As the festive season begins in South Africa, risks of plumbing failures, theft and property damage rise significantly. A five-year report from Standard Bank Insurance reveals storms and water issues as top causes of home claims. Experts recommend simple maintenance steps to safeguard coverage and avoid rejections.
The holiday period in December marks a peak time for insurance claims in South Africa, driven by summer storms, ageing infrastructure and increased theft opportunities. According to a recent five-year analysis by Standard Bank Insurance, based on over one million property and motor claims, extreme weather events are reshaping the short-term insurance sector.
Riaz Mia, chief operations officer at Standard Insurance Limited, noted, “These events are no longer isolated, they’re statistically shifting the claims landscape.” Storms and catastrophic weather led claims in 2022, with water-related issues—such as burst geysers, pipes and storm damage—accounting for 60% of home insurance claims. These affect all income levels and regions equally.
Fires, though only 1% of claims, represent 15% of payouts, including a record R183-million single claim. Claims often spike in the fourth year of policies, particularly for home incidents like geyser failures, underscoring the need for regular checks.
Dr Hardy Ncube, head of personal products at Standard Insurance Limited, advised, “We urge homeowners to take proactive steps, such as storm-proofing and geyser maintenance, to reduce exposure.” Similarly, Sherry Sibeko, executive head of personal lines at Miway, highlighted that poor maintenance leads to many rejections: “Simple steps like clearing gutters, trimming trees and testing security systems can prevent serious damage and protect your cover.”
Data from the National Financial Ombud Scheme shows an 18% increase in rejected household claims in 2024 due to inadequate upkeep, with 40% of complaints tied to natural disasters.
To minimize risks this December, consider these actions:
- Roof and gutters: Clear debris, inspect tiles and sheeting, and repair before storms.
- Electrical safety: Verify compliance, maintain installations, and test backup systems.
- Plumbing: Inspect for leaks around geysers and pipes; shut off main supply when away.
- Garden: Trim trees and shrubs to lessen storm impact and aid security visibility.
- Security: Test alarms, cameras and fencing; replace batteries.
- Home deterrence: Use light timers, collect mail, and adjust curtains to simulate occupancy.
- Emergency prep: Keep contacts for plumbers, electricians and services accessible.