Big spike in load shedding insurance claims
Insurance companies have warned consumers of a growing trend that sees criminals target areas affected by load shedding, taking advantage of inactive alarms and other security features.
This is according to a statement by the Intelligence Bureau SA, on Monday (29 June), which noted that consumers are complaining that appliances such as microwaves, TVs and cellphones are damaged by power surges when electricity is restored.
In severe cases, some houses have also caught fire when power was restored, it said.
Absa Insurance Division’s Andries van Staden said criminals are also taking advantage of those being left vulnerable during load shedding by targeting homes.
“If during load shedding the alarm or electric fence doesn’t work, we will not hold that against our policy holders.”
Mua Insurance Acceptance CEO, Christelle Fourie, said that theft claims have increased due to homes being left in a vulnerable state by load shedding.
Other claims related to damage caused by load shedding have spiked significantly since cuts were implemented last year, with almost 2,000 extra claims made, the chief executive said.
“We also dealt with a claim in KwaZulu-Natal where a house burnt down after a hairdryer was left switched on.”
Fourie said that in 2015, alone, her company has paid out an extra R25 million to clients for load shedding damage.
Some claims however, had been made falsely, citing the power position in the country.
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