Spring/Summer in South Africa: The days are longer, the outfits are shorter, and the hail hazards are incredibly damaging.
“I can’t wait for the season to begin…” or however that song goes.
Indeed, spring is breaking through, ushering in sunlit days, gentle breezes and the reminder that the season's beauty comes with its challenges.
The days of wrapping ourselves in warm, woollen layers are fading, replaced by brighter days, refreshing rain showers, and, you guessed it, the looming possibility of hail hazards.
Hailstorms are a relatively common natural hazard in parts of South Africa, namely in provinces like Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State, occurring most frequently during the spring and summer months of October to March.
These icy projectiles have affected our landscapes, impacting crops, vehicles, buildings, and more.
Remember the tumultuous storm of 2013?
With damages soaring over R1.6 billion, it's hard to forget.
As we embrace the warmth of the new season, it's also time to understand and prepare for its mightier, icy counterpart.
Understanding Hail Damage: A Brief History
People often say nothing’s as unpredictable as the weather, but specific patterns are common enough to plan around. With its diverse climatic zones and topography, South Africa experiences a range of weather anomalies, but one of the more devastating ones has to be hailstorms.
Hailstorms aren’t just an icy inconvenience; these storms can be incredibly damaging, especially to vehicles.
Flashback: it’s October 2012, and you're a citizen of Gauteng.
Golf ball-sized hailstones are wreaking havoc in places like Edenvale, Midrand, Germiston, Boksburg, and Benoni, causing chaos for Ekurhuleni metro police and residents alike.
On that fateful day, between 2 pm and 3 pm, the sky turned hostile, releasing hail that fell "like a ton of bricks" for about five intense minutes.
The Ekurhuleni metro police, who were on patrol during this time, had to scuttle for shelter as the ice bullets smashed their car windscreens and side mirrors, as recounted by spokesman Kobeli Mokheseng.
The aftermath was immediately visible on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, where dismayed residents shared their shock and awe. Hailstones had smashed playrooms, shattered 12 windows of homes, left countless cars with dents, and even punctured right through a car's bodywork.
Not a month later, on the 8th of November, Gauteng was subjected to another freakish hailstorm, resulting in thirteen fatalities.
Provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have also shared similar fates.
In March 2019, Newcastle suffered a hailstorm from hell, laying waste to houses and cars throughout the area and in November 2021, Mpumalanga also had its fair share of weather woes; a sudden and intense hailstorm caught many in Lydenburg off-guard, leading to massive amounts of damage.
The Real Cost of Hail Damage
Hailstorms are more than nature's fury; they’re financially damaging, especially when it comes to your most prized possession – your vehicle. While a minor hail dent repair can set you back by a few hundred Rand, extensive damages dramatically shoot up the repair bill.
Data shows that every season has one or more hail events where hail-related insurance claims cost more than R30 million.
An article on AutoTrader.co.za details *how much it would set you back to fix dents.
“A shallow dent, roughly the size of an R5 coin, starts from R550. Hail damage might be cheaper to fix by replacing the entire panel, costing from R3000 upwards.
Scratch repair costs depend on their depth and location. Deep corner scratches on the bumper can cost around R1800, but redoing the entire bumper can set you back around R4000. Minor issues like scratches and chips on the mirror-caps start from R600.”
Replacing parts on newer cars can be more costly than older vehicles, and paint colours (like Pearl White) are pricier than standard ones.
In a nutshell, hail damage is more than skin deep.
It gnaws at your car's value and can have long-standing financial repercussions. So, fixing your car isn’t just about getting back on the road; it's about understanding the broader economic landscape after such incidents.
*prices vary depending on panel beaters, the extent of the damage and the car’s details.
Car Insurance and Hail Coverage in South Africa: What You Need to Know
When ominous clouds start gathering, and the weatherman predicts a hailstorm, the last thing you want to worry about is, "Will my insurance cover the damage?"
Given the climate in parts of South Africa, understanding hail coverage specifics is essential. So, let's delve into the nuances of car insurance policies when icy meteorites decide to pelt your vehicle.
- Comprehensive Car Insurance Coverage usually covers hail damage. It's the most extensive coverage you can purchase, covering damages to your vehicle that aren’t caused by a collision, including fire, theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage.
- Third-party, Fire, and Theft policies usually don't cover hail damage to your vehicle. However, if your car causes damage to another vehicle due to hail-related incidents (like skidding), it could cover those damages.
Comprehensive versus Third-Party Car Insurance When It Comes to Hail:
With comprehensive insurance, your car is generally covered against hail damage.
In case of significant damages, it can mean the difference between minor out-of-pocket costs (a.k.a. your car insurance excess) versus hefty repair bills that could set you back several thousands of Rands.
A third-party only or third-party fire and theft policy might mean you're out of luck when getting compensation for hail damage to your vehicle.
While this policy is more affordable monthly, it can leave you vulnerable to unexpected expenses.
Comprehensive insurance might seem pricier, but investing in comprehensive coverage can offer peace of mind and long-term financial prudence.
FAQ Section: Addressing Common Queries on Hail and Car Insurance
Q: Can claiming for hail damage increase my insurance premium?
There's a possibility that your premium might increase at your next renewal. However, many insurance companies view hail damage as a no-fault claim, meaning circumstances outside of your control caused it and not due to your negligence. So, your premium might not be affected. Still, checking with your insurer and understanding their stance is better.
Q: How long does it take for a hail damage claim to be processed in South Africa?
The processing time can vary based on the insurance provider, the extent of the damage, and how many claims the company is handling at the time (e.g., after a massive hailstorm affecting many customers). On average, once all required documentation is submitted and an investigation commences, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It's crucial to start the claims process immediately and *keep open communication with your insurance to expedite it.
*Thankfully, Pineapple has a handy in-app chat feature that lets you stay updated with your entire claim process.
Q: What if I was driving and got caught in a hailstorm?
- Safety should be your primary concern if you're driving in a hailstorm. Pull over to a sheltered area, like a petrol station or under a bridge, if possible and safe, to protect your vehicle.
- Turn your car so that the hail hits the front of your vehicle; the windscreen is reinforced and can handle the impact better than side windows.
- Once the storm passes and you're safe, check for damages and contact your insurance provider to report any potential claims.
Remember to always prioritise your safety over protecting your car from damage.
Q: How can I tell if the hail damage on my car is severe enough to make a claim?
If you need more clarification about the extent of the damage, it might be wise to consult a car repair professional. They can give you an estimate, which you can compare to your policy’s excess to determine if making a claim is worth it. Otherwise, thoroughly inspect your car, looking for any dents, cracks, or shattered windows. While minor dents might seem cosmetic, they can lead to more significant problems or decrease your car's value.
Q: Can I take preventive measures to protect my car from hail damage?
- Monitoring weather forecasts during volatile seasons.
- Using car covers or padded blankets during predicted hailstorms, parking under a carport or in a garage.
- Investing in early warning apps or systems.
Some even opt for specialised hail car covers designed to absorb hailstones' impact, like those offered by autolover.co.za.
Q: My parked car got damaged by hail at my workplace. Can I claim this on my car insurance?
If your insurance policy covers hail damage, it doesn't matter where the car was parked when it got damaged. Whether at your home, workplace or elsewhere, hail damage is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of your policy.
Q: What if I didn’t see the hailstorm, but I noticed the damage later on? Can I still claim?
Filing a claim as soon as you notice the damage is essential. Delays might raise suspicions, and your insurance provider might question if the damage was genuinely due to hail. Also, check your policy documents, as some insurers might have stipulations about the timeframe within which you need to report such incidents.
Q: Will my insurance cover a rental car if my vehicle is being repaired from hail damage?
This depends entirely on the type of insurance policy you have. If you have car hire or courtesy car coverage as part of your insurance policy, your insurer should provide a rental vehicle while yours is under repair. Check your policy documents or consult your insurance agent if you need clarification.
Know Your Provinces: Regions in South Africa Most Vulnerable to Hail
South Africa is blessed with varied topography.
However, these also mean major climatic differences, making some regions more susceptible to severe weather conditions, like hailstorms.
Hail typically occurs more in places like the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, the northern and western parts of the Eastern Cape, central Free State and the Highveld areas of Gauteng, eastern Free State and Mpumalanga.
KwaZulu-Natal: The coastal and inland areas of KZN, particularly Durban, are familiar with torrential rains and hail, particularly during late afternoons in the summer season.
Eastern Cape: The northern and western parts of the Eastern Cape see a fair amount of hail, especially during the warmer months. Travellers heading to these parts should be especially vigilant during summer afternoons.
Free State: Far from free from bad weather conditions, the Free State experiences dramatic thunderstorms, often accompanied by large hailstones, especially around the Bloemfontein region. However, its vast open spaces usually mean that while agricultural lands can be impacted, urban areas might be spared.
Gauteng: Besides being the economic hub of Mzansi, Gauteng is also often called the "hail capital". Gauteng's summer months, particularly November and December, frequently witness severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail, with cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria most often affected.
Mpumalanga: This province is known for its humid conditions, especially in the Lowveld regions. Hailstorms are prevalent during the peak summer months, sometimes causing extensive agricultural damage.
So, the next time you travel through any of these provinces during the summer months, always check the weather forecast for your destination and the route you'll be travelling.
Schedule your drives when hailstorms are less likely, typically outside late afternoons to evenings.
If you can’t do that, learn where to safely shelter your car if caught in a sudden and unexpected hailstorm.
And if all else fails, consider investing in protective car covers or blankets during hail season.
Prevention and Protection: Tips for Shielding Your Car from Hail Damage
Over the past few years, the world has grown more tech-savvy, making staying informed about relevant topics much more accessible.
So, when it comes to unpredictable weather events, being equipped with the correct information at the right time is not only possible but a game-changer and a lifesaver.
For South Africans living in or travelling through hail-prone areas, weather apps and early warning systems can become vital and helpful tools to have at one’s disposal.
Need help finding them? No problem. Here’s a list of handy weather warning apps:
- South African Weather Service (SAWS)’s WeatherSmart App: The WeatherSmart App from the SAWS provides location-based forecasts and other handy weather information for your immediate surroundings. Its localised alerts are beneficial for those in areas frequently hit by hailstorms.
It also includes the following features and options:
- Location-based forecasts
- Severe weather warnings
- Weather conditions and forecast for your current location
- Search for and add other locations
- A seven-day forecast for all your selected locations
- Minimum & maximum temperature(s)
- Wind direction(s)
- Weather notices, warnings and alerts
The national weather monitoring agency’s app is available on all app stores.
- AfricaWeather: The app allows users to track incoming storms in real time, customise weather alerts, and, more crucially, provide timely hail alerts. This feature is invaluable for users looking to find cover for their vehicles and thereby avoid the potential headaches of car insurance claims.
- AfriGIS: AfriGIS offers a comprehensive suite of weather-related services:
- An API that warns about severe weather events, allowing businesses to process and integrate data into their systems.
- Hail Alerts (DIY option) are based on predefined parameters, leaving businesses to communicate directly with customers.
- Customised Hail Alerts: Businesses can send AfriGIS their asset positions, both static and moving and receive timely alerts either through a customer's app or via SMS.
- Extended options include historic lightning reports, lightning early warnings, a 7-day forecast, and even the SAWS WeatherSmart App integration option. There's also a feature to replay historic storms and access current conditions and measurements.
Staying prepared is no longer an arduous task.
These apps and platforms can assist you in preempting potential weather threats, securing your car, and ensuring peace of mind.
Conclusion
Navigating the unpredictable skies of South Africa and the potential hail hazards can be daunting. However, the secret weapon against these unforeseen challenges is preparation.
While we can't change the weather, we can choose how we prepare for it.
Knowledge and proper protective measures are your best bet at overcoming Mother Nature’s harsh conditions and emerging victorious.
So, as we wrap up, here's our final thought for you:
We've taken you on a journey through the unpredictable skies of South Africa and shown you the impact of hail on vehicles…
The least you can do is get a quote, no? YES!
Pineapple's comprehensive car insurance protects against the weather's unpredictable moods. Also, it provides coverage against fire, theft and hijackings, accidental damage, third-party accidents, and, yes, even hostile hail.
It's an all-inclusive safety net for your vehicle, ensuring you're covered from every angle.
Why wait for the next storm to strike?
Dive into our protective umbrella of comprehensive insurance and drive with unmatched peace of mind.
Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply. Premium is risk profile dependent.
Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.
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