Returning home to realise you had a home invasion can be scary & unsettling. Household insurance brings you some relief when your valuables are replaced, hassle-free.
What the Stats Say
According to Statistics South Africa, home invasion or burglaries have been the most common crime experienced by South Africans. In the past five years following their survey, there has been an increase from 2,1 million in 2015 & 2016 to 2,3 million in 2019 & 2020.
A scary statistic, but an everyday reality living in South Africa. We generally spend a considerable amount of money investing in alarm systems, security gates and beams; however, burglaries and home invasions can still occur.
What should I do when a home invasion occurs?
Besides the fear and invasion of your own space, having your favourite items stolen or your home damaged can be a frustrating and real-life “hack”.
Following the below will guide you on how to handle a possible situation.
- Call for assistance immediately
Before entering your home, call for assistance. Don’t forget the Rodel4U 24hr app allows for Crime Assist, which will place a security guard at your premises for 24hrs.
- Assess your property before entering
With assistance from your security company or police, ensure your property is safe before entering.
- Do a walk through & check the damage
Walk through your home and check what damage there is, i.e. broken windows or doors, and check what items have been stolen or damaged.
- File a police report & get a case number
Proceed to the police station to file a report and to receive your case number. This case number will be required for putting in a claim with your insurance.
What comes next
Remember you get homeowners insurance, (building insurance) and your household insurance (Content Insurance). Both types of covers are outlined in your insurance policy. It is always advised to set up an appointment with your approved #Rodel4U broker to discuss your policy and update it where necessary.
Follow our five top tips
The worst has happened, but don’t panic; we have you covered. Here are some helpful tips to assist you.
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Contact your approved #Rodel4U broker as soon as possible
Please don’t leave it for a prolonged time, and ensure you have your case number ready.
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Provide full details about the incident
Ensuring all details are noted, i.e. date, time, when you arrived home, etc
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Provide a full list of items that have been stolen or damaged
Include all items in your claim that were stolen or damaged and provide as much detail as possible. Remember that providing your insurer with all your content when opening your policy will help you at the claim stage. Don’t forget to provide proof of ownership and your certificates for items that have a high value.
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Include additional evidence to support your claim
If items were damaged, provide photographic evidence. Keep documentation, i.e. invoices of exact costs.
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Keep your reference or claim number should you need to follow up on any queries
Once you have submitted your insurance claim, ensure you keep your reference or claim number on hand, should you need to follow up on any queries or issues.
Be cautious and be prepared
Being prepared and taking precautions will reassure you when disaster strikes. Let Rodel4U make your household insurance claim stress-free, and have your damaged or stolen items replaced before you know it.
