cover and ensure that your property manager or caretaker’s details are on file with your insurer.

3. Valuables & All-Risk Cover: Protect What Moves With You

Your valuables travel with you — make sure your cover does too.

• List high-value items like jewellery, laptops, and professional equipment under the All-Risk section.
• Keep receipts or valuation certificates for seamless claims.

For hospitality businesses, think about portable business assets such as POS systems, event equipment, or guest entertainment tech. These should be insured for both on-site and off-site use.

4. Weather & Travel Cover: Expect the Unexpected

From sudden hailstorms to coastal flooding, weather-related claims spike in summer. Confirm that your homeowner’s or commercial policy includes protection against storms, hail, and flooding.

If you are travelling, add travel insurance that includes:

• Medical emergencies,
• Cancellations or delays, and
• Lost luggage cover.

Hospitality operators should go a step further - review your business interruption and loss of income cover. A storm-damaged roof or prolonged power outage can lead to costly cancellations and reputational risk if not managed proactively.

5. Industry Insight: Hospitality & Real Estate Risk Readiness

In my work with clients across the hospitality and property sectors, a few key risks often emerge during the festive period:

• Increased guest turnover heightens liability exposure — ensure your public liability cover is up to date and includes temporary staff.
• Seasonal staff contracts should be reviewed for clarity around responsibility in case of guest injury or property damage.
• For property investors, check that body corporate or complex insurance aligns with your individual unit cover — duplication or underinsurance can be costly.
• Event venues and lodges should confirm that all third-party vendors (caterers, decorators, security companies) carry adequate liability insurance.

These small, strategic reviews can mean the difference between smooth operations and sleepless nights during the busiest season of the year.

Final Thought: Confidence is the Greatest Gift

Taking a few minutes to review your insurance cover today can save hours of stress tomorrow.
Update your excesses, contact details, and emergency numbers, and know exactly who to call if the unexpected happens.

At Maksure, we believe true protection isn’t just about the policy — it’s about partnership, foresight, and confidence.
So, before you switch on the “Out of Office,” make sure your cover is as ready for the holidays as you are.

Tammy is a Broker Specialist: Hospitality and Real Estate at Maksure Risk Solutions, with extensive experience helping clients protect their assets and income across South Africa’s dynamic property and hospitality sectors. Her approach combines deep industry insight with personalised, practical solutions — ensuring that clients stay covered, compliant, and confident, no matter the season.

About Maksure Risk Solutions

Maksure Risk Solutions is an Afro-Global independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker with business footprint in Africa, Asia, East & Western Europe, South America and the Caribbean. We provide innovative and tailor-made risk solutions in Insurance and Reinsurance as well as Risk Financing and Actuarial Consulting geared towards capital management and strengthening our client’s balance sheet. Maksure is also one of the major players in Captive Management (Establishment & Management) in South Africa, Mauritius, Bermuda and various other jurisdictions. We have access into the Lloyds of London with a deep understanding of African markets. Our global nature ensures that our clients access quality capacity as well as some of the world’s latest thinking and solutions.