As of October 2022, here in South Africa, insurance companies are beginning to change their policy wordings to exclude “Grid Failure” from their cover. This is because it is now an expected eventuality and is quite common. It is now a known risk that can, in essence, be managed (or reduced). Don’t panic though, Power Surge is still covered… this is separate from Total Grid Failure.
So… how can we reduce the risk of loss and add value to our homes at the same time?
Property 24 suggests the following:
- Install a Battery Driven inverter system. These will power TVs, Internet, Laptops etc. never run heating devices such as kettles or hair dryers.
- Install a Petrol Generator as an alternative to an inverter. These can power TVS, Laptops as well as heating devices such as kettles.
- Fit your lights with rechargeable globes. This could ensure that you have lights during loadshedding or any other power outage.
- Install a decent battery backup for your Alarm, CCTV and Gate motors so that these can all remain fully functional even through an extended power outage.
- Switch to Gas for cooking. Ensure your Gas installed compliantly and that cylinders over 18KG are not allowed to be stored indoors.
- Install a Gas or Solar Geyser to ensure hot water during prolonged power outages.
I would add that you should fit your DB board with a surge arrestor. This will take the brunt of a power spike or dip and many insurers apply an additional excess to power surge claims where there is no proof of surge protection in place. Especially on commercial risks and more and more on private households as well.
Stay safe, keep covered.
