things you must know about Spread of Fire Insurance

Who needs Spread of Fire Insurance?

Anyone who owns land which borders on high density farming areas (for example vineyards or plantations) should definitely insure themselves against spread of fire.  Buildings & assets on surrounding properties should also be considered, if these are vast, make sure you have spread of fire cover. Fire can engulf an entire house in 60 seconds. Are you covered?

What is Spread of Fire Insurance?

Our predominantly dry & hot seasons are the perfect incubators for veld fires.  Fanned by our strong winds, these fires have raged out of control and have caused considerable damage to both residential and commercial properties (especially in the Western Cape).   According to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 01 of 1998, every landowner has a duty to prepare and maintain firebreaks, & to have equipment & personnel ready to fight fires.  In addition to this, if a fire started on your property & spread to an adjoining property, you are immediately assumed to be negligent until you can prove that you weren’t negligent and that you have complied with the Act.  Without spread of fire insurance, you will be liable for the costs of defending yourself plus the awards you are forced to pay if you are found negligent. 

Why should you take out Spread of Fire Insurance?

If a fire starts on your property & spreads to your neighbour’s property, you will immediately be held liable.  Spread of Fire Insurance will firstly pay for your legal defence costs in attempting to prove that you were not negligent.  If we can prove that you did comply with all the regulations in the Act, your claim will end there.  However, if it is found that you were negligent, in addition to the defence costs, the insurance will pay for the damages you caused.

How much does Spread of Fire Insurance cost?

We have a large book of clients with many different insurance companies, so we’ll be able to find you the most economical premiums with the appropriate amount of cover for your particular risk.

Typical Claims incurred on Spread of Fire Insurance policies

Unfortunately we receive many claims where landowners did in fact make fire breaks, but did not take into consideration the type of vegetation around the fire breaks, and these fire breaks were then proved to be useless once a fire broke out.   This type of error, although small, can lead to enormous and costly claims.

In many cases, it is not just the vegetation that catches light, but also the buildings, fences, walls and in some tragic cases, animals and people. 

Whilst the making of fire breaks is mandatory, we also unfortunately receive many claims caused by the implementation of the fire breaks themselves, especially when this process is not watched carefully.

What other insurance should be considered along with Spread of Fire Insurance?

Spread of Fire Insurance will protect your neighbour’s property against the damages you may cause to it, however, you should also insure your own property against fire.  Speak to us about Multiperil, Farmers, Commercial or Residential insurance for your assets.

GET A QUOTATION:

Click here to send us an e-mail requesting a quote -> insurance@barrington.co.za 

We will e-mail you a quotation as soon as possible.

Contact details will be kept confidential and will not be used in any way other than as described above and will not be shared with any other parties.

Please note that we can only insure in South Africa.