Summertime is the season for sunshine, braais, and a spike in insurance claims due to weather-related damage for many parts of the country.
That’s according to Ernest North, co-founder of digital insurance provider, Naked, who says hailstorms rank among one of the largest causes of damage and losses to property and cars in parts of Gauteng, Kwa-Zula Natal and the Free State.
“Our data shows that the risks from hailstorms and other severe weather-related events have risen over the past decade,” says North.
During the last ‘hail season’, such as late 2023, over 20% of weather-related damage claims received by Naked were due to hailstorms.
“With at least a few days a year of severe thunderstorms, the golf ball-sized hailstone is one of the biggest threats to homes and vehicles in large parts of the country. It is important for car owners and homeowners to not only get appropriate insurance cover for their property, but also take sensible steps to mitigate the risks,” says North.
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Here are some tips to safeguard your investments in your home and car:
Precautions to protect your property
• It’s a good idea to keep an eye on weather forecasts during the rainy months. This can help you to avoid driving through hailstorms and torrential rain, as well as take steps to protect your property before the weather turns bad.
• If you can, park your car under cover during periods when hail is forecast. If you’re already driving, try to find somewhere safe and covered to pull over and wait for the storm to pass, if possible.
• If you can’t avoid driving, slow down and maintain a longer following distance to compensate for slippery roads and poor visibility. Turn on your lights to ensure other drivers can see you.
• If you find your car in rising water, don’t restart the engine to avoid damage. Call your insurer’s emergency assistance line for advice and a tow.
• If you don’t have access to undercover parking, you can cover your car with a thick blanket to offer some protection.
“In the last year, even though we insure more cars than homes, the majority of weather-related damage claims (60%) we received were for homes – whether it was damage to buildings, contents, or both,” says North.
“This was during an El Niño weather pattern, which often brings drier conditions but can also cause severe storms. With the shift toward a La Niña phase, which typically brings heavier rains and flooding, homeowners and renters may face even more risks in the coming months.”
Therefore, it is also important to take precautions at home:
• Inspect your roof regularly to make sure it’s strong enough to take the rain and hail. Keep gutters clear of leaves and other gunk to ensure they don’t overflow.
• Trim trees regularly to minimise the potential for branches or debris to damage your home.
• Among home fixtures, solar panels are particularly vulnerable to hail damage. Ensure your panels are installed securely and correctly. Invest in strong solar panels made of tempered glass and consider installing protective covers or mesh screens as an extra layer of defence. Mounting solar panels at a steeper angle can help them better deflect hailstones.
What to do if your car or home is damaged in a hailstorm and you want to claim from insurance:
• Take immediate steps to minimise further damage. For example, if your windscreen is shattered, driving may be unsafe and your risk of having an accident may be higher.
• After a massive storm, there might be long call centre queues to claim, followed by long repair times. So be sure to submit your claim as soon as possible after the storm to beat the rush. If your insurer operates online, you’ll be able to claim quickly and easily from your phone without waiting for office hours.
• If you live in an estate or complex with a body corporate, they will probably be responsible for your building’s insurance. Talk to them about damage such as a leaking roof or shattered windows. For personal belongings damaged by water, you will need to claim through your contents insurance.
• Document your damage. Inspect your property. Check windows, skylights, and solar panels for any damage and take clear photos or videos. This can speed up the claims process.
Reviewing your insurance or getting cover:
Severe weather conditions, crime and accidents are just some of the risks your property and car face. Appropriate insurance can lessen the blow when something goes wrong.
“Digital insurance platforms make it easy and quick to get, review and update your insurance policies,” says North.
“This means that you’ll face less risk after an incident like a hailstorm because you’ll be able to claim from insurance for repairs of your property.”
“If you’re already covered, remember to regularly review your insurance,” adds North. “Make sure your policy keeps up with inflation, as well as with additions to your home, like your new solar panels. A top tip is to ensure you are covered for the full replacement or repair value of your items—not what you paid for them a few years ago.”
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