Insurance and house fires: Here's what you need to know...

702's John Perlman speaks to Christelle Colman, founder and CEO of Ami Underwriting Managers.

Listen below:

You might assume that you're covered for all sorts of potential disasters with your insurance - but not all policies are created equal.

Colman explains that many companies have now excluded cover due to e.g. loadshedding, so it's very important to check your policy when it comes to house fires caused by electrical issues, heaters etc... and the onus is on YOU for some of it.

"You have to ensure that all your electrical equipment is in a working condition. Claims are being rejected by insurers saying, 'the electric blanket was old and that's why the fire started...' "

- Christelle Colman, CEO - Ami Underwriting Managers

Fires increase by 40% in winter, so Colman urges homeowners to be extra vigilant.

"Every single claim is looked at with a fine-tooth comb to make sure that the cause of the loss was not as a result of something that is not compliant."

- Christelle Colman, CEO - Ami Underwriting Managers

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.