South African homeowners have always had to contend with a mix of climates, but lately, something seems to have shifted. The storms are stronger, the rains heavier, the heatwaves longer, and as the seasons grow more unpredictable, so do the risks facing our homes.
The 2025 Global Risks Report, published by the World Economic Forum, ranks extreme weather among the most pressing global threats – not just in the future, but right now. From flash flooding in Gauteng to wildfires in the Western Cape and fierce hailstorms in KZN and the Free State, climate-related events are hitting ever-closer to home.
For many South Africans, these aren’t isolated incidents. They’re reminders that insurance policies need to keep pace with the changing climate. Unfortunately, too many don’t – and when disaster strikes, the gaps are only revealed too late.
The Growing Threat of Flooding
Unpredictable rainfall patterns and overwhelmed stormwater systems are making urban flooding a rising concern across the country. Cities like Johannesburg and Durban are experiencing more frequent flash floods, often following sudden cloudbursts that overwhelm infrastructure within minutes.
While flood damage can be catastrophic – ruining flooring, damaging foundations, and destroying contents – it’s not always automatically covered in standard home policies and must be added as a specific item – especially in high-risk zones.
It’s also important to ensure that your home’s insured value reflects today’s rebuilding costs. After a major weather event, prices for materials and labour often spike, leaving underinsured homeowners unable to rebuild fully without significant out-of-pocket costs.
Useful tip: Make sure your policy includes specific flood cover, and that your sum insured accounts for inflation, supply chain delays, and updated replacement values.
Hailstorms: Fast, Furious, and Costly
Hail might not sound like a huge deal – until it punches through your skylight, ruins your car, or shatters a roof that wasn’t designed to withstand it. Gauteng, KZN, Free State and parts of the Western Cape are some of the most hail-prone regions in the country, and recent years have shown that hailstorms are not only becoming more frequent, but also more intense.
In high-risk areas, insurers may impose specific conditions – such as approved roofing materials – or charge higher excesses on hail-related claims. In some cases, policyholders find that storm damage is only partially covered due to outdated documentation or a lack of clarity on their policy terms.
Useful tip: Review your home and vehicle policies to check for hail exclusions or limits. If you’ve upgraded your windows, installed solar panels, or changed your roofing, make sure those changes are reflected in your policy.
Wildfires on the Rise
Longer dry spells, combined with soaring summer temperatures, have made wildfires a growing concern across the country. The Western Cape is no stranger to wildfires, and the recent Table Mountain blaze is yet another reminder of how quickly fire can spread in dry, windy conditions. But it’s not just the Cape: Mpumalanga, the Free State, KZN and the Eastern Cape are all seeing a rise in wildfire incidents as higher temperatures and longer dry spells fuel the flames.
Wildfires can spread rapidly, often jumping roads and property lines. Yet many homeowners overlook the small print in their policies, assuming their buildings and contents are automatically covered – including external structures, perimeter fences, and temporary accommodation during evacuation.
Useful tip: Confirm whether your policy includes outbuildings, guest cottages, or garden offices. Also check if you’re covered for emergency accommodation and fire-related liability, should a blaze spread beyond your property.
Climate Risks Demand Smarter Protection
The increasing frequency and severity of weather-related damage means that insurance can no longer be treated as a “set and forget” item. Your policy needs to reflect today’s risks, not last year’s.
This means reviewing your insurance annually, updating insured values to match rising building costs, and checking for new exclusions or revised excesses that may have crept in without your awareness. Maintenance matters too – claims can be declined if damage is linked to neglected upkeep, such as blocked gutters or degraded roofing.
The World Economic Forum Global Risks Report is more than a forecast – it’s a call to action. Climate change is already reshaping the landscape of risk, and smart homeowners are those who adapt before disaster strikes.
Let Indwe help you stay ready
Insurance should offer peace of mind – not nasty surprises. At Indwe, we believe in proactive protection, expert advice, and future-fit solutions that evolve with the world around you.
If you’re in any doubt as to whether your current policy will stand up to the next storm, fire, or flood – we’re here to help. Our advisors can guide you through a comprehensive review and recommend tailored updates to ensure you’re properly protected.
Contact Indwe today to schedule a policy review. Let’s make sure your cover is as reliable as your home.
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