An important insurance tip during torrential rain is to avoid driving through heavy floods. Picture: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
As parts of the Western Cape experience harsh weather conditions - ranging from flooding, to mudslides, torrential rains and strong winds - people would be worried about damage to their properties and cars.
Having the right insurance for your property and car can help you protect your assets and pocket in the future.
Marius Kemp, head of Personal Lines at Santam offers insurance tips to help you protect your car and property from damage.
The roof of your property is being exposed to the elements and often takes a beating from temperature fluctuations.
Therefore, you should perform regular maintenance on the waterproofing of your roof to address any possible water leaks during rainy periods.
It is essential that people clear out gutters regularly to ensure proper water drainage from the roof. Also remove any debris from the stormwater drainage on your premises so the drains are not blocked.
Keep an eye out for weak branches that could break in strong winds, potentially damaging your property. Check that roof tiles are not damaged or loose so they can withstand powerful gusts of wind.
If you are driving through a downpour:
– If possible, avoid areas that are prone to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy downpours.
– Monitor the local radio stations in your area for weather and traffic updates and plan your route accordingly.
– Reduce your driving speed in rainy conditions and increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
– Make sure your headlights are switched on (do not put these on the bright setting).
– Be alert and be aware of the vehicles around you – particularly in times of poor visibility.
– Obey the rules of the road, especially any temporary signage or hazard warnings around flooding.
Should you find yourself in deep water:
– Stay calm and stay alert - do not panic.
– Avoid driving through sections of water where you are unable to see the road, this is both risky and dangerous.
– Do not drive around or through barricades – they have been put there for your safety.
– Should your vehicle be trapped by rising water, stop, then get out of the car and move to safer or higher ground. Your safety and the safety of your passengers is more important than your vehicle.
Protect your vehicle from hail:
– If possible, use a GPS or Maps app to search for covered parking facilities nearby (such as a shopping mall).
– Cover your car with thick fleecy blankets.
– Think of investing in a low-cost vehicle carport.
– Ensure that your car is insured for the correct value and that your policy will cover hail damage.
It’s important your possessions are insured for the correct replacement value, if they are not, you may risk being under-insured.
The value of the goods insured should equal what it would cost to replace them today and not the original purchase price.
For example, a leather couch bought 10 years ago would be insured for R6,000. But to replace the couch might be R20,000 today.
“For this reason, insurance companies usually automatically adjust your sum insured each year to keep pace with inflation,” Kemp said.
“This also depends entirely on whether the original sum insured was the true replacement amount at the beginning of the policy. You should continuously review these amounts to avoid under-insurance at the time of a claim.”
Reviewing your insurance policy is crucial so you can ensure that the policy keeps up with your current risk and lifestyle. A review of your policy ensures that you are well covered and are fully aware of what is, as well as what is not, covered by your policy.
Kemp said: “Review you policy at least once annually or when there’s a big life change, such as moving house, purchasing a property or changing cars.”
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