Know when thunderstorms are on the way.
Staying up to date with the latest weather forecast has never been easier:
simply turn on your weather app notifications before planning a trip or a
commute. Or, if you’re old school, stay tuned to the weather reports on the
radio or TV. Then try and stay off the roads, if at all possible. Driving in a
storm is risky, and no fun.
Park
your car under cover
Insurers see hundreds of claims for hail damage every year. The
simplest way to avoid hail damage is to park your car in your garage, or under
a carport. If you don’t have covered parking, you can use a car cover, or even
a blanket, to minimise damage and protect your car’s most exposed surfaces,
like the windscreen and bonnet.
Find
a safe place if you’re caught in a storm
If a severe thunderstorm starts when you’re on the road, stay
calm, and use your GPS to get you to the nearest sheltered spot as quickly as
possible, like a petrol station or an underground parking area in a shopping
centre.
A tree doesn’t count as a safe place, as falling branches and debris can damage
your car. And stopping under a bridge on the highway in the middle of a storm
is neither safe nor advisable.
Make sure your wipers are in
top condition
In case you’re caught in a storm and there’s nowhere to go, your
best defence is proactive preparation. Get your wipers checked before rainy
season starts, and use water repellent for your windscreen, to make sure your
visibility is as clear as possible while you’re on the road.
Check
your tyres are storm-worthy
In rainy weather, water creates a tiny barrier between the road
and your tyres, which means you can lose traction and hydroplane. Thousands of
accidents happen each year because of wet roads, and your preparation starts
with your tyres: make sure they have at least 1mm tread depth, and that they’re
inflated to the correct pressure, especially if your car hasn’t been driven for
a while.
Don’t
skimp on your insurance
In spite of our best efforts, stuff happens. Make sure that you
have comprehensive insurance for your pride and joy, which can help cover
expenses related to thunderstorm damages, such as flash floods and bumper
bashes. Many insurers, also have specific ‘scratch and dent’ cover at a
super-low excess.
For information and advice on insurance related matters please
leave your details on our website www.esbrokers.co.za.
Article source –
Kathorus Mail, written by Wynand Van Vuuren.