South Africans are feeling the heat.
Cape Town is edging closer to Day Zero, a day that the city’s taps will be turned off; the City of Johannesburg has again imposed Level 1 water restrictions, even after summer rains; Umgeni Water, KZN’s largest supplier of bulk potable water, is concerned that their biggest dam will dry up in months; and the situation in the Eastern Cape is so dire that experts believe it will soon overtake the drought in the Western Cape.
The water shortages are affecting businesses around the country, but what do they mean for individuals? You may see the impact the drought is having on your home but do you know that your insurance policy likely doesn’t cover drought-related losses?
Insurance covers sudden and unforeseen events, meaning that it will typically not cover damage caused by a drought – an event that unfolds gradually. As a policyholder, you are also expected to take reasonable steps to protect your assets and minimise any damage that a persistent drought can have on your home and property.
What steps can you take to protect your home during a drought?
The parts of your home most affected by water restrictions and harsh drought conditions are your foundations particularly when built in clay soil conditions, water pipes, swimming pool and garden. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to take all the necessary steps to prevent the damage caused by a drought.
- Foundations: In a drought the soil around your home shrinks and this can result in your foundations cracking. Signs to look for are cracks in interior walls and bulging floors.
- Water pipes: When you experience water rationing and your water supply is turned off and on, it can damage your pipes and lead to them bursting. Undertake to regularly walk around your property, checking that no pipes are leaking or have burst, which could lead to flooding.
- Swimming pool: Uncovered pools lose water through evaporation, exposing the walls and tiles to the sun, which causes damage. Water pumps can also burn out if they are sucking in air because the water level is too low. To mitigate your risks, invest in a pool cover and switch off the pump if the water level drops.
- Garden: While water restrictions prevent you from watering your garden, your policy still won’t cover its reinstatement. Use greywater or borehole water to maintain your garden.
If you have identified any potential risk relating to the effects of a shortage of water and you are unsure about whether you will have cover should the risk materialise, contact us sooner rather than later. This is to determine whether insurance is a possible solution or whether other cost-effective risk mitigation actions can look to minimise the financial impact of the risk.
Speak to your Indwe advisor today on 0860 13 13 14 to find out what your homeowners insurance policy does and does not cover. As your trusted advisor, we will talk you through the impact the weather conditions can have on your property, to ensure you are always adequately covered.