Home should be the place that welcomes you back, keeps you safe and helps you rest easy. After a highveld winter, a few simple checks can help protect that feeling — and reduce the chance of small maintenance issues becoming stressful claims.
Cold mornings, dry conditions, sudden temperature changes and early rains can all place pressure on a home. Roof leaks, plumbing faults, burst geysers, electrical issues and storm damage are easier to manage when they are spotted early.
Having the right insurance matters. Understanding it matters just as much. Before winter gives way to spring, take a little time to check your home, review your cover and make sure what matters most is properly protected.
- Start with your roof and gutters
Before the rainy season, look for cracked tiles, loose flashing, blocked gutters, deteriorating waterproofing, stains on ceilings or walls, and areas where water collects instead of draining away.
Please check the drains regularly to ensure they are not clogged with leaves, dirt, or other debris, as blocked drains can lead to water build-up and potential flooding.
- Check your pipes and plumbing
Very cold nights can put pressure on exposed or ageing pipes. Watch for unexplained water bills, damp patches, mouldy smells, low pressure, dripping taps or wet areas around fittings.
- Your geyser deserves attention too
A failed geyser can damage ceilings, walls, floors, cupboards and belongings. Check for leaks, corrosion, rust, damaged connections or pooling water, and ask a qualified professional to investigate anything that looks unusual.
- Don’t forget about electrical risks
Winter often means more heaters, electric blankets and appliances in use. Make sure cords are not damaged, plugs are not overloaded, heaters are safely placed, and any electrical faults are handled by a qualified electrician.
- What about damage caused by storms?
Spring and summer storms can bring heavy rain, wind, hail and lightning. Roofs, windows, boundary walls, gates, outdoor structures, electrical equipment and household contents can all be affected.
- Your home may be insured, but what about what’s inside it?
It is easy to focus on the building and overlook what is inside it. Ask whether your contents sum insured would still be enough to replace furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, jewellery, sporting equipment and other valuables at today’s prices.
- Keep evidence of your belongings
Photos, videos, invoices, valuations, serial numbers and receipts can make a claim far easier to support. Store them somewhere safe and accessible, even if your home is damaged.
A quick review can also help you check whether your policy still reflects your life today. Have you renovated, added solar or an inverter, upgraded security, bought valuable items, changed how the property is used, or added new household equipment?
What should you do if you discover damage?
If you find damage, take reasonable steps to prevent it from getting worse, where it is safe to do so. Take photographs, keep repair records, obtain professional assessments where needed, and speak to your advisor or insurer before assuming what is or is not covered.
Review your cover before spring
At Keeper, insurance is more than a policy. It is the comfort of knowing someone has considered what matters to you, the trust that your cover has been handled with care, and the relief of knowing you are not facing a claim on your own. Before spring arrives, let us help you review your home and contents cover so you can feel protected, understood and in good hands.