Loadshedding. The national pastime no one asked for. 1 minute your kettle is boiling, the next your lights flicker and you are negotiating with your fridge about the future of leftovers. And when the power plays up, surprise damage to appliances and electrical systems can follow. The good news is that you don’t have to face the aftermath alone, but there are a few things every homeowner should know before they call it a claim.
King Price offers surge cover for loadshedding in the form of an optional extra that you can tack onto your home insurance. What this means is that if a surge damages your appliances and your policy includes this add-on, you’ll be covered.
Surge protection devices are more than nice to have
After a big increase in surge damage claims, many in the industry now recommend surge protection devices. In many cases installing adequate surge protection not only reduces the risk of damage, it also makes your claim stronger. Generally speaking, it looks like most insurers are starting to require specific protection to be in place for certain items or levels of cover.
If you want to sleep easier during a blackout, fitting a surge protection device is 1 of the best practical steps you can take.
What your home contents policy will cover (and what it won’t)
Our royally created home contents cover protects you against sudden, accidental loss or damage to your property. That means electrical damage caused by a sudden surge may be covered where your policy wording includes surge damage as an insured event.
The thing is, not every policy treats surge damage the same, and household items used for business are usually excluded from your standard home cover. If you work from home and have expensive business equipment, you may need portable possessions cover or a business policy.
Temporary accommodation
If loadshedding related damage (for example an electrical fire) leaves your home uninhabitable following an insured event, your home insurance from the king includes cover for reasonable temporary accommodation costs up to specified limits.
Practical steps that make claims smoother:
- Install surge protection for high value electronics and appliances.
- Keep receipts and proof of purchase for expensive items.
- Don’t throw damaged items away until an assessor has seen them unless we tell you it’s okay to toss it.
- Take photos and short videos of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Report the incident as soon as possible through the app, self-service portal, WhatsApp or call us so we can deal with this ASAP.
When to consider extra cover
Are you the lucky owner of many gadgets or an expensive home office kit, or a costly solar or inverter setup? Flip, well done!
Just don’t do that assuming thing and hope it’s all sorted with whatever policy you’ve got. Rather check if these items are specified on your existing policy or if you need separate cover. For example, it could be that portable possessions or business insurance is the right option home for tech or equipment used in a business capacity. As for solar and inverter systems, tell us so we can officially note these assets and have them assessed for the best policy that suits your needs.
The king has your back
Loadshedding is going to be around for a while, and the single best approach is to be proactive. Fit surge protection, keep proof of value, check your policy schedule for optional surge cover, and speak to your King Price consultant if you’re unsure about your limits or whether your home office or solar system needs separate cover. Do the little things now and you’ll avoid a big headache later.
If you’d like help checking your schedule or adding surge cover, WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 or tap the claims button in the app and we’ll talk you through the options.
5 FAQs
1. Does King Price cover damage caused by loadshedding?
Yes. King Price offers optional cover for power surge damage related to loadshedding. Whether you’re covered depends on your specific policy and whether the surge cover is included in your schedule. Always check your policy wording.
2. Do I need a surge protector to claim for electrical damage?
While it isn’t universally mandatory, many insurers and experts recommend installing surge protection. Some insurers may require a specified level of protection for certain items or to meet policy conditions. Installing SPDs reduces risk and strengthens claims.
3. Is my work laptop covered under my home contents policy?
No. Home contents cover typically excludes items used for business purposes. If you use equipment for work, consider business insurance so your kit is properly protected.
4. What happens if my home is uninhabitable because of loadshedding related damage?
Many King Price building or community policies include temporary accommodation cover for reasonable costs while your home is being repaired, subject to the limits shown on your policy schedule. Confirm the exact limit in your policy documents.
5. How quickly should I report surge or blackout-related damage?
Report claims as soon as possible using the King Price app, WhatsApp, call centre or via your broker. Prompt reporting and keeping evidence like photos and receipts help the assessor and speed up the claim. The policy also requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
