One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get fit and thousands of South Africans have been hitting the streets with fresh determination.
Runners and cyclists like to know how they’re doing, how far they went, and how fast they did it. Heart rate monitors, GPS devices and smart phones with exercise-monitoring applications have become popular exercise buddies.
“Equipped with features for tracking and analysing progress, they don’t come cheap. In fact, a decent, GPS-enabled heart rate monitor can cost R1 000 to R6 000,” cautioned John October, spokesperson for Dial Direct Insurance. “Carrying these devices strapped to arms or waists when cycling or running on the road comes with the risk of them being snatched. Like your other valuable portable possessions, make sure they are insured.”
Alarmingly, despite the fact that street robberies showed a marked increase last year, a number of people still don’t insure their portable valuables.
“There’s a common misconception that exercise buddies will be automatically insured under a home contents policy. This isn’t the case. You have to notify your insurer to include valuables that you carry around with you under the portable possessions or all-risks section of your policy. Never assume that they’re automatically covered,” advised October.
Portable Possessions cover allows you to claim for items you carry around with you every day that have been stolen, lost or damaged. This includes jewellery, cellphones, and other personal items such as clothing.
“Make sure that your heart rate monitor, cellphone or GPS device is specified on your insurance policy. If they are lost or stolen away from home, and you did not specify them, you will not enjoy cover,” concluded October.
