Buildings Insurance Guide

Claiming, updating and switching buildings insurance

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 →

How do I claim on, update or switch buildings insurance?

To claim after storm or fire damage, make the property safe, photograph everything, report to your insurer within the required time (and to SAPS for malicious or impact damage), then let the assessor inspect before you make permanent repairs. Update your policy whenever you renovate or add solar. You can switch insurers at any time, but coordinate the bond cession and align the dates so you never leave a gap in cover.

Key takeaways

After damage: make safe, photograph, report promptly, and wait for the assessor before permanent repairs.
Report malicious or impact damage to SAPS and get a case number for the claim.
Update your sum insured after renovations, extensions or a solar installation.
You can switch insurers anytime - re-cede to the bank and avoid a gap in cover.
On sale, buildings cover ends at transfer; the buyer arranges their own from registration.

Claiming after storm or fire damage

Act quickly and methodically. First make the property safe and prevent further damage - for example, cover an open roof or shut off the water - because insurers expect you to mitigate the loss. Photograph and video everything before you move or discard anything. Report the claim to your insurer within the time your policy requires, keep any emergency-repair receipts, and wait for the assessor to inspect before commissioning permanent repairs. Many insurers use approved repair networks, though a cash settlement is sometimes an option. See our full guide to claiming on home insurance.

Evidence and time limits

A well-documented claim moves faster. Keep dated photos, a list of the damage, and quotes for repairs. Do not throw away damaged materials until the assessor has seen them, as they are evidence of the loss. For malicious damage, theft or impact, report the incident to SAPS promptly and obtain a case number - insurers require it. Note your policy's reporting window; leaving a claim too long, or repairing before assessment, is a common reason for disputes and delays.

Updating after renovations or changes

Your cover must keep pace with the home. After an extension, a new pool, a major renovation or a solar installation, increase your sum insured to reflect the higher rebuild cost. Skipping this leaves you under-insured, and the average clause will cut every future claim - not only one involving the new work. It takes a quick call or online update, and it is the difference between being paid in full and carrying part of the loss yourself.

Switching providers

You are free to switch buildings insurer at any time, and there is usually no penalty for cancelling. Compare cover and price first, then line up the new policy's start date with the old one's cancellation so there is no gap - even a day uninsured is a real risk. If you have a bond, arrange the new cession to the bank and give it proof of the replacement cover so it does not add its own insurance. Carry over your claims history, as it can affect the new premium.

Transferring on sale, and renewals

When you sell, your buildings cover falls away as ownership and risk transfer on registration in the deeds office - the buyer arranges their own policy from that point, and the bank cession moves with the new bond. Do not cancel too early; keep cover until transfer is registered. At each renewal, review the sum insured, check the escalation is realistic, and confirm your extensions still fit. If a claim is ever unfairly rejected and you cannot resolve it with the insurer, you can escalate to the National Financial Ombud.

Frequently asked questions

How do I claim on buildings insurance after storm damage?

Make the property safe and prevent further damage, photograph everything, and report the claim to your insurer within the required time. Keep emergency-repair receipts and wait for the assessor to inspect before making permanent repairs. Repairs are often done through the insurer's approved network.

How long do I have to report a buildings insurance claim?

Report as soon as reasonably possible - policies set a reporting window and leaving it too long can jeopardise the claim. For malicious damage, theft or impact, also report to SAPS promptly and get a case number. Check your policy for the exact time limit.

Do I need to update my insurance after renovating?

Yes. After an extension, pool, major renovation or solar installation, increase your sum insured to reflect the higher rebuild cost. If you do not, you risk being under-insured and having every future claim reduced by the average clause.

Can I switch buildings insurance if I have a bond?

Yes. You can move to a new insurer at any time, but you must cede the new policy to the bank and give proof so it accepts the replacement cover. Align the dates so there is no gap, and carry over your claims history.

What happens to buildings insurance when I sell my house?

Your cover falls away when ownership and risk transfer on registration, and the buyer arranges their own policy from that point. Keep your cover in force until transfer is registered - do not cancel early - and the bank cession moves to the new owner's bond.

Where do I complain if my buildings claim is rejected?

First take it up with your insurer's internal complaints process. If it is not resolved, you can escalate the dispute to the National Financial Ombud, which handles short-term insurance complaints in South Africa independently and free of charge.

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