What you need to know about vehicle impact damage
(Updated 26 August 2024) Impact damage is an insured peril included in most property insurance policies. While the damage is more commonly caused by a third party to the insured…
sectional title insurance
Insurance implications of section extensions in sectional title complexes
It is quite common for owners in sectional title complexes to improve their sections by extending it, enclosing a balcony, adding a shade structure, extending a patio, or building a…
Inner-city community schemes: The risks and responsibilities
One of the most popular forms of residential habitation in South Africa is undeniably a sectional title or community Scheme. Over recent years, this property sector has experienced heavy regulation…
Insurance responsibilities ahead of the AGM
(Updated: 12 December 2024) Annual general meeting (AGM) preparations often happen at the last minute—it seems to be human nature! However, when it comes to insurance-related responsibilities, better planning is…
When valuation measurements don’t add up
“Our recent valuation measurements do not quite add up – can this be right?” This is a question we are faced with quite regularly, especially now that insurance valuations…
Annual policy renewal: What are the trustees’ responsibilities?
Included in the executive duties as per regulation 14 of the CSOS Act, the scheme executives must take reasonable steps to obtain sufficient information and advice on matters to be…
Common property and disclaimer boards
Disclaimer boards around common property in community schemes have always been a prickly issue with the main question being around their effectiveness. We have always viewed disclaimer boards prominently displayed…
Rising damp and moisture ingress – is this covered by insurance?
A recent claim involved consulting structural engineers to recommend a solution to an ongoing problem with rising damp and moisture ingress surrounding an extensive area of floors and walls in…
Cover for security guard services
Costs to cover security guards are viewed as a consequential loss; therefore, it is not automatically included in all policies. What is included? Most insurance policies include additional benefit extensions,…
What recourse do you have when your claim is rejected?
[Updated: 29 July 2025] Let’s be trustees who deal with disputed claims fairly and correctly! Claims are either common area claims or otherwise claims that deal with the owners’ sections.…