As your short-term insurance broker, our role is not only to arrange the correct cover for your property, but also to help you avoid situations where a claim may be rejected.

One of the most common reasons homeowner and building claims are declined is lack of maintenance.

Insurance is designed to cover sudden and unforeseen events — not gradual deterioration, wear and tear, or damage resulting from neglect. When insurers assess a claim for storm, water, wind or hail damage, they will always investigate the overall condition of the property. If they determine that poor upkeep contributed to the loss, the claim (or part of it) may be rejected.

To protect both your property and your insurance cover, I strongly recommend paying attention to the following areas:

1. Roof and Gutters

Clear gutters and downpipes regularly to ensure proper water runoff.

Remove leaves and debris that can cause blockages and overflow.

Inspect roof tiles, sheeting, flashing and waterproofing.

Ensure no loose tiles, rusted sheets or deteriorated sealants are present.

Blocked gutters and poor water runoff are major contributors to water ingress claims — especially during heavy storms.

2. Stormwater Drainage and Ground Levels

Make sure water flows away from the building foundation.

Check that paving and soil levels do not slope toward the structure.

Ensure stormwater pipes are not cracked, blocked or disconnected.

Improper drainage can lead to damp, foundation damage, and flooding — which may not be covered if caused by preventable maintenance issues.

3. External Walls and Waterproofing

Repair cracks in plaster or brickwork.

Maintain waterproofing around windows, balconies and flat roofs.

Repaint when necessary to maintain protective sealing.

Small cracks can quickly become major water penetration issues during wind-driven rain.

4. General Wear and Tear

Address rust, rot, corrosion and structural weakness early.

Replace deteriorated sealants and aging fixtures.

Check garage doors, gates and boundary walls for structural integrity.

Insurance does not cover gradual deterioration, so proactive maintenance is essential.

Consider a Professional Inspection

I strongly recommend arranging an annual inspection with a reputable contractor or building professional. An experienced contractor can identify weak areas that may fail under storm, wind, water or hail conditions. This preventative step is often far more cost-effective than dealing with an uninsured loss.

A written inspection report can also serve as valuable proof that you are actively maintaining your property.

Why This Matters

With the increasing severity of storms in South Africa, insurers are scrutinising claims more carefully than ever. Demonstrating that your property is well-maintained significantly strengthens your position at the claim stage.

Good maintenance:

Protects your asset

Reduces the likelihood of claims

Prevents claim rejections

Helps maintain favourable underwriting terms

If you would like guidance on whether your current cover is adequate, or if you would like to review your building sums insured, please feel free to contact me.

Protecting your property starts with prevention.