What does ‘insurable interest’ mean?
[Updated 19 May 2025] As a contractual agreement, property insurance is subject to various agreed-upon terms and conditions and certain acceptable principles of insurance practice. One such practice or concept…
sectional title insurance
When should my broker fight for me?
Should my sectional title insurance broker ever fight for me? Yes, especially when the claim rejection is unjust or unfair. The key is whether or not the claim was fairly…
How do I maintain my geyser?
[Updated 7 May 2025)] We are often asked: “How can I maintain my geyser? There are no moving parts!” The truth is that most standard electric geysers in South Africa…
Composition of the sectional title policy
A typical building’s policy comprises two parts: the policy wording and the policy schedule. Sometimes a third part, a schedule of replacement values, is attached, although often taken as part…
Is trustee indemnity cover a requirement?
(Updated 24 February 2025) If the prescribed management rule is read and interpreted in accordance with standard insurance definitions of public liability, it is reasonable to conclude that trustee indemnity…
Common property improvements: Garden irrigation systems
The following question often arises: Are garden irrigation systems covered by the body corporate or homeowners association buildings insurance policy? If so, what are the limitations? Coverage of garden irrigation…
Owners and the schedule of replacement values
(Updated 12 December 2024) A schedule of replacement values (SRV) needs to be prepared, by the body corporate, ahead of each AGM, so that owners can agree and vote on…
Slip and fall on common property
“The body corporate is in virtually the same position as a landlord, hotel owner or shopkeeper, who by his or her control over property, has a legal duty to take…
Furnishing advice for sectional title schemes
“The insurance advice process in the sectional title environment is even more important”. Question: The FAIS Act (Financial Services and Intermediary Services Act) applies to all financial advice. How is…
Cover for window glass and sectional title insurance
It is widely accepted that window glass is covered as part of the building. Residential vs commercial buildings Normal residential buildings have smaller standard windows and doors; these are included…