Visit our COVID-19 site for latest information regarding how we can support you. For up to date information about the pandemic visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za.

bs-regular
bs-extra-light
bs-light
bs-light
bs-cond-light-webfont
bs-medium
bs-bold
bs-black

Community


Share knowledge. Ask questions. Find answers.

Community blog

Read our latest news and views and get to know us better

Storm warning urges property caution
MandyP
Community Coordinator

Potential flash floods, hail damage and strong winds have been predicted, noted for their ability to damage and even destroy cars, buildings and houses.

 

South Africans may have to brace themselves as another disruptive weather system moves into the country. While it's impossible to stop or change the weather, we can certainly secure peace of mind by protecting what matters most to us as much as possible, or making sure that they will be replaced through adequate insurance cover if damaged during adverse weather.

 

Standard Insurance Limited offers advice that may help to keep you and your property safe during these adverse weather conditions :

 

  • Stay informed by connecting to all forms of media for further information and warnings
  • If possible, make sure computers, TVs, decoders and other equipment are disconnected from wall sockets during storms to avoid damage caused by electrical surges caused by lightning strikes
  • Check that roofs do not have broken or loose tiles that will allow the entry of water during heavy downpours
  • Check your property for any loose material and secure (or fill with water) all large, relatively light items, such as pool motor housings, boats and rubbish bins
  • Ensure that roof gutters are clean and unclogged, so water does not accumulate and seep through roof tiles onto ceilings
  • Keep house windows shut to reduce the chance of them being hit by hail or shattered by high winds (Even if your windows are shut it can be hit by hail or shattered by high winds)

 

For motorists who may be caught in a storm while driving,  your insurance provider suggests the following steps:

 

  • Ensure your vehicles' fuel tanks are full
  • Avoid being on the road, but if you are, drive slowly and carefully
  • Reduce speed to match the road conditions, and increase following distance to at least a three-car distance
  • Turn headlights on so you can be seen by other vehicles
  • If you can, pull off the road safely and activate your car's hazard lights as a warning to other motorists
  • Do not park under trees as there is a risk of falling branches and debris
  • Be proactive and ensure that windscreen wipers are always in good condition, so they can cope with sudden downpours.
  • Do not attempt to drive through water washing across the road, or across low-water bridges; your car could stall in the water

 

If you experience property or vehicle damage during this week's expected rainy weather, Standard Insurance Limited advises you to submit your insurance claim as soon as you can.

 

To claim, contact Standard Insurance Limited on:

  • 0860 123 444 for structural or building claims; or
  • 0860 109 459 for vehicle claims.