Before we left on our trip, Chris and I did extensive research on all aspects that we could think of, including insurance. During our research we came across something very useful, namely the COMESA Yellow Card (Third Party insurance). This insurance can only be obtained from a COMESA country and enables you to travel to all the COMESA countries (Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, ……), without having to get a new policy at each and every border. It also works out significantly cheaper than buying a new policy at each border you cross.
Zambia is the first COMESA country on our trip and Livingstone the first large town where we could have our Yellow Card issued. With our prep work done, Chris and I head for the closest insurance company. We walk into the office, are greeted by the very friendly and helpful gentleman and then get a bombshell placed in our laps.
The COMESA Yellow Card insurance may no longer be issued to a South African registered vehicle! The reason for this seems to be very vague, even unknown to the insurance agents of Livingstone, but what makes it even worse is the fact that this new legislation was apparently only passed in December 2013! So now Chris and I have to buy a new insurance policy at each border we cross between Zambia and Ethiopia. Frustrating and expensive to say the least!
To whichever person or company that is responsible for this change, whether in South Africa or in the COMESA countries, let it be known that this is a very bad turn of events. All “foreign” registered vehicles are now being extorted for vast sums of money.
Certainly not unexpected as this is still….AFRICA
And the local RSA Insurance doesn’t take u far enough?
What a tough turn in events.
Thats well frustrating! Would be nice to meet the people that make these decisions. .in malawi where we got loads of rocks! Lmao..say no to violence