Whatever The Weather, We've Got You Covered!

South African weather can change quickly. Heavy rain, flash floods, strong winds and hailstorms can make driving dangerous and cause serious damage to vehicles.

Being prepared can make a big difference.

According to the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), more than 7,000 weather-related motor claims have been recorded each year since 2020, with payouts exceeding R1.6 billion. South African Insurance Association

While you cannot control the weather, you can reduce your risk by knowing what to do before, during and after a severe storm — and by understanding how your car insurance protects you.

If severe weather is forecast, avoiding unnecessary travel is often the safest option.

Check reliable weather alerts before leaving home and consider changing your route or delaying your journey when severe thunderstorms, hail or flooding are expected.

Where possible, park your vehicle in a garage, carport or other secure covered area when hail is forecast.

If you do need to drive:

• Allow extra time for your journey.

• Make sure your windscreen wipers, lights and tyres are in good condition.

• Keep a safe following distance.

• Avoid routes known to flood during heavy rain.

• Make sure your mobile phone is sufficiently charged.

• Keep emergency and insurance contact details somewhere easily accessible.

SAIA advises South Africans to take preventative action as exposure to hailstorms, windstorms and flooding increases. South African Insurance Association

Heavy rain reduces visibility and increases the distance your vehicle needs to stop safely.

Reduce your speed, increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead and switch on your headlights where conditions require it.

Never assume that standing water is safe to drive through. Floodwater can hide potholes, debris or damaged sections of road, while deeper water may damage your vehicle's engine and electrical systems.

If a road is flooded and you cannot confidently assess the conditions, choose another route.

Your journey can wait. Your safety cannot.

If hail starts while you're driving, stay calm and reduce your speed.

Look for a safe covered area if one is available, but do not make sudden manoeuvres or put yourself and other motorists at risk simply to reach shelter.

Avoid stopping beneath trees, as strong winds and storms can cause branches to fall.

If there is nowhere safe to shelter, pull over only where it is safe and legal to do so and wait for conditions to improve.

Hail can damage windscreens, lights, roofs, bonnets and body panels, which is why having suitable car insurance before severe weather arrives is important.

It depends on the type of insurance you have and the terms of your individual policy.

Comprehensive vehicle insurance generally provides broader protection than third-party-only options and may include damage caused by hail, storms and flooding. Miway's comprehensive insurance information also identifies hail and flood damage among the weather-related risks that can be covered.

Always check your policy schedule, insured events, exclusions and excess so that you know exactly what protection applies to your vehicle.

You can learn more about Miway car insurance and choose cover suited to your needs.

Once the immediate danger has passed, check whether your vehicle has been damaged.

Look for visible dents, cracked or chipped glass, damaged lights, water inside the vehicle and any other signs of storm or flood damage.

If it is safe to do so, take clear photographs of the vehicle and affected area. Record when and where the incident happened and avoid arranging substantial repairs before checking your insurer's claims requirements.

These details can help make the claims process easier.

Miway clients have several ways to lodge an insurance claim.

You can use Miway's digital claims options, the Miway App, email the claims team or contact Miway directly. The current Miway claims guide explains the process and the information you may need when registering a claim.

Start your claim through Miway Claims as soon as it is safe to do so.

For roadside or emergency assistance, MiHelp is available 24/7.

Before: Check the forecast, avoid unnecessary journeys and park under cover where possible.

During: Slow down, increase your following distance and never take unnecessary risks around flooded roads.

After: Check for damage, take photographs and contact your insurer promptly.

Severe weather can arrive quickly, but preparation can help protect you, your passengers and your vehicle.

Check the forecast, avoid unnecessary risks and make sure you understand your insurance cover before the next storm arrives.

Need protection for your car? Review your car insurance options with Miway or get a quote today.