When extreme weather events—such as hailstorms, floods, or strong winds—cause damage to your property, understanding how to file an insurance claim is crucial.
Image: IOL
With the frequency of extreme weather events across South Africa, from torrential rains, flooding, and gale-force winds, it is vital to understand your insurance, and knowing how to file a claim properly can mean the difference between a swift resolution and prolonged frustration.
Franchise Principal for Short-Term Insurance, Asset Protection & Risk Management Specialist at Consult by Momentum, Inanda Bezuidenhout, said short term insurance policies cover various types of damage however, it's important to know exactly what insurance covers.
Storm damage: This includes damage to roofs, walls, windows, and doors caused by wind, hail, or water due to a storm.
Flooding: If your property is flooded due to excessive rainfall or water overflow, the damage to structures, flooring, and walls may be covered.
Lightning damage: With a storm often comes lightning. Should this strike your home or cause direct damage to insured item, this would normally form part of your standard insured perils.
Hail damage: Damaged roofing, windows, and vehicles can be claimed under your policy if hail causes significant harm.
Fire damage: Often, a risk in extreme weather, such as lightning strikes, may lead to a fire, and this could be covered under most policies.
Burst pipes: Heavy rainfall can sometimes result in blocked or burst pipes. Insurers typically cover the cost of damage from internal flooding caused by these pipes.
Bezuidenhout said homeowners can also lodge claims for damage to home contents like furniture, appliances, and electronics.
"If your home contents are damaged by weather-related incidents, such as flooding or storms, you can claim for repairs or replacements," she said.
She added that if storm damage leads to break-ins, theft may be covered under the policy, should the cover have been selected.
"Regarding vehicles, damage to your car caused by hail or a falling tree can be claimed if you have comprehensive car insurance," Bezuidenhout said.
Claims can also be made for temporary accommodation if the damage renders the home uninhabitable; most insurers will cover the cost of temporary accommodation.
Neglect or poor maintenance: Damage resulting from lack of maintenance, such as worn-out roofs or defective design, clogged gutters, or non-functioning drainage systems, may not be covered. Insurers expect homeowners to maintain their properties to prevent weather damage
Pre-existing damage: Any damage that existed before the weather event or was caused by gradual deterioration over time is not typically covered
Acts of war or civil unrest: These are generally not covered under standard home insurance
Incorrect or unqualified installations: If you installed roof tiles or other components improperly, your insurer may deny claims related to those damages
Water damage exclusions: Many home insurance policies exclude damage from surface water flooding (such as when water overflows from a river, dam, or nearby water source) unless your insurers have been made aware of your specific location and accepted the risk upfront.
"If an event is ongoing, like a storm, insurers may refuse to cover damages if you didn't take reasonable precautions, which led to escalating damages," Bezuidenhout warned.
Speaking to IOL, she said there has been an increase in insurance claims due to the extreme weather.
"These weather events are likely to continue because of climate change, leading to more frequent storms and flooding and higher claims for home and vehicle damage," Bezuidenhout said.
She advised those with insurance policies to assess the damage before making a claim.
"Take photos and write down specifics like dates and damage locations."
Furthermore, Bezuidenhout advised insurance policyholders to contact their insurance provider immediately after the damage occurs.
"Check with your insurer if there are any special procedures or timelines for filing claims in the case of extreme weather. Keep all receipts and invoices and work with the assessor assigned to handle the claim.
"Insurance claims for damage caused by extreme weather in South Africa can cover a wide range of risks, but it's important to ensure you have the appropriate coverage, understand your cover and to maintain your property to avoid exclusions.
"Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, it’s wise to review your insurance policies regularly to ensure they meet your needs. Choose an insurance partner that will be able to guide you in every step of cover required," Bezuidenhout said.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
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