What to check before the season of storms, change and new beginnings

As the seasons change, so does life. Homes are renovated, possessions are replaced, new purchases are made and the way we use our properties and vehicles can evolve. Yet our insurance policies don’t always keep pace with those changes. The annual Spring-cleaning ritual is a timely reminder to take stock of what you own, how your circumstances have changed and whether your insurance still provides the protection you expect when you need it most.

According to Michael Whitehead from Aon South Africa, insurance brokers and risk advisors, regularly reviewing your insurance covers can help you better understand your protection and identify any gaps that may exist. “Insurance policies differ, which is why it’s always a good idea to discuss your covers with your broker to ensure there are no surprises at claims stage. Spring provides the perfect opportunity to make sure all your hard-earned assets are properly covered, while also checking that you’re not paying for cover on assets you no longer own.”

Aon’s Top Tips for Reviewing Your Insurance:

1.       Update your asset register: An annual review can help keep your asset register up to date by adding new purchases such as electronics, jewellery, clothing and furniture, removing items you no longer own and identify inflation-related gaps. Take photographs of each room, record the value and serial numbers of valuable items and keep invoices as part of your evidence trail.

2.       Check your insured values: With Inflation pushing up building costs it is essential to review your cover to ensure it reflects today’s rebuilding costs, including demolition, rubble removal, architectural fees and compliance with public authority requirements. If you are underinsured and suffer a loss, insurers may apply the “average formula”, which means you could receive only a proportion of your claim.

3.       Prepare for severe weather: Over the past few years the spring and summer seasons have brought severe storms, flooding, tornadoes and fires across South Africa. South Africa faces an intensifying El Niño weather pattern, bringing below-normal rainfall and extreme heat through early 2027 – which means greater fire risks. While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to reduce the risk to your home. Clear gutters, remove debris, branches and other flammable material from around your property, replace broken roof tiles and address any waterproofing or flashing issues.

4.       Cover for art and collectables: Art, antiques and collectables often require specialised insurance and regular valuations. Speak to your broker to ensure these items are appropriately valued and covered.

5.       Review your all-risks cover: Items that leave your home with you – such as laptops, cameras, bicycles and jewellery – should be correctly specified under the all-risks section of your policy. Jewellery valuations should generally be updated at least every two years. Also take note of any policy requirements relating to the safekeeping and security of jewellery when it is not being worn.

6.       Review security requirements: Check that your home continues to meet the minimum security standards specified in your policy, such as burglar bars and security gates. If you have renovated or remodelled your home, make sure any new features are reflected in your insurance arrangements and that your security measures still meet your policy requirements.

7.       Cover all your buildings: If you own multiple structures on one property – such as a flatlet, cottage, garage or other outbuilding – make sure each structure is correctly listed and insured, including the contents where applicable.

Your vehicle insurance also deserves a regular review.

1.      Insure your vehicle for its retail value: Ideally, you want your insurance to put you in a position to replace your vehicle with a comparable one if it is written off. Make sure the insured value is sufficient to avoid having to compromise on the quality or specification of your replacement vehicle.

2.      Who is driving your vehicle? Make sure that anyone who regularly drives your vehicle, or who could potentially use it, is correctly disclosed and listed as a driver on your insurance policy. Changes to who drives your vehicle can affect your cover and premium. Ensure that your driver’s license is also valid and has not expired.

3.      Don’t assume you’re covered for everything: Standard motor insurance may not automatically cover every situation or additional risk. Check whether you need to add options such as scratch and dent cover, tyre cover, hail damage cover or other additional protection.

4.      Adhere to the security provisions of your insurance cover: This could include an immobiliser, parking in a safe, locked premises at night and a tracking system, with some insurers requiring a second tracking unit for high-risk vehicles.  

5.      Avoid driving in severe weather: Many vehicle accident claims result from slippery roads, poor visibility and treacherous potholes. Heavy rainfall can also cause potholes to appear or worsen rapidly, as well as cause flash floods. Before the stormy season arrives:

• Check your tyre tread and replace worn tyres. The minimum legally required tread depth in South Africa is 1.6mm.
• Keep a safe following distance and reduce your speed in wet and rainy conditions.
• Replace worn wiper blades before you need them in the middle of a downpour.

Don’t leave your cover to chance

Insurance should give you confidence when the unexpected happens, but only if your cover keeps pace with your life. A professional insurance broker helps ensure your policy reflects your assets, your risks and your changing circumstances. They can identify gaps, explain complex policy terms and make sure your cover works as intended when it matters most.

“Your broker should be more than someone you call at renewal time. They should be a trusted partner who helps you make informed decisions about your cover and stands beside you when you need to claim,” Whitehead explains.

“A little time spent reviewing your insurance today can make a significant difference tomorrow. With the right advice and the right protection in place, you can enjoy the season ahead with greater confidence and peace of mind,” Whitehead concludes.