Although you might have Insurance, insurers still require some due diligence on your part to ensure that you are not negligent and that you still take the necessary precautions to avoid any losses. Insurers have different policy wordings, but most of them agree on certain exclusions on claims and require some responsibility on the insured client’s part.

Pre-Policy (Quoting process)

• Non-Disclosure– During the quoting process certain questions whether it is about your claim’s history or the security details about your home or vehicle will be asked. Giving the incorrect information regarding this could lead to your future claims being turned down. Companies have their own processes in place on finding the facts around this especially when they decide to appoint an assessor.

• Insuring your assets correctly– Insurers can’t pay out a claim of items that you do not have insured or items that you though might be covered under a certain section but isn’t. For this single reason it is important to make sure that you have an Adviser to guide you through this and to not take shortcuts by removing certain sections when requoting for you and not to take any shortcuts on where it should be covered.

Claim process

• Non-Disclosure/ Dishonest information – not giving the correct information proves you dishonest and the insurer could turn down your claim. Make sure to contact your financial adviser to guide you through the claims process.

• 30 Day notice– Most insurers have a 30 Day notice clause where they clearly state that any claims should be submitted within 30 days. If you feel like you have a valid claim, make sure to submit this as soon as possible and to inform your adviser when this happens.

Motor vehicle insurance

• Driving under the influence– Every insurance company would decline a motor claim if the incident happened while driving under the influence, not only is it illegal but it shows signs that you are being negligent on your behalf (don’t drink and drive). Some insurers have a concierge/chauffer service, make sure to find out if your policy has one.

• Vehicle not being roadworthy– If your vehicle is not roadworthy this could lead to problems when driving and it is unsafe overall. Not only is this dangerous for you but also to other people using the roads with you.

• Expired license– Make sure that your license and your vehicles license is always up to date to avoid having problems at claim stage.

All risk

• Stolen out of a vehicle– If your all risk items have been stolen out of your vehicle without signs of forcible entry and your goods was left in a space visible to people passing by (on the seat) insurers will most likely turn down your claim. Make sure your vehicle is locked when leaving it unattended.

• Specified – Firstly be sure to know which items falls in this category as it could get confused with the household section. These are items that could be used outside your place of residence. Some electronic items, Sporting goods and valuable collectables would have to be specified correctly under this section.

Homeowners and Household content

• Moving / Changing address– It is very important to let your adviser know before you move to notify the insurers to ensure that your household content is insured while in the moving process. Your insured address should then also be updated to ensure that you are covered correctly.

• Security measures– If you make changes to security measures at your residence be sure to keep it updated. Should you have an alarm installed be sure to activate it when you leave your house to avoid disappointment of any claims should someone break in.

PRE Policy (Quoting process)

• Make sure to take photos of slips and the items insured to help prove your ownership should the insurers ever ask at claims stage.