Geyser Season in Full Swing as SA Braces for its Coldest Winter Yet

As South Africa braces for yet another bruising cold front, home owners are contending with the run on burst geysers and water pipes and the resultant damage to their properties. The latest run of bitterly cold weather has seen a significant increase in

Mandy Barrett of Aon South Africa, a leading insurance brokerage, is advising clients to thoroughly check their policy wordings and make sure that they are appropriately covered for all eventualities when it comes to burst geysers, water pipes and resultant damage. It’s also a perfect opportunity for clients to consider replacing their traditional electric geyser with an environmentally-friendly alternative and save on their electricity bill every month.

“Not all insurance policies are created equal and home owners need to make sure that they are properly covered for the replacement costs of the geyser, any burst pipes and resultant damage to ceilings, walls, carpets, lighting and electrical wiring under their buildings cover. Aon’s By Preference and By Design products cover our clients comprehensively for replacement of the damaged apparatus (geyser or pipes) as well as any subsequent damage to the building as a result of water damage. We also provide a 24-hour incident management line so they can be assisted with any emergency, any time of the day or night, seven days a week. We do not penalise clients if they choose to use their own contractors, but would always advise them to use a trustworthy outfit with a solid track record,” explains Mandy.

But this is not the case with all policies and homeowners are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions and any exclusions under their cover. “Some policies only provide cover for resultant damage and do not cover the replacement of the geyser and pipes, the replacement cost of which can run into thousands of Rands. Some insurers also stipulate an excess per item claimed for, rather than one excess on the total claim,” she adds.

And remember that there is a difference between buildings and household contents cover. Your buildings policy covers you for replacing the bricks and mortar and fixtures in your home – so in this instance your geyser, pipes, ceilings and so on. Your household contents cover is separate to buildings cover and insures the content of your home. Damage to household items such as furniture or appliances would be covered under your household contents insurance policy. Should you claim under both buildings and contents policies, you may find that you have to pay two excesses as this would be lodged as two separate claims.

“It’s exactly these types of scenarios that demonstrate the value of having a professional broker on your side to advise on the policy terms and conditions and to ensure that you have the best possible cover for your available budget,” says Mandy.

Another aspect that one should consider when faced with having to replace a geyser is an upgrade to a green, sustainable energy solution. Insurers such as Santam are offering clients the opportunity to replace their damaged geysers with solar or heat pump options, allowing the client to pay in the difference between the insurance pay out and the cost of the green water heating system. The balance payable by the client could even be recouped through the Eskom rebate programme, which refunds the client a significant percentage on certain solar and heat pump options.

“This really puts quality sustainable water heating solutions within the reach of Aon’s personal insurance clients and is a worthy and important drive towards lessening one’s electricity demand while making a positive impact on the environment. Long term, the client also gets to save a significant amount on their monthly utility bill, with up to 40% saving on their household electricity costs and up to 70% on their water heating costs. Given the recent sharp increases in the cost of electricity, it’s a great option for consumers to take control of their costs, as well as use their energy resources more efficiently,” explains Mandy.

Once installed, remember to add your solar or heat pump asset to your building insurance cover. “Any new additions add to the replacement value of your property so make sure you list it under your Homeowners insurance which covers the bricks and mortar, structure and fixtures of your home.

“A well-conceived insurance program gives you peace of mind knowing that your hard earned assets are safeguarded in the event of a loss and, most importantly, that you’re paying the right price for the right amount of cover. Remember to update your policy with your broker every time you add to your home’s value through improvements and additions, or annually,” concludes Mandy.

** In the event of a burst geyser or pipes take the following prompt action:

· Switch off the geyser electrical isolator switch on the main distribution board.

· Turn off the water mains and the stopcock fitted to the inlet pipe of the geyser.

· Contact your broker and make arrangements for an accredited plumber to assist you.

· It’s always a good idea to install a drip dray under your geyser as this will catch any leaking water and in the event of a major burst, a large percentage of the water will be directed from the tray via a pipe to the outside of the roof and minimise damage to ceilings.