Point of view: why spring is the perfect time to review your home insurance

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the familiar urge to refresh our homes and gardens. But while we’re busy decluttering cupboards and trimming hedges, it’s also the ideal moment to review our insurance policies and asset registers, an often-overlooked part of responsible homeownership.

“Reviewing your homeowners and asset insurance annually is one of the simplest ways to protect your wealth,” says Michael Whitehead from Aon South Africa insurance brokers and risk advisors. “Your life changes: you renovate, add security, buy devices, install solar or replace appliances. If your insurance policy and asset register don’t keep pace, you risk underinsurance, exclusions or missing specified items, problems that often only surface at claims time. Use the Spring motivation to make sure all your hard-earned assets are properly covered, and at the same time, that you’re not paying for cover on assets you no longer own," he says.

This advice is especially relevant in today’s economic climate, where inflation and rising replacement costs can quickly render your cover inadequate. Updating your asset register is a practical first step. It should reflect recent purchases, electronics, jewellery, furniture, and remove items you no longer own. Including serial numbers, photos, and invoices creates a solid evidence trail that speeds up claims and ensures accurate compensation.

Whitehead says checking insured values is equally important. Building costs have surged, and your policy should account for demolition, rubble removal, architectural fees, fire brigade charges, and compliance with municipal regulations. If these aren’t factored in, you could be left out of pocket after a disaster.

According to Whitehead, security upgrades also need to be reflected in your policy. Whether you’ve added burglar bars, security gates, or alarm systems, your insurer must be aware of this to ensure you meet minimum standards and qualify for related benefits. Likewise, understanding your cover is crucial; some policies are comprehensive, while others only cover specified perils. A broker can help you navigate these differences and avoid nasty surprises when claiming for events like hail damage or power-outage-related break-ins.

Spring cleaning also presents a chance to spot maintenance issues. Insurers expect homeowners to take reasonable precautions, and damage from neglect, like blocked gutters or rising damp, isn’t covered. Clearing clutter, checking wiring, trimming overgrown branches, and testing smoke detectors all reduce fire risks and show proactive care.

If you own multiple structures on your property, such as a flatlet or garden cottage, ensure each is listed and insured separately for both structure and contents. Underinsurance is a common pitfall, if your household contents aren’t fully covered, insurers apply the “average formula,” which can result in partial payouts. Special items like art, antiques, and collectables often require specialised cover and regular valuations. Items taken outside the home, laptops, cameras, bicycles, jewellery, should be specified under the all-risks section of your policy, with updated valuations and safekeeping measures where required.

Insurance policies are complex and subject to regular updates. Keeping track of clauses, warranties, and exclusions is essential to avoid misunderstandings. “Working with a professional insurance broker brings real peace of mind, brokers translate policy fine print, recommend the right sums insured and cover types, compare insurers and ensure high-value items are properly specified. Just as importantly, they act as your advocate at claims stage, organising documentation, negotiating with insurers on your behalf and shortening the path from loss to payout and recovery," says Whitehead.

With expert guidance, you can be confident that your cover reflects your current lifestyle and assets. Spring is the perfect time to ensure your insurance is as fresh and well-maintained as your home.

* Maleke is the editor of Personal Finance.

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