Useful Insurance Tips to Deal with Loadshedding

Loadshedding is an unfortunate ongoing reality that disrupts daily life, posing security risks and damaging power supplies.

Take a careful look at what your insurance provider covers. Many are unaware of the shortfalls of what they are actually covered for and fall into the trap of too-good-to-be-true premiums. Consult a professional APBCO insurance broker today for comprehensive cover that has you covered.

Let’s look at some useful tips to help you navigate this challenge:

●      Schedule for The Schedule: 

o   Download a reputable Eskom Application (such as EskomSePush) onto your phone to keep track of any planned outages in your area.

o   Know when to switch off any sensitive electronic appliances and do so proactively to prevent damage during outages.

●      Get Surge Protection:

o   Have you heard of DB board surge protection? Get a qualified electrician to install surge power protection for your entire home. This is a mandatory requirement with several insurers, otherwise an additional excess is often payable when clients claim for damages.

●      Stay charged:

o   Ensure that all cell phones, laptops, etc. are fully charged before scheduled power outages, and recharge them as soon as possible after the power is turned back on.

o   If possible, invest in a portable power bank or an inverter setup (these can range from more affordable small-scale setups that can run small appliances, to expensive full-scale off-grid applications).

o   Just the most basic of these will ensure that you can use your most important devices during extended blackouts – especially with transformers frequently blowing up.

●      Stay connected:

o   Invest in a wi-fi power bank to keep the internet on during loadshedding.

●      Stay secure:

o   Criminals also have access to loadshedding schedules and will pounce on vulnerable areas – especially those with tripped or false alarms.

o   Be vigilant about possible compromised security and safeguarding your premises as this remains your responsibility according to insurers and will be taken into account during the claims process.

●      Be backed up:

o   Get backup batteries for gate systems, garage doors and alarms to ensure that they remain operational during power outages – giving you safe access to your property without unwelcome visitors.

●      Generate additional power:

o   Appliances, such as solar panels or generators, will help to protect all equipment against power surges and outages during loadshedding.

o   Be sure to have a Certificate of Compliance when you have any of the above equipment installed; otherwise, any damages may not be covered by your insurance.

●       Go for gas:

o   Gas is cheaper than electricity. Invest in a small gas bottle or lamp for cooking or lighting. If you can’t, try to prepare meals upfront and keep hot water in a thermal flask for hot drinks.

o   Be sure to have a Certificate of Compliance for gas installations.

 ●      Food for thought:

o   Enquire whether your Home Contents insurance also covers your fridge contents; if yes, keep your grocery receipts in case you suffer food losses due to extended outages. Try to keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the contents cool.

●      Important data and documents:

o   Back up important data on your home computer to protect it from unforeseen electrical faults. 

o   Keep important documents in a fireproof and waterproof safe to protect them from criminals during loadshedding or other emergencies.

●      Keep emergency contacts at hand:

o   Save all contacts, such as the fire department, police, and medical services, on your phone, and keep printed copies nearby as well. Include the contact information of your friends and family, as well as that of your insurance provider and information that describes what will be covered in the event of loss or damage caused by loadshedding.

These are just a few useful tips to follow to mitigate the insurance risks associated with power outages and protect your property from potential damage. Consult an APBCO insurance broker today to help prioritize your safety and the safety of your loved ones during power outages. We will assist you in staying informed and prepared to navigate power outages with confidence and peace of mind.