TL;DR - Our version of "I'm not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.”
- Before setting off on your international road trip, ensure your policy provides coverage outside SA’s border.
- When crossing the border, remember to bring NB documents like your ID, a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, car insurance documents and cross-border letters.
- Research road conditions, obey the laws of your travel destination, pack a first aid kit and stay up-to-date on current affairs from travel advisories.
- Check that your vehicle’s condition is in tip-top shape to ensure you’re safe and will remain so while travelling.
Are you amongst the 21% of South Africans who prefer to enjoy their holiday abroad?
Do your vacation plans include taking a much-needed break to Botswana? Will you be navigating to Namibia for a quick getaway? Or maybe you’ll be zooming into Zimbabwe instead.
One thing you should never forget to take with you is comprehensive car insurance—it may even be more important than your passport!
Read on to learn the tips and tricks of crossing into another country without compromising your car insurance.
What is Over-Border Car Insurance?
Over-border car insurance is nothing more than your (hopefully) already existing comprehensive coverage. The ‘over-border’ part basically means the cover extends from one’s home country, where you’re insured, into foreign territory.
Depending on the policy, or insurer, the protection provided by comprehensive insurance can extend to neighbouring Southern African countries.
To find the specific countries you’re covered in, this information is usually in your insurance policy documents, so familiarise yourself with those, as in YESTERDAY.
You wouldn’t want to compromise your cover based on an assumption.
How Pineapple’s Insurance Coverage Works Outside of South Africa
Firstly, the policyholder must obtain a cross-border letter before leaving SA and heading to any country covered in the policy. Clients should request this letter 24 hours before they leave the country.
That way, we can analyse the risks of travelling to that country.
Failing to obtain the cross-border letter will influence a claim.
Should you suffer an accident within the neighbouring countries, it’s your duty to bring the car to the border. From there, Pineapple will send a towing service to the closest service providers for assessment.
Unfortunately, we won’t authorise any repairs outside of South Africa.
Lastly, we don’t offer roadside assistance outside of Mzasni. This is because we don't have any service providers outside the country; hence, you’ll have to bring the car to the border. We’ll pick you up from there.
Countries Covered under Pineapple’s Car Insurance
As a Pineapple policyholder, you’re probably wondering which countries are included in your cover.
Well, maybe if you read your policy documents like we told you to earlier…
Just kidding.
If you’re using the vehicle for private use, meaning daily commutes to work or school or running errands, Pineapple will cover you against loss or damage in the following Southern African countries:
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Malawi
- Namibia
- Eswatini
- Zimbabwe
However, it’s important to note that third-party liability cover is not covered in neighbouring countries.
This policy is only available in the Republic of South Africa. At the above-mentioned Southern African countries' borders, you’ll have to arrange a separate third-party policy independently and at your own cost.
This protective plan could save you from paying through the nose for an expensive claim out of your own pocket.
Lastly, if you damage the vehicle during your international travels, you will be responsible for any expenses in bringing your car back to SA. Simply, the car’s repatriation is the client's responsibility.
Once the vehicle is safely on home soil, we will assess its condition to determine whether it needs to be repaired, replaced, or written off.
Get your quote for over-border insurance (basically Pineapple’s comprehensive coverage) in under 90 seconds!
What Do You Need for Over-Border Travel?
In a perfect world, the only 3 things you’d need when travelling are a full tank and maybe even a spare container of fuel, a great playlist of tunes (as the millennials would say) and the right attitude.
Unfortunately, the realistic and routed-in-reality answer is slightly different.
When taking your car outside of the country, remember to prepare the following:
- Your official ID book/card and passport (and certified copies)
- A valid South African driver’s license (we also recommend an international driver’s permit)
- Your vehicle’s original registration papers (and certified copies)
- Comprehensive insurance and a third-party policy
- A cross-border letter and confirmation of cover
Having the above documents with you when leaving the country means avoiding legal complications. The last thing you need is a setback interrupting your much-deserved holiday.
South African driver’s license
If you’re driving without a valid driver’s license in South Africa, we fear your problems may be bigger than stressing over what to pack for your trip.
The South African driver’s license is valid in 34 countries, with places such as Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe allowing you to hit the road sans additional paperwork for as long as three months!
Places like Eswatini allow the use of your license until it expires, with some T&Cs.
But, if you want to avoid unwittingly breaking the law and causing an international scandal of epic proportions, opt for an International Driving Permit (IDP).
This legal document is for your protection and safety.
It serves as proof that you’re a valid driver and is a recognised form of identification in more than 150 countries worldwide. So, if you happen to lose your license or ID while abroad, the IDP will definitely come in handy.
Plus, the IDP is also valid for one year or until your driver’s license expires.
Original registration papers
The government has implemented safety measures at the border to curb vehicle theft and hijacking-related crimes. The aim is to ensure that all cars crossing the national border leave and return legitimately.
According to Tourism Update, drivers must carry a certified copy of the vehicle’s registration when crossing the border.
If the car is financed, the driver is to present a certified letter from the bank or financer authorising the vehicle's trip across the border. A Commissioner of Oaths should sign the bank letter and licence papers.
Car insurance for international trips
Pineapple clients must get third-party liability coverage from a separate insurance provider, as we do not insure third parties in foreign countries. We will only cover the vehicle insured with us.
However, various countries have different insurance requirements. For example, third-party cover is mandatory in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
Therefore, we suggest doing some research before setting off on your adventure.
Check if your current policy covers international travel – speak to a Pineapple agent today.
Cross-border letter and confirmation of cover
A cross-border letter serves as confirmation from the bank, or other financial institution, that you’re authorised to take the vehicle across the border and out of the country.
Basically, until you’ve fully paid off your car, the bank has a major say in your motor’s movements.
A cross-border letter is also needed in the following scenarios:
- You’re the registered owner, but the car is financed by a bank.
- You’re borrowing someone else’s whip (young people talk for ‘car’).
- You’re renting the ride (also young people talk for ‘car’).
The following information is needed to successfully apply for this letter of authorisation:
- Make and model of vehicle
- Car number plate
- Countries travelling to
- Departure and return date
- Contact details
- Proof of comprehensive car insurance
- Type of vehicle insurance
- Insurance cover for the country you’re travelling into
Speaking of insurance, they also want a piece of the ‘telling-you-where-to-drive’ action.
But they’re not trying to pause your party; some neighbouring countries typically require motorists to have international insurance.
Additionally, your insurance provider cares about the health and safety of you and your vehicle. You might not know the terrain of your new travel destination, but they most likely do.
There’s something about vacations that gives motorists a devil-may-care approach to life. For insurance, whose main aim is to protect you, this attitude can be a cause for concern.
So, by alerting the insurance company of your travel plans, they can help you avoid an incident by warning you against risky driving, dodgy roads, and unsafe regions.
A cross-border insurance letter confirms your insurance’s approval, the policy's validity, and that your driving experience is protected even on foreign soil. You won’t be stuck with an enormous insurance bill if you get into an accident abroad.
Successfully applying for this letter is as simple as requesting it from your insurance provider.
Additional Tips for Safe Travel Across Borders
We haven’t covered everything needed when travelling across the border—we have a word count to respect.
So, here’s a rapid-fire round of “Travel Tips for African Adventure Seekers”:
- Before leaving, check the condition of your car, including its tyres, fuel, lights, brakes, windows, and wipers.
- Keep an emergency first aid kit, a spare tyre, a warning triangle, and other tools stashed in your car.
- Research road conditions to ensure a smooth journey. Knowing the terrain and how to treat your tyres can ensure a seamless driving experience.
- Obey all traffic and other laws, as this will keep you out of trouble in the metaphorical and literal sense of the word.
- Stay informed on any current affairs coming out of your destination country, and look out for any warnings from international trip advisors to avoid potential unrest.
- If your trip takes you off-road or you plan on going somewhere remote, you might want to pack extra fuel, a puncture kit, and maybe an extra spare tyre. Better safe than sorry!
If you’re travelling during the summer, watch out for wet roads as seasonal showers occur. Driving in the rain is a skill that can be improved through practice and patience.
Lastly, Pineapple’s comprehensive cover epitomises protection on the road and freedom of movement.
Our comprehensive policies include third-party liability cover worth R5 million. With this cover, you’ll at least know that crashing into a Mercedes-AMG G-Class doesn’t have to end in financial turmoil.
We’re only one call away, ready to whisk you away to safety.
Stay covered across southern Africa with Pineapple’s Car Insurance. Explore your options now.
Conclusion
By following the above rules, adding a pinch of common sense, and a dash of discretion, we’re confident your next road trip will be the best one yet!
With the appropriate documents, Pineapple’s safety tips, and the right attitude, you’re ready to embark on an epic (and insured) journey through Southern Africa.
Remember, no trip is complete without cover.
Get a quote for comprehensive insurance in just 90 seconds and cover in 5 minutes or less for just R19-ish a day; that’s the Pineapple way.
Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.
Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.
Team Pineapple
Team Pineapple comprises our company’s top talents, who are dedicated to creating clear, high-quality content on essential vehicle insurance topics. This diverse group, including actuaries, accountants, data scientists, and insurance professionals across South Africa, collaborates to produce enlightening and empowering articles.
Each piece is thoroughly researched, factually accurate, and rigorously reviewed to ensure quality.
*We say they’re the finest because we want them to keep writing for us!
