Will I get burnt by my insurance policy if load shedding makes the alarm system go out?
Load shedding has become a South African reality! This evil affecting our daily lives seems to be going nowhere – at least for the next two years. As with all other set-backs we have learnt to make adjustments to our daily lives. Many of us have had to rely on generators at our places of work or have bought a few candles for immediate relief at our homes.
As someone who is often on the road and have a townhouse which is more like a “lock-up -and- go”, I am often reminded of load shedding at my home when I return to my home and hear the continuous and somewhat irritating “beeb beeb” sound of the alarm system. My PVR / DSTV system has the ability to reboot itself but my alarm system is not able to do so… This has raised the question… what if my house is burgled and my alarm system is not activtated due to load shedding – will my home and household insurance policy still cover me for the losses incurred?
I decided to approach the legal people at OUTsurance with a few questions:
Does load shedding expose insurers to increased risk?
It is probable that our risk may increase due to lessened security devices.
There is a general duty on home owners to have their alarm systems activated if they at the time of taking out insurance indicate that the house has an alarm system installed – Is this correct?
This is correct. Should the home not be occupied, we would require the alarm to be activated.
If the home owner is away for a few days and load shedding causes the alarm system to go off, would this be seen as “impossibility” and remove blameworthiness on his side should there be a house robbery?
OUTsurance would certainly pay a claim should an alarm not work due to loadshedding. As always, we are not “technical” in deciding on whether to settle a claim or not. In an instance where the client had no control over the circumstances, we will settle.
What advice do OUTsurance give to homeowners during times of load shedding with regards to:
1- Home security and protection from home burglars
Ensure your back up battery on your alarm system is in full working order. Should the load shedding last only a few hours, the back-up battery may keep the alarm operational for the period.
2- Prevention of failure of electrical equipment, perishables etc..
Unplug your electronic devices to prevent damage from a surge or dip in electricity once the electricity returns. It’s of course important to remember to plug your devices once the electricity has returned.
For safety on the road during times of load shedding also view:
Tips for increased Safety Awareness and Preventing House Robberies
Advice on Safe Driving during Power Outages and Load Shedding https://t.co/KfBuDVPfhT #ArriveAlive #RoadSafety #LoadShedding @Eskom_SA pic.twitter.com/75hRZ1IrO4
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 10, 2019
