Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
3rd party INsurance in Southern Africa 3rd party INsurance in Southern Africa
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 121
3rd party INsurance in Southern Africa
can anyone recommend an insurance company that will cover a UK registered vehicle in Southern African countries?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
If you have come into a country via a land border of any southern Africa country there should have been an office selling insurance, before taking any out ask if they can issue you with a comessa which is the yellow equivalent of a European green card and take it out for the period of your tour. I have no idea if it is worth the paper it is written on but satisfies police, customs etc.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
You don't need it in RSA or Namibia (it is covered by the cost of fuel). In Botswana it is very easy to get at the border and very cheap. A yellow card is the way to go if you are staying for any length of time and traveling to a number of countries - it will cover you throughout much of south and east africa and also in Ethiopia/Sudan. It isn't that much of a cost saving but saves the hassle at the borders.

The way it works is that it is an add-on to local insurance so you have to buy the local insurance first and then get a green card. NB the local insurance has to cover the full period you want the yellow card to cover.

So we got ours in Zambia - we wanted 10 months of cover all up the east coast so first had to buy 9 months of cover in Zambia, we then got a yellow card - it cost about 575,000 ZKW (120 USD) can't remember how much the local cost.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 12
Can you tell us what countries this yellowcard covered? Also, is it available at most countries that are included? My route is taking me from RSA to Swazi, Moz, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, and Bots. Also, we may add in Uganda and Rwanda.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
It can cover all those and more - there are about 20 countries you can choose from. What you pay depends on the number of countries you want covered and length of time. It is readily recognised at border posts. I don't think they sell it in RSA anymore (but you don't need it there anyway). Google COMESA for more info. As most people start their trips in RSA I think it is usually bought in Moz or Zambia. We bought ours in Livingstone.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 12
Thanks itchyfeet. Big help.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 12
So I did a little bit more research on the COMESA Yellowcard. Their website doesn't mention that Moz is covered. So I did some hunting here on HUBB and people are saying the Moz border officials take some convincing that it applies, although these posts were older. I was up there about a year and a half ago, but I don't remember what insurance I got. Probably just local since I stayed in Moz and RSA. Swaziland is also not listed on the COMESA YC site, but again, I gathered on HUBB that it worked. Not really sure what to believe as far as those two countries go.

I've also been told by my buddy who I am going with that we cannot purchase the COMESA YC since our bikes are RSA registered. Do you know if there is any truth to this?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
Hi,

I am pretty sure that both Swaz and Moz are on our card but will check. Basically the card is covered with boxes containing codes for the countries covered which they cross out if you don't need/pay for. However, just because they're listed doesn't mean the country itself accepts it. For example Egypt is technically covered and on the card and we'd been warned by others they wouldn't take it, and they didn't. We used it successfully in Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan.

You can buy it for an RSA registered vehicle - we met plenty of people who had - though what your friend may be thinking about is that the RSA AA recently stopped selling it. This is no great loss as it was apparently very expensive. See this post on another forum.

Comesa third party insurance - SA 4x4 Community Forum

I'd recommend it - not so much from a cost saving perspective but because it makes life easier at border crossings. In particular it meant that we often didn't need any local currency at the border (visas often payable in $, local insurance usually in local currency). We could just drive to the nearest town with a bank/ATM.

By the way you may find the doc on this page useful - we did even though we don't have an RSA reg vehicle.

Explore Southern Africa by Road - The AA of South Africa
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Lesotho
Posts: 12
Thanks for the links. The information there is much better than on the actual COMESA site. Unfortunately, it looks like neither Mozambique nor Swaziland are included on policy (although they may be listed on the actual YellowCard). Also, since South Africa is not a member, RSA vehicles cannot use it.

Quote:
COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) is an insurance policy covering numerous African countries. Persons travelling with South African registered vehicles cannot purchase COMESA as South Africa is not a member of the State Countries issuing COMESA.
And here is the complete list of countries covered for anybody coming after:

Quote:
Burundi, Djibouti, Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
SOURCE: Comesa Yellow Card 3rd Party Insurance - The AA of South Africa
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
I wouldn't give up on it. Our vehicle is UK registered - so obviously not from a COMESA country.

I think this may be an explanation as to why they (ie the RSA AA) have stopped selling it rather than whether it can be used by an RSA registered vehicle.

Most overlanders have a yellow card. Over the course of the last two years we have met many RSA registered vehicles using it. In fact the majority have been RSA cars.

Perhaps try posting on the 4x4 community website I sent you a link too. Lots of RSA residents who contribute to the forum will have purchased it in the past.

Or drop the RSA AA a line asking them to confirm you can still purchase it outside RSA. I am sure they will.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Aus.
Posts: 230
Quote:
Originally Posted by parker36 View Post
Also, since South Africa is not a member, RSA vehicles cannot use it.
I don't think this is correct - almost everyone on here who has bought the yellow card is driving / riding vehicles from countries that are not comesa members.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Help - USA insurance for Europe citizens pweigand Trip Paperwork 2 20 Oct 2011 17:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:33.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top