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There are indications that not many individuals and entities were aware of SASRIA until only recently after the political riots in some parts of KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.

The South African Special Risks Insurance Association (SASRIA) is a state-owned company under the National Treasury, listed under 3B of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999, as a non-life insurance company. It provides cover to individuals, businesses and government entities that have assets in South Africa against loss due to special risks that are not normally covered by private insurance companies.

The risks covered by SASRIA include loss due to public disorder, strikes, riots, terrorism, civil commotion etc. SASRIA is funded by premiums from private businesses cover, which are usually part of business insurance policies and depending on the level of cover. In that vein, most business insurance policies have provisions for SASRIA cover.

Lodging a claim with SASRIA

If an entity needs to lodge a claim for processing and handling by SASRIA, the following procedure needs to be taken note of:

• The claim must be lodged through a broker or by the affected party themselves via [email protected] ;
• Claims must be lodged within 30 days from the date of the event causing the loss;
• Claim number will be issued ;
• Various additional documentation must then be submitted via [email protected] ;
• Claim will be processed and any salvage attended to;
• Repairs must be authorised first by SASRIA;
• Agreement of loss is to be concluded between the insured and SASRIA;

Van Deventer and Van Deventer Attorneys Johannesburg & Cape Town

We urge parties to ascertain whether their private insurance specifically includes SASRIA cover so that one may rest in the peace of knowing that they are fully covered in events caused by public disorder, riots and violence. 

At Van Deventer and Van Deventer Attorneys we assist with various aspects of Insurance law from appeals of rejected claims, claims process facilitation to advising on the implications of insurance cover. Insurance is a complex field and one can definitely benefit from our specialised service in this area of law. We also assist in various other areas of law as provided for on our website. Contact us for comprehensive assistance.

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