Will household insurance cover damage from the storm?
Santam’s Rowland Ramalingam answers listeners who want to know if they are covered against storm damage.
Chukker Road Sportsfield in Kenwyn, Cape Town is flooded after a third cold front hit Cape Town on 10 July 2024, causing heavy wind and gale force winds. Picture: Carlo Petersen/Eyewitness News
Lester Kiewit speaks to Rowland Ramalingam (Head of Non-Motor Claims at Santam) to discuss how and when you can claim from your insurance company to compensate for damages suffered due to the weather.
More than 33 000 households and about 96 000 people have been affected by the storms of the past week, according to the City of Cape Town.
The City's 900 informal settlements have all been affected by flood damage.
People with household insurance are wondering if they are covered against weather damage. They should be, says Ramalingam, and at Santam, they are.
"Santam acknowledges the impact of the storms impacting communities and how traumatic this is. We're committed to delivering insurance good and proper and settling claims without delay."
- Rowland Ramalingam, Santam
Ramalingam says Santam has received around 1000 claims so far while several incoming claims are still expected this week.
Most damage claims have been for blown roofs, flooding and internal damages such as boundary walls, gutters, and ceilings.
If you have household insurance, it should also cover electronics damaged by the storm.
Once your claim is lodged, your insurer will send an assessor to your home.
"Provided that your house is well-maintained, you will have no problems in terms of your insurance claim."
- Rowland Ramalingam, Santam
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.