Home Insurance: Addressing Common Household Damage Claims

For homeowners seeking appropriate property protection, having the right kind of insurance in place to protect your assets is essential. Home Insurance acts as a guard in protecting your most valuable asset – your home. At Auto & General, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home and are here for your reassurance and security. If you’ve been looking for complete insurance coverage, you have come to the right place. Discover more about common household damage claims and what your policy covers. 

The purpose and benefits of Home Insurance

This type of Property Insurance serves a crucial purpose: it protects homeowners against financial loss as a result of unexpected events that cause damage or loss to their home – highlighting the reason why insurance is so important. The benefits of Home Insurance are that it gives homeowners confidence and peace of mind when they most need it. 

Home Insurance policies fall under two categories:

• Building Insurance: Natural forces, such as storms, fire, and lightning, can cause damage to properties. With this policy, you are covered for the structural features in your home, such as the doors, windows, ceilings, floors, walls, and other similar fixtures.

• Home Contents Insurance: Put simply, this will cover the contents of your home, including furniture, clothing, and any electrical appliances. 

To cover all eventualities, we highly recommend that you purchase insurance policies that include full coverage. 

6 types of common household claims in SA

Household damage claims are not uncommon in South Africa, so it’s important to understand what the most common types are:

1. Water damage: The structure and contents of your home can be damaged by leaks, burst pipes, and even floods.

2. Fire damage: Fire and burning can occur for several reasons, which can be dangerous to your home and its contents. Common instances of fire damage in South Africa are a result of stove/gas heaters and wildfires. 

3. Storm damage (wind and hail): Storms can destroy roofs, smash windows, and ultimately demolish properties.

4. Theft and burglary: Smashed doors and broken windows are additional damages beyond the theft of your personal possessions. Ensuring you set your alarm is essential as if it isn’t set - even by accident - it is likely your insurance policy will not cover you. Regular maintenance of your alarm system to check it is in full working order could be an insurance requirement. 

5. Accidental damage: Even simple accidents like your neighbour reversing into your garage or other minor incidents may result in unexpected damage. 

6. Power surge damage: South African insurers reported a 60% increase in damages to properties due to power surges. A power surge is strong enough that it can affect both domestic and industrial electronic equipment. 

How to make a successful Home Insurance claim

In the unfortunate event that you need to make a claim, follow these steps:

• Prepare all necessary documents: Make sure you have all the vital information on your insurance claim – including the policy number, your ID, and receipts proving damages on your goods. 

• Document the damage: Take photographs or video footage to provide evidence of the damage.

• Create an inventory: Note down what items were broken and their value. 

• File a claim promptly: Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to start filing your claim. 

• Provide information and documents: Ensure you provide any supporting documentation and information required for your claim. 

• Undertake emergency repairs: If necessary, make any emergency safety fixes.

• Follow the claims process closely: Collaborate with the claims process for a positive experience.

• Assist the claims adjustor: Be as cooperative as possible during the assessment.

• Accept the settlement: When your insurer provides a settlement amount, you can accept in order to undertake repair work.

• Repairs or replacements: You may need to use an authorised service provider to undertake repairs. Make sure to check with your insurer.

Underinsured: a major challenge with Property Insurance claims

Underinsurance can be a major problem regarding Property Insurance claims. This occurs from having an undervalued insured property where the coverage limits cannot match the actual rebuilding or replacement costs. The consequences can be serious, with policyholders having to pay high deductible costs. In the case of underinsurance of your home and some unexpected disaster, it may cost you a lot financially. Homeowners should periodically check their policies for coverage limits that match the current replacement or rebuilding amounts. If you’re unsure, you should consult with your insurer to ensure you are adequately covered in any eventuality. 

Get a Home Insurance quotation from Auto & General

Don’t leave your home unprotected. Contact Auto & General for a tailored Home Insurance quotation. Our team of experts will be able to answer any additional questions you may have, and we’re always here at your service. Home Insurance can be an invaluable solution for covering your home and property against any potential risks. You may wish to consider overall cover, which includes both Building and Contents Insurance when disaster strikes. Contact Auto & General directly for a personalised quote.