Personal insurance
The roof over everything you love.
Buildings cover that rebuilds your home after fire, storms and burst geysers — set at the right replacement value.
- Does my bank require home insurance?
- Are burst geysers covered?
- What is replacement value?
Houses are expensive. Keeping them standing is even more expensive. A burst geyser, hailstorm or fire can turn a normal Tuesday into a very expensive one. Buildings insurance helps cover the structure of your home, so you're not left funding the rebuild yourself.
The trick isn't just having insurance. It's having the right insurance. Too little cover and you could come up short at claim time. Too much cover and you're paying for bragging rights. We help you find the sweet spot.
What Home & Buildings covers
Does my bank require home insurance?
Yes. The bank likes getting paid even if your house burns down. That's why buildings insurance is usually a condition of your bond. The good news? You don't have to use the bank's insurer.
Are burst geysers covered?
If South Africa had a national sport for insurance claims, geysers would be in the final. They're one of the most common homeowner claims, and the resulting water damage is often where the real cost sits.
What is replacement value?
Because "I thought I was insured for enough" is not something you want to say while standing in front of a burnt-down house. Replacement value is what it would cost to rebuild your home today, not what it's worth on a property site.
What happens if my home is underinsured?
Insurers don't enjoy surprises. Neither do homeowners. If your home is insured for less than its replacement value, the claim payout gets reduced proportionately.
Do I have to use the bank's insurance?
Nope. Your bank requires buildings insurance. It doesn't require you to use their insurer. That's where an independent broker can help.
Why use a broker for home insurance?
Because comparing insurers, policy wording and rebuilding values sounds like a terrible way to spend a Saturday.
Who home & buildings is for
- Homeowners who'd rather sleep through a hailstorm
- People who don't have a spare few million lying around to rebuild a house
- People who have worked too hard for their home to leave it to chance
- Anyone who knows a burst geyser never arrives at a convenient time
Home & Buildings FAQs
What happens if my home is underinsured?
Under-insurance is a bit like ordering half a parachute. Everything seems fine until you actually need it. If your home is insured for less than it would cost to rebuild, your insurer may reduce the claim payout proportionately.
Why is my premium going up when I haven't claimed?
Because inflation doesn't care whether you've claimed. Building costs, labour, materials, insurer claims experience and other factors all affect premiums. The good news? We can compare insurers and make sure you're still getting value for money.
Do I have to use the bank's insurance?
Just because your bond is with the bank doesn't mean your insurance has to be. We'll tell you honestly whether it's worth making a change.
What isn't covered by buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance isn't a maintenance plan. General wear and tear, gradual deterioration and damage caused by a lack of upkeep are typically excluded. Insurance is there for sudden and unexpected events.
This page is general information, not financial advice. Cover varies by policy and provider — your dedicated Ample broker tailors it to your needs.
Related personal cover
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