Buildings Insurance Guide

Subsidence, natural disasters and SASRIA

Written by Lerato Molefe Personal Insurance Writer Reviewed by Nomsa Dlamini RE5 qualified · 12 years in short-term insurance Updated 28 July 2026 Our editorial standards →

Does buildings insurance cover subsidence and natural disasters?

Storms, floods, wind, hail, lightning and fire are standard cover on most South African buildings policies. Subsidence and landslip are treated separately - often an optional add-on, and sometimes excluded in high-risk dolomite or mining areas - so check your schedule. SASRIA, a separate and inexpensive add-on, covers special risks such as riots, strikes, terrorism and civil unrest. It does not cover ordinary weather, which stays with your main policy.

Key takeaways

  • Storm, flood, hail, wind, lightning and fire are usually standard on buildings policies.
  • Subsidence and landslip are often optional and may be excluded in dolomite or mining areas.
  • SASRIA is a separate, low-cost add-on for special perils like riots and civil unrest.
  • SASRIA does not cover weather damage - that remains under your ordinary buildings policy.
  • Keep the sum insured accurate and maintain drainage to protect natural-disaster claims.

Natural weather perils

Most South African buildings policies cover the weather events that cause the majority of claims: storm, wind, hail, lightning and flood, alongside fire. If a storm rips off roof tiles or a flash flood damages your walls and floors, that is a standard insured event. The usual conditions apply - the damage must be sudden, and gradual water seepage or a poorly maintained roof can be excluded. Some policies limit cover for sea encroachment or coastal erosion, so coastal owners should check the wording.

Subsidence and landslip

Subsidence - ground sinking or shifting beneath the foundations - and landslip are handled differently from weather. Many insurers exclude them as standard and offer them as an optional extension, while properties on dolomite, expansive clay or old mining ground may be excluded or require an engineer's report. Because subsidence damage can be severe and expensive, check whether your policy includes it, whether you can add it, and what conditions apply in your area before you assume you are covered.

Where SASRIA fits

SASRIA - the South African Special Risks Insurance Association - is a state-owned insurer that covers special risks: riots, strikes, public disorder, civil commotion, labour disturbances and terrorism. It is not part of your ordinary buildings cover but is added on top, usually as an inexpensive coupon alongside your policy. The 2021 civil unrest is the kind of event SASRIA responds to. It is important to understand that SASRIA does not cover ordinary storms or floods - those are your normal insurer's responsibility.

Is SASRIA compulsory, and how it pays

SASRIA cover is effectively bundled with most short-term policies in South Africa, so if you have buildings insurance you very likely already carry it as a small additional line on your schedule. It provides a set amount of cover for the special perils it names, and claims for riot or unrest damage are routed through your insurer to SASRIA. The distinction matters at claim time: unrest damage is a SASRIA claim, while flood or storm damage on the same property is a standard buildings claim.

Practical steps

To keep natural-disaster cover working for you, confirm whether subsidence is included or needs adding, and keep your sum insured at full rebuild value so a large storm or fire claim is not cut by the average clause. Maintain drainage, gutters and the roof to head off the maintenance exclusions insurers rely on. Check your schedule for the SASRIA line so you know your special-risk cover is in place, and read the detail on subsidence and landslip cover.

Frequently asked questions

Does buildings insurance cover subsidence?
Not always as standard. Subsidence and landslip are frequently an optional add-on and may be excluded in dolomite or mining areas, sometimes needing an engineer's report. Check your schedule to see whether it is included or can be added for your property.
Does buildings insurance cover storm and flood damage?
Yes. Storm, wind, hail, lightning and flood are standard insured events on most South African buildings policies. The usual conditions apply - the damage must be sudden, and gradual seepage or poor roof maintenance can be excluded.
What does SASRIA cover?
SASRIA covers special risks: riots, strikes, public disorder, civil commotion, labour disturbances and terrorism. It is separate from your ordinary buildings cover and does not pay for weather damage like storms or floods, which remain your normal insurer's responsibility.
Is SASRIA compulsory?
SASRIA cover is effectively bundled with most short-term insurance policies in South Africa, so if you have buildings insurance you almost certainly already carry it as a small additional line on your schedule.
Does buildings insurance cover damage from riots or unrest?
Yes, but through SASRIA rather than your standard cover. Riot and civil-unrest damage is a SASRIA claim, routed through your insurer. Ordinary storm or flood damage on the same property is handled as a normal buildings claim.

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