Hail damage – How to make sure you’re covered

South African citizens have sustained significant financial losses due to heavy hailstorms which have been experienced in various parts of the country this year. Mutual & Federal, one of South Africa’s leading short-term insurers warns about the dangers of not having adequate insurance cover for this force of nature.

The severity of recent hailstorms in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Klerksdorp caught many residents by surprise. These hailstorms have resulted in damages worth millions of rands, and tragically the Kwa-Zulu Natal storm claimed eight lives. To illustrate how severe hailstorms can be, the two Klerksdorp incidents saw more than 20cm of hail fall in less than an hour.

“The Summer season has definitely announced its arrival loud and clear this year, and the whole of South Africa has been hit by storms recently. Considering the amount of damage that has resulted from these storms, it is vital to check your policy and ensure that you’re adequately covered,” advises Sedick Isaacs, Mutual & Federal Executive General Manager: Claims. The devastation and destruction left by a major hailstorm is not only unsettling but it could also leave individuals financially crippled if they are not sufficiently insured.

The probability of having your property damaged due to a massive hailstorm is quite likely. During the hot summer months in South Africa, hailstorms often catch individuals unaware due to the ferocity and speed with which they come. This is especially true in Johannesburg and since most of the heavy storms hit during the late afternoon; thousands of motorists are often stuck in traffic, making their cars a prime targets for hail damage.

Isaacs continues, “Unfortunately we cannot predict when or where massive hailstorms are going to hit. However, we are able to mitigate these risks by protecting ourselves against the financial implications of such damage. This is one of the reasons why the Mutual & Federal Allsure Comprehensive Policy automatically includes cover for hail damage.”

Isaacs encourages all short-term insurance policyholders to read their policy documents carefully to be certain of the extent of the cover provided. They can also contact their brokers or insurance advisers to check for any policy limitations and to ensure that they are adequately and fully covered.