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Home Alone

ARTICLE BY

  • Funeka Ngewu
  • Executive Head of Claims and Procurement
  • Momentum Insure

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While we’re all thinking about our holiday destinations, your clients included, many of us will leave our homes unattended for an extended period of time. Home maintenance isn’t just about keeping your clients’ property looking good, it’s also about protection. That means protecting their investment, and the family and loved ones who call it home, even while they’re away.

Crime stats released by Statistics South Africa in 2025 show that housebreaking/burglary has consistently been the most common crime experienced by South African households, with December being the worst month. Additionally, there is a rise in extreme weather events and ageing infrastructure often results in damage that takes longer to repair.

With changing weather patterns, heavy rains can reveal cracks in roofs, overflow gutters, and even cause roof collapses, leaving your property vulnerable. In addition, over the summer holidays, homes are often left empty for weeks, making them prime targets for opportunistic thieves. And even if theft isn’t a concern, faulty wiring or neglected appliances can pose a fire risk.

Thankfully, many of these incidents are preventable with the right mix of maintenance and vigilance. Remember, insurance covers the financial loss, but it doesn’t replace the homeowner’s duty to keep the property in top shape. Maintenance is the owner’s responsibility, not the insurer’s, and assessors verify this when reviewing claims.

Home maintenance checklist

If your clients are heading off on holiday, advise them to tick off the following before they lock up and leave:

  1. Check the roof and gutters: Clear out gutters and downpipes to prevent blockages that cause water to back up under roof tiles. Inspect the roof for loose tiles or rusted sheeting and repair any damage before the rains arrive.
  2. Secure electrical safety: With many families relying on generators, inverters, and solar systems, electrical overloads and fire hazards are common. Ensure the electrical installations are compliant and professionally maintained. Test the back-up power to make sure that alarm and safety systems will still function during outages.
  3. Inspect plumbing and water points: Leaks can cause costly structural damage, especially if they go unnoticed while your clients are away. Advise them to check under sinks, around geysers, and along outside pipes for moisture. Turning off the main water supply before travel can prevent major flooding incidents.
  4. Trim and tidy the garden: Overgrown trees or branches can block drains and damage roofs during storms. A clean, well-kept garden also makes it easier for security patrols or neighbours to spot suspicious movement.
  5. Review security systems: Test alarm systems, cameras, and electric fencing, and replace old batteries. Your clients can schedule a quick check-up with their security provider. It’s important to bear in mind that an alarm that isn’t properly armed or a flat battery during load shedding could invalidate an insurance claim.
  6. Make the home look lived-in: Homes that appear empty are easy targets. Your clients can use timers for lights, ask neighbours to keep an eye out, and consider a house sitter if they will be away for a long period. Small actions like opening and closing curtains can create the impression that someone is home.
  7. Protect valuables: Keep electronics, jewellery, and important documents out of sight. If possible, secure them in a lockable, bolted-down safe or with a trusted family member.
  8. Plan for emergencies: Storm damage, burst pipes, or power surges can happen any time. Keep a list of reliable service providers like plumbers, electricians, and locksmiths on hand, and access emergency assistance via insurers. Momentum Insure clients can access Momentum Assist, a 24-hour emergency assistance helpline that provides access to service providers.
  9. Schedule a quick check in: Check in with your clients before they travel to make sure that their cover is up to date.

Safety doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about taking small, consistent actions that protect what matters most. When you help your clients prioritise maintenance and make smart safety choices, you’re helping them to avoid claims, and invest in their family’s safety.

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