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When the heavens open: How to claim for storm or flood damage like a pro

South African weather has a flair for the dramatic. In 1 minute, it’s braai-and-sundowners weather, the next… A cloudburst so heavy you’re wondering if you should start building an ark. And when those storms hit, they can leave behind more than just puddles. We’re talking hail-dented cars, flooded lounges, and roofs that suddenly double as skylights.

Not exactly a vibe.

But here’s the thing: When life (and the weather) gets messy, that’s when your insurance should shine. The trick is knowing how to claim quickly and smoothly, without adding extra drama to an already stressful situation. Luckily, the king has you covered with a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Stay safe, noble subject

Safety first, always. If your home has flooded or the roof looks dodgy, don’t rush in like a superhero. Switch off the electricity at the mains and wait for the all-clear before moving around. Now, if your car’s been waterlogged, don’t try to restart it. That could do more harm than good. In this case, it’s a job for the professionals, so give us a call and let’s go from there.

Step 2: Stop further chaos

The king expects you to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent even more damage. Think: Covering a broken window with plastic sheeting, moving valuables off the floor, or mopping up standing water. Keep receipts for any temporary fixes and we’ll happily look at reimbursing you when you submit your claim.

Step 3: Snap, snap, snap

Pics or it didn’t happen. Seriously. Take clear photos and videos of all damage before cleaning up. Wide shots for context, close-ups for detail. If your car’s been hit with hail, get those dents and your number plate in the same frame. For homes, show the rooms, furniture, and appliances that took a beating. We’re basically nuts about details.

Step 4: Tell the king immediately

Claims wait for no 1, so please report the damage to us as soon as possible. We can’t stress this enough… Don’t delay until you’ve had time to tidy up.

The fastest ways to tell the king:

  • Via our royal app.
  • On WhatsApp.
  • By calling 0860 50 50 50.
  • Or through your broker.

Give us your policy number, the date and time of the storm, and a quick overview of the damage.

Step 5: Hand over the paperwork

When you get in touch with us, we’ll make sure to guide you through what we need to get started on your claims and repairs or replacements. That said, this is generally what we’d need from you:

  • A completed claim form.
  • Proof of ownership for affected items (like receipts, invoices, or ‘before’ pics).
  • The damage photos and videos you collected.
  • For car claims, your licence disc and registration papers.

Depending on the claim, we may send an assessor to take a closer look.

Step 6: Stick to the king’s network

We have approved builders, contractors, and panel beaters to make repairs. Please don’t go rogue and hire your own before we give the go-ahead. If you do, you could be stuck with the bill.

Avoid these royal slip-ups

  • Waiting too long to claim… The clock starts ticking the moment damage happens.
  • Leaving out details… Honesty = faster claims. Omission = delays.
  • Throwing things away too soon… Please keep damaged goods until we’ve assessed them.
  • Forgetting the little things… Even smaller items like microwaves or curtains can be covered.

The king’s final word

Claiming for storm or flood damage doesn’t have to be a saga. With the right cover from the king, the right steps, and a quick call to us, you’ll be sorted without the stress. So next time the heavens open, take a breath, grab your phone, and let us do the heavy lifting.

For more details on our cover and to see how we can tailor a policy to your needs, click here or WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50.

5 FAQs

1. Does King Price cover storm and flood damage automatically?

Yes. Our home contents, buildings, and comprehensive car insurance policies include cover for storm and flood damage, unless specifically excluded in your policy.

2. What if I need emergency repairs right away?

Take steps to prevent further damage and let us know. Keep receipts for temporary fixes and we’ll consider them as part of your claim.

3. How quickly do I need to report a storm claim?

As soon as possible. The faster you report it, the faster we can process it and help you get back on track.

4. Can I choose my own repairer?

Not without approval. We work with trusted, approved service providers to make sure repairs are done right (and covered).

5. What if my car was damaged while parked outside in a storm?

That’s covered under your comprehensive car insurance. This like hail dents, falling branches, and water damage included. Just snap those pics and let us know.

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    Picture of The king

    The king

    The king is the official storyteller of the King Price kingdom, sharing smart tips, expert insights, and practical advice about car insurance. From explaining tricky insurance terms to helping South Africans save on their premiums, his mission is to make insurance easy to understand and even easier to use. With support from a royal council of actuaries, analysts, and insurance specialists, every article is written to help drivers stay informed and protected on the road.

    Psst… This blog provides general info only and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here. 

    Our website T’s and C’s can be found here. 

    King Price Insurance Company Ltd is a licensed non-life insurer and registered financial services provider. (Reg no. 2009/012496/06 | FSP no. 43862)