Beware the weather risks of the Spring season

South Africa’s spring season is renowned for its beauty, but it also brings unpredictable and volatile weather.

According to a paper published in ScienceDirect, climate-induced extreme weather events have become more frequent, intense, and unpredictable. That is why Old Mutual Insure is urging homeowners, farmers, and businesses to use this time of year to review their risks and ensure their insurance cover remains fit for purpose.

“Earlier this year we saw the devastating impact of floods in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, unusual mudslides, and ongoing drought in inland provinces,” says Ntabeleng Stamier, Product Systems and Analytics Manager at Old Mutual Insure. Stamier says these events not only alter the landscape but also fundamentally reshape the risks South Africans face, making it critical to have the right insurance in place, particularly for the agricultural business sector.

Spring traditionally comes with heavy rains and storms across the Highveld and surrounding areas. “This can sometimes catch the Agri operators off-guard,” warns Stamier. With weather patterns becoming increasingly volatile, Stamier stresses the importance of always being prepared and shares some useful general information below to help farmers stay ahead.

1. Check your tyres and vehicle readiness: Wet, slippery roads and potholes are more common during spring. Well-maintained tyres and vehicles reduce accident risks.
2. Review your insurance cover: Ensure household, agricultural, and personal asset cover is current and comprehensive. Outdated policies can leave you dangerously underinsured.
3. Update policies after changes: If you’ve renovated, expanded your farming operations, or purchased new equipment or assets, make sure these are added to your policy to avoid costly shortfalls.
4. Review your policy regularly: Ensure that your policy details and cover are up to date so that you have adequate protection and are not underinsured.
5. Consider your location: Risks differ significantly by region. Farmers and coastal residents may face flooding or wind damage, while urban households could be more vulnerable to fire or burglary. Speak to your broker to confirm your cover matches your environment.
6. Be travel-smart. For those heading to popular spring destinations like the Western Cape or Namaqualand, ensure vehicles are roadworthy. Poor road conditions and heavy rains require extra caution.

For farmers in particular, the right agri-insurance can mean the difference between resilience and severe financial loss when extreme weather strikes.

“Insurance should be seen as a vital risk-management tool and not an afterthought. Tailored solutions allow farmers to focus on their operations while knowing their livelihoods and business assets are protected against weather-related disruptions,” Stamier explains.

Spring is more than just about flowers and warmer weather. With the unpredictable and volatile weather patterns South Africans have become accustomed to, the season can also come with some risk. “This presents an opportunity for Agri-businesses and operators to strengthen their resilience and safeguard against business interruptions,” adds Stamier.

She advises that Agri-sector players should contact their financial advisers to ensure their policies are up to date, conduct regular maintenance on equipment, and tailor their insurance cover to cover unique risks and prevent unnecessary losses.

“Spring cleaning your insurance is just as important as spring cleaning your home or farm. With the right cover, you can enjoy the season with confidence, knowing you are prepared for whatever the weather may bring,” Stamier says.