Don’t be left in the dark; ensure your Homeowners (building) insurance cover is right for you.
With uncertain times ahead, don’t be left with additional financial stress. #Rodel4U helps you understand (Homeowners) building insurance cover.
The year that was, 2020
2020 was a year of uncertainty, one we don’t want to remember but also one we will never forget. It’s always important to take the lessons learnt, to plan and be prepared.
The COVID-19 pandemic and continued load shedding were hot topics of discussion for most of last year. We are now spending more time at home, working from home and preparing for those dreaded load shedding time slots. Such instances have made us re-look and adjust, our lifestyles, including our insurance policies.
Can working from home affect your homeowners (building) insurance?
An article published at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by IOL stated, “If you are part of the global league of professionals who work from a “virtual office”, be sure to tell your insurer how, where and when you use your electronic devices.”
What should be updated?
Moving into 2021, our “virtual offices” have become a more permanent fixture, and now is the time to make an appointment with your Rodel4U approved broker. What items should I mention when updating my homeowners (building) and householders (content) insurance?
- Electronic items, i.e. laptop, monitors, mobile phones
- Wi-Fi routers & telephone lines, specifically installation sites.
- A vehicle, where is it parked & how often you’re out on the road
Remember to disclose everything to your broker to ensure that you have the right cover in the event of theft, natural disasters or fire.
Lightening the load
We can all agree load shedding has negatively affected our daily lives making us more frustrated. The reality is, that it is here to stay. Therefore the best way is to adapt and prepare by putting preventative measures in place to continue as best we can.
Protecting your home during load shedding
Besides the inconvenience of load shedding, there is also an additional risk to homeowners. We need to be more aware of other risks that may occur, such as burglary when your alarm’s back up battery dies or your wifi line is damaged from a power surge.
Let us look at some helpful tips to follow before you think about investing in a generator or solar panels:
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Get back up batteries
Specifically for your garage and alarm systems. Ensure your alarm is working and that when the power does go off, the battery mode is utilised to ensure you are not left feeling unsafe.
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Keep a torch readily available
Having a torch in your car or near your front door can be practical and life-saving. When you’re caught without power coming home, don’t forget to ensure they always have fully charged batteries.
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Charge all devices regularly
With load shedding schedules readily available, we can plan and ensure all our devices are fully charged, specifically our mobile phones. Save your emergency numbers. Rodel4U emergency number 0861111082 being first.
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Keep updated with news
Always keep an eye out for updates, news and information from community groups, social media and the news channel, to be prepared and plan.
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Utilise gas for cooking
Invest in a small gas bottle for cooking purposes and additional lighting. Ensuring you can still make a hot cup of tea or a quick meal.
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Unplug cables regularly
Consider any electrical connection as live during a power outage as power can return at any time. Therefore remember to turn off all electronic equipment and unplug powerpoints from the wall.
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Install surge protection device
One of the greatest causes of electrical equipment damage during a power failure is electric surges during a power outage. Therefore, it is advised to install a surge protection device. This can be installed on your electrical distribution board or at the point of your electrical device.
Ensure you are always prepared
Life often throws obstacles our way. We can’t control everything but being prepared for things can allow for a healthier and happier life. Ensure you are prepared for unforeseen damages and losses and make time to review your homeowners and householders insurance cover.
#Rodel4U is always a phone call away for all your insurance queries.
