Looking after your property isn’t just good housekeeping. It can also help prevent problems when you need to make an insurance claim.
Storms and severe weather can cause significant damage to homes, businesses and other property. While the weather is outside our control, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of property damage and help ensure your insurance responds as intended.
One of the most important is regular property maintenance.
Insurance is designed to cover sudden and unforeseen insured events. It is generally not intended to cover damage caused by wear and tear, gradual deterioration, poor maintenance or problems that have been left unattended.

Why does property maintenance matter when you claim?

When an insurance claim is assessed, the insurer needs to establish what caused the damage.
For example, a storm may cause water to enter through a roof. However, if the assessment finds that the roof was already deteriorated, damaged or poorly maintained, this may affect the outcome of the claim.
The same applies to blocked gutters, failed waterproofing, leaking plumbing, cracked walls, unstable structures and other existing maintenance issues.
Every claim is assessed on its own circumstances and according to the specific policy wording, but regular property maintenance can help prevent small problems from becoming major losses.

What should you be checking?

Your roof is your first line of defence against the elements. Check regularly for broken or missing tiles, damaged roofing, deteriorated flashing, leaks and other signs of wear.
Keep gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains clear. Blockages can cause water to overflow and result in damage to roofs, ceilings and walls.
Check waterproofing in areas such as bathrooms, balconies, roofs and terraces. Damp patches, mould, bubbling paint or recurring water marks should not be ignored.

Keep an eye on plumbing, geysers, taps and connections for leaks, corrosion or deterioration.
Inspect boundary walls, fences and gates for cracks, movement or other signs of weakness. These can become particularly vulnerable during strong winds.
Also look around the property for trees or branches that could pose a risk, and secure loose outdoor furniture and equipment when severe weather is expected.

Don’t ignore property maintenance warning signs

A small problem can quickly become a significant loss.
A blocked gutter can lead to overflowing water, which can cause damage to the fascia, roof, ceilings and contents.
A deteriorated roof can allow water into the property during heavy rain, potentially resulting in extensive internal damage.
Dealing with property maintenance issues early is almost always better than dealing with the consequences later.

What if a storm exposes an existing problem?

This is where insurance claims can become complicated.
A storm may be the event that brings a problem to light, but the condition of the property before the storm can also be relevant to the claim assessment.
The insurer may need to determine what damage was caused by the storm, whether there was pre-existing damage or deterioration, and whether any policy exclusions, conditions or limitations apply.
This does not mean every storm-related insurance claim will be declined. Each claim is assessed individually and according to the policy.

Keep property maintenance records

It is also a good idea to keep photographs, invoices and records of maintenance and repairs.
These can be useful in demonstrating the condition of the property and the maintenance that has been carried out if you ever need to make an insurance claim.
If you find a maintenance problem, deal with it
Don’t wait until you have a claim.
If you identify a maintenance issue, arrange for it to be assessed and repaired as soon as reasonably possible.
And if you’re unsure whether something is a maintenance issue or potentially an insurance claim, speak to your STP INTASURE broker.
We would much rather have the conversation early than discover a problem when you need your insurance most.

The bottom line

Your insurance policy is not a maintenance contract.
Insurance provides an important safety net when the unexpected happens, but that safety net works best when your property is properly maintained and your insurance cover is kept up to date. Take a few minutes to inspect your property, address any property maintenance issues and make sure your insurance still reflects your circumstances.

Don’t wait for a storm to find the problem. Check it now.

STP INTASURE is here to help you understand your cover, not just arrange it.