Load shedding, community living and risk
Load shedding is here and likely to be with us for a while. Load shedding brings with it a higher risk situation for owners, both concerning the buildings and common…
sectional title insurance
Replacement values and legislation
(Updated: 6 January 2025) This article unpacks the legislation and prescribed rules related to replacement values, summarising them in layman’s terms: Section 3.(1)(h) of the Sectional Title Schemes Management Act…
Damage caused by ants, termites, vermin, etc.
Does the body corporate’s insurance policy cover damage to an owner’s section or common property resulting from an infestation of ants, termites, rats, birds, etc.? The short answer is “No”.…
Items in the open
[Updated: 12 April 2026] In providing insurance cover for the insured property an insurer and the insured property owner should consider all the actual and potential risks associated with the…
Theft cover: Exterior fixtures and fittings
(Updated 22 August 2024) Traditionally, standard buildings insurance policies only responded to claims where damage to the building was accompanied by forced entry into or exit from the property. For…
Earthquake insurance
Following the 5 August 2014 earthquake, the insurance industry was, once again, bombarded with questions around Earthquake cover. Let’s unpack some of the issues around earthquakes in the sectional title…
Subsidence and landslip
Subsidence and landslip are among the most devastating risks to property but remain one of the least discussed insurance perils. Understanding this cover extension and how it may or may…
Buildings & insurance: Are you legal?
Are you an owner of sectional title property? Are you aware that your trustees are obliged by law to insure your property? The Sectional Titles Scheme Management Act 2011 (3.1(h))…
Insurance & the EUA
(Updated 11 February 2025) Perhaps we should refer to MUAs (Misunderstood Use Areas) rather than EUAs (Exclusive Use Areas), as the subject of Exclusive Use Areas is widely misunderstood and…
Prevention of loss
(Updated 23 September 2024) Most policies have a prevention of loss clause, i.e. the insurer is expected to take all reasonable precautions to prevent losses. Much can be done –…