Sasria already gearing up to pay out protest-related claims

Sasria insurance will cover all legitimate claims from clients for riot and looting damage and has already included events such as this in its planning for 2021. The government-owned insurer paid out R1,7 billion on claims after trucks were burned a few months ago and R470 million for the damage caused during the Fees Must Fall protests.

Fareedah Benjamin, executive manager for insurance operations, said on Tuesday that it has already appointed claims adjusters to start looking at the situation on the ground.

“It is too early to estimate the amount of the damage, but our clients must not panic. The damage must still be validated and we are not disputing the merits of the incidents.”

The damage and losses during protests and riots are not usually covered by short term insurers, but these insurers give their clients the opportunity to add Sasria insurance to insure your possessions against damage during civil unrest, public disorder, strikes, riots and terrorism.

ALSO READ: Sasria will cover burned trucks if they were insured against civil unrest, public disorder, strikes, riots and terrorism

This insurance is available for any individual, business, government institution or corporate entity with assets in South Africa. Sasria received over 16 000 claims over the past five years, to the value of over R4.6 billion.

Sasria was established in 1979 to offer special risk insurance to individuals, government and businesses and offers cover such as:

• small business assets up to a value of R2 million
• goods in transit
• business vehicles, including motor cars, light delivery vehicles, commercial vehicles, motor fleet vehicles, motor traders, mobile plants, buses, bus rapid transport (BRT) and trailers
• business interruption cover against loss of business
• material damage cover against losses or damage to domestic and commercial property, equipment, containers and aviation hulls, as well as harvests and livestock on farms
• cash and cheques of businesses handling money when they experience a loss or damage
• construction risk for loss or damage to a construction site, plant and tools.

Sasria cover can only be added to existing insurance policies and not taken out separately.

ALSO READ: Truck burnings an escalating problem, amounting to hundreds of millions lost

Ricardo Coetzee, head of Auto & General Insurance, is urging car owners to check with their insurers that Sasria cover is included in their policies, as it is not automatically included if your car is paid off.  He gives the following advice for people who drive during this time of unrest:

• ensure that you have the numbers of all emergency services on speed dial, including community protection services
• ensure that all panic buttons, alarm systems, security doors, burglar bars, electric fences and CCTV systems are in place and working and fortify your security measures if possible
• ensure that safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers are in place and working
• draw UP an emergency plan, including an evacuation route if unrest spreads to your area and make ensure that all those close to you know how to follow it
• keep an eye on the news to stay informed about civil unrest hotspots and avoid them at all costs
• if you are caught on the road in your car during civil unrest, keep your car moving and try to avoid the crowd. If this impossible and you see that your vehicle will be caught up in the unrest, park and lock it and escape to a place of safety if you can. If you cannot, stay in your car, lock it, remain calm and so not show any signs of hostility or anger. Never attempt to drive through a crowd of protesters and alert authorities as soon as possible.