Weathering the storm: How to prepare for hail season

Nthabiseng Moloi, MiWay Head of Marketing & Brand

Summer is in the air, heralding the arrival of warmer temperatures and outdoor pursuits. But with the arrival of the new season also comes the prospect of damaging thunderstorms, particularly for those living on the Highveld.

These fierce weather systems have left plentiful destruction in their wake in recent years, with the especially ferocious 2013 season resulting in insurance payouts of over R2 billion, according to PwC. Not only does this leave policyholders with a litany of administrative nightmares, but it can also leave them out in the cold should property or vehicles incur extreme damage. 

While it is not possible to control the weather, it is important to be prepared for the impending storm season, as a few simple preventative measures could make all the difference when the dark clouds start to roll in over Gauteng. 

Here are a few key pointers to bear in mind to avoid the worst of the damage, as well as a few tips and tricks to ensure your claims are processed swiftly if you cannot get out of a storm’s path: 

Check the weather

This might seem like an obvious suggestion, but given the precise weather data now available to us on smartphones, there is simply no excuse to be out on the road should a violent storm be in the offing. Should you see bad weather on the horizon, make sure to seek out a safe place and keep your car undercover, as torrential hail can lay waste to your vehicle in mere minutes. Some insurers also offer handy forewarning services, such as MiWay’s SMS messages, which enable you to be better prepared for what Mother Nature has in store, so make sure to check with yours to see which are available to you. 

Prepare your home

While it is not possible to move your home out of a storm’s path, you can mitigate any damage by ensuring you are properly prepared for extreme weather. Before the rainy season hits, make sure to clear your gutters of leaves, twigs and other debris, as overflowing gutters can lead to leaks and further damage. It is also important to check your downpipes, ensuring rainwater has somewhere to go instead of your foundations, which can be badly damaged by pooling of water. Lastly, remember to keep large trees around your home well-trimmed and remove any dead or dying branches that could end up proving hazardous in violent weather. 

Ensure you are adequately covered

The costs of repairing hail and storm damage can be enormous, so it is important to check before the time that your insurance policy covers you for any type of eventuality. Hail and thunderstorms can cause massive damage not only to your car, but also your home and its contents. Make sure you are covered against everything from dents and smashed windows to appliances destroyed by lightning strikes and power surges. It is also vital that you choose a renowned insurer with a proven track record for swift processing times, as there is nothing worse than being stranded in a leaking house for weeks on end. 

Lodging a claim

If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of storm damage this season, there are a few easy ways to speed up the claims process. Firstly, it is imperative that you lodge your claim as soon as possible, providing all relevant information about the damage incurred as accurately as possible. Photographic evidence is always helpful in these instances, as it will help your insurer to settle your claim sooner. 

Remember that, after large storms, the volume of claims tends to be large, so you would be well advised to visit forums like HelloPeter to check your insurer’s ability to settle claims speedily. It is also worth looking into an insurer with online claim options, as this will allow you to keep tabs on yours without having to constantly follow up.