With a Level 8 weather warning in South Africa, it's crucial to prepare your home and car for severe winter conditions. Discover essential tips from insurance experts to safeguard your assets and minimise damage
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As parts of South Africa brace for severe winter conditions following a Level 8 warning issued by the South African Weather Service, consumers need to act early to reduce risk and protect their assets.
With flooding expected in the Eastern Cape and KZN, it is an indicator that preparation is key to reducing road incidents and property damage. Here are top tips:
Know when thunderstorms are on the way
Staying up to date with the latest weather forecast has never been easier: simply turn on your weather app notifications before planning a trip or a commute. Or, if you’re old school, your option is to stay tuned to the weather reports on the radio or TV. Then try to stay off the roads, if possible.
Park your car under cover
Insurers see hundreds of claims for hail damage every year. The simplest way to avoid hail damage is to park your car in your garage, or under a carport. If you don’t have covered parking, you can use a car cover, or even a blanket, to minimise damage and protect your car’s most exposed surfaces, like the windscreen and bonnet.
Get on top of your house
Check that your home’s roof is rain-ready: No broken tiles or loose flashings, nails, and screws. Also, check that your waterproofing is secure and does not start to crack or lift. Your roof is your first line of defense against the weather, so it’s worth spending some time on it.
If you live in a sectional title complex, chat to your body corporate or a trustee: Your roof is common property and it’s the complex’s responsibility to maintain it.
It’s all about the gutters
Make sure there are no leaves and debris stuck in your home’s gutters – or they’ll almost certainly overflow after the first proper rain, which could cause damage and rising damp in your walls, doors, and windows. Also, be sure to check that your downpipes aren’t clogged and that they channel rainwater well away from the house.
Make sure your car wipers are in top condition
In case you’re caught in a storm, and there’s nowhere to go, your best defence is proactive preparation. Get your wipers checked before the rainy season starts, and use water repellent for your windscreen to make sure your visibility is as clear as possible while you’re on the road.
Make sure your insurance is up to date
Despite your best efforts, storms and hail can damage your assets. But to minimise the risk of a financial burden, make sure you have the right insurance for your home and car, which can help cover any damage resulting from the storm. In short: Prevention is better than cure. But when the rainy season hits, make sure you’re covered, one way or another!
* Van Vuuren is the client experience partner at King Price Insurance.
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