Here are some handy hints and tips regarding certain practical aspects of your cover.
Firstly, when claiming:
Is it storm damage or just wear and tear?:
It is important to establish if such damage occurred due to a single event or if it was sustained over a period. If the latter, it may well point to such damage being a result of a lack of maintenance and therefore not claimable.
Matching damaged or lost building material:
If your building is being repaired because of an insured event and the insurer cannot obtain an exact match for the damaged or lost materials, they will use ones which are as close a match as possible. This applies to the part of the building where the loss or damage has actually occurred. They will not pay for matching the building materials to create a uniform effect throughout the building. However, cover for the latter may be specifically included at an additional premium.
Burglary / Theft:
If your cover is subject to a functional burglar alarm system being in place, then this needs to be active whenever the residence is unoccupied. It is a requirement to have a maintenance contract in place with the relevant security company to ensure that the alarm system is always in proper working order.
Tips to avoid problems from power surges:
- Ensure that your alarm system is in working condition and the backup battery is fully functional
- Save emergency contact information on your phone including emergency services such as the fire department, police, and medical services. Also include contact information of family and friends along with your insurance policy details.
- Charge your cell phone, laptop, and tablet ahead of scheduled power outages.
- Unplug electrical devices and equipment and switch off at the wall to protect against the surges in power that may occur when electricity is restored
- Make use of surge protection devices
Cell phones:
Your cell phone is the equivalent of a bank card which could provide full access to all your accounts in the wrong hands. Add to that the volumes of personal and sensitive data stored on your phone which could be used to commit fraud.
- Avoid becoming a victim of cell phone snatching: Hide your device; never ‘walk and talk’ and never leave your phone unattended or in view of criminals
- If your phone is stolen, immediately contact your bank to secure your accounts, cards and de-activate your banking app
- Contact your service provider, freeze your cell phone account and block your sim
Jewellery & Watches:
Keep proof of purchase and updated valuation certificates of all your jewellery and watches. In the event of a loss insurers will not entertain these claims without supporting documents. Remember to keep your jewellery and watches in a locked safe when not being worn.
Motor:
Currently, there are considerable delays in vehicle repairs due to the global shipping crisis caused by the Covid 19 pandemic lockdowns and the resulting backlog. The supply of vehicle parts and paint has been severely impacted due to the delay in delivery times and has significantly increased shipping costs. In view of these circumstances, we encourage all our clients to take up the extended car hire option of 60 days.
If you are involved in an accident or if your car breaks down:
- Pull over: switch on your hazard indicators and, if possible, move to the emergency lane.
- Be seen: make sure that your vehicle remains visible – use your hazard indicators and emergency triangle too if necessary.
- Safe zone: If you get stuck in a dangerous spot, get out of your vehicle when it is safe to do so and walk carefully to the side of the road. Ideally, you should remain in your car with the doors locked.
Ensure that your policy includes home and roadside assistance as detailed in the following examples:
- Road Assistance : unlimited 24-hour contact for roadside emergency services
- Home Assistance : 24-hour contact which offers assistance with emergency household repairs
- Home Drive Assistance : a unique solution for your safety.
- Route Assistance : unlimited 24-hour directions helpline within the borders of South Africa
Some important general guidelines:
- Prevention of loss: you are expected to take all reasonable precautions to prevent a loss.
- “Average”: you would bear a proportion of any loss if your assets were insured for less than their full replacement value.
- Alteration in risk: you must advise insurers of any material change in the overall risk as soon as practicable. It is often the case that until the change is accepted by your insurance company your cover will not be fully valid.
Please contact Debbie on 082 551 8146 or 011 656 2910 for any queries or further information.