CIA Building Insurance Specialists

21/05/2026

Liability claims summary - Part 5

In the previous newsletters we looked at how liability claims can arise, how to prevent incidents and what to do when something goes wrong.

While no building can ever be completely risk free, good management practices can significantly reduce exposure.

Here are the key points to remember:

- Regular inspections and proper ongoing maintenance remain the first line of defence against liability claims

- Hazards should be addressed as soon as they are identified, without delay

- Clear warning signage should always be used when work or cleaning is in progress

- Accurate and detailed records of inspections, maintenance, and incidents are essential

- In the event of an incident, safety comes first, followed by proper reporting and documentation

- Communication with brokers and insurers should happen as soon as reasonably possible

- Never admit liability at the scene of an incident — responsibility must be properly assessed first

- Always follow the terms and conditions of your insurance

Good risk management is not only about responding when something happens, but also about creating systems that help prevent incidents in the first place.

Consistency in maintenance, documentation, and communication makes a significant difference when claims are assessed.

We trust this series has provided practical guidance to support the day-to-day management of liability risks.

08/05/2026

Eastern and Southern Cape Flooding

With torrential rainfall in the Eastern and Southern Cape causing severe property damage as well as leaving many people destitute, our claims team is on high alert and ready to assist our mutual clients as quickly as possible.

Special procedures have been implemented to deal with the influx of claims.

To ensure we're able to assist those affected in an efficient and effective manner please note the following:

Claims can be submitted:

1. Online - https://cia.co.za/claim
2. On our broker portal Ninja, or by
3. Emailing a claim form & supporting documents to [email protected]

Please include as many photos and videos of the damage as possible.
​For community schemes please advise where more than two units have been affected.
For smaller claims include a repair quotation for the damages if available.

Our Loss Adjusters have been briefed and are ready to attend as needed.

Be assured of our assistance and co-operation in helping those affected to recover from these events as quickly as possible.

07/05/2026

What to do after a potential liability incident - Part 4

In part 3 we looked at preventative measures to reduce the risk of liability.

In this newsletter we will look at practical steps to take immediately after an incident.

When an incident occurs - whether it involves injury or damage to third party property- the actions taken in the moments and hours that follow can significantly impact the outcome of a claim.

Key steps to consider include:

- Ensure the immediate safety of all persons and arrange medical assistance if required

- Take reasonable steps to prevent further injury or damage

- Report the incident to the relevant managing agent or responsible person without delay

- Obtain statements and contact details from any witnesses

- Never admit liability or accept responsibility at the scene of an incident, as this may prejudice the ability of insurers to accurately assess and respond to the claim.

Accurate and detailed documentation and photos remain one of the most important tools in managing liability risk. It ensures that there is a clear record of events and supports a fair and efficient claims process.

Prompt reporting is equally important. Delays in notifying insurers can complicate the handling of a claim and may, in certain circumstances, impact the outcome.

It’s important to remember that while you are responsible for taking these actions in terms of the policy, any costs incurred will be for your own account until we have assessed the merits of the claim.

In Part 5 we will summarise this series highlighting key points to remember.

09/04/2026

Preventative Measures for Liability - Part 3

Continuing with our topic of liability, this week we will look at some practical measures that can help reduce your risk.

If someone is injured or their property is damaged due to unsafe or poorly maintained premises — and the body corporate or building owner is legally responsible — the liability section of your policy offers protection.

However when it comes to liability, prevention is always better than cure. There are a number of practical steps that can help reduce the likelihood of such claims arising:
Regular inspections and ongoing maintenance
Prompt repair of hazards or faulty equipment
Clear warning signage when cleaning or repairs are underway
Routine servicing of lifts, gates and electrical systems
Keeping proper incident, inspection and maintenance records
Visible and clearly written disclaimers where appropriate
Good record keeping is particularly important as it can demonstrate that the insured took reasonable care - which is key if a claim should arise.

In Part 4 of this newsletter we will look at what to do after a possible liability incident.

27/03/2026

Our underwriting teams kept us entertained every day this March with their take on March Madness.

From polka dots and stripes to PPE, bad hair days, safari guides and wedding guests… to trash bag fashion shows, denim and diamonds, and “anything but shoes”, they showed up and showed off.

A massive thank you to every branch for bringing the gees, the creativity, and the laughs - all while still putting in the hard work!

20/03/2026

Examples of Liability claims - Part 2

In Part 1 of this newsletter, we looked at the concept of liability and what constitutes legal liability.

In this newsletter we are going to look at some practical examples of potential liability claims.

Let's look at some examples:

Slip & trip incidents:

A resident slips on a wet entrance floor with no warning signage and fractures an arm. The body corporate or building owner may be held liable for medical expenses if reasonable precautions weren't taken.

Gate malfunctions:

A gate suddenly malfunctions and closes on a vehicle or person. Injuries or damage caused by building equipment that the building owner or body corporate is responsible for maintaining may result in claims.

It is important to note, however, that if a gate sensor (or similar safety mechanism) was functioning correctly and maintained appropriately, but fails unexpectedly for the first time, this does not automatically give rise to liability. Each incident must be considered on its own merits, taking into account whether there was any negligence in maintenance, inspection, or response to prior issues.

Poorly maintained common areas:

Uneven paving, potholes, broken handrails, inadequate lighting may lead to trips or injuries. If the hazard was known - or should reasonably have been known, the building owner or body corporate may be held liable.

In Part 3 of this newsletter, we will look at some preventative measures to reduce your liability risk.

05/03/2026

Liability Claims in Building Insurance - Part 1

Over the next few newsletters we will be focusing on liabilty in respect of our building policies.

In Part 1 we will look at the concept of liability relating to building insurance.

Liability claims arise when a third party (for example a visitor, contractor, tenant or neighbour) suffers injury or property damage and holds the body corporate or building owner legally responsible.

Important to remember - the mere fact that an incident occurs on the insured property does not automatically make the body corporate or building owner liable.

Simply put, for the claim to succeed, the person bringing the claim must show that:
someone did something, or failed to do something they should have,
the action (or inaction) was wrong,
the person was careless or at fault,
the action (or inaction) directly led to the loss or damage
there was real harm, like property damage or personal injury.

In Part 2 of this newsletter we will look at some examples of potential liability claims.

21/10/2024

What an incredible NAMA conference!

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand. It was fantastic seeing familiar faces and making new connections.

Well done to the NAMA team for the great ex*****on of this conference!

Check out some highlights from the event!

15/10/2024

CIA is exhibiting at the 2024 NAMA Conference!

If you're attending, be sure to visit our stand to chat with the CIA team about safeguarding your Community Scheme.

🗓️17 - 18 October
📌 Stand 8
🌍Premier Hotel, Umhlanga, KZN

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

17/09/2024

13/06/2024

What can be used to extinguish Lithium Battery Fires?

In our previous newsletter, we looked at why regular extinguishers won't be effective in stopping lithium battery fires. In this newsletter, we will look at what is available to safely extinguish lithium fires.

Getting close to a lithium fire without the corrective protective wear may be impossible not only due to the toxic and poisonous gasses that these systems emit but also due to the burning shrapnel that is spread when these batteries explode.

We recently attended a demonstration by Fireblock, a company specializing in innovative fire protection. Their Lithium Firefighting Gel has shown promise in extinguishing lithium fires if you are safely able to approach the fire.

Watch the video below.

In the next newsletter, we will look at another promising solution being lithium-ion suppression systems.

Will this extinguisher successfully extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire?