By SBS Brokers
A Comprehensive Guide to Sectional Title Insurance
Table of Contents
ToggleOwning property under a sectional title can offer many benefits, such as shared costs, security, and communal living. However, it also comes with unique responsibilities, particularly when it comes to insurance. Unlike standalone properties where the owner is responsible for the entire property, sectional title insurance covers shared spaces and individual units collectively. Understanding what sectional title insurance is, what it covers, and who needs it is crucial for all owners within these schemes, as well as for members of homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and Body Corporates.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the intricacies of sectional title insurance, provide a detailed overview of its coverage, and explain the role of Body Corporates and HOAs in ensuring the proper insurance is in place.
In this article, you will learn:
- The basics of sectional title insurance and why it’s important.
- What sectional title insurance covers for individual unit owners and common property.
- How Body Corporates and HOAs manage insurance for sectional title schemes.
What is Sectional Title Insurance?
Sectional title insurance refers to a specialised form of property insurance designed for sectional title schemes. In South Africa, sectional titles are often associated with complexes, apartments, or townhouse developments, where individual owners own specific sections (units) while sharing ownership of the common property with other owners.
Sectional title insurance provides coverage for these developments by insuring the common property, such as shared gardens, hallways, elevators, and roofs, as well as individual units to a certain extent. This type of insurance ensures that all owners are protected from unforeseen events such as fire, water damage, or natural disasters, which could affect both personal units and the shared areas.
Why is Sectional Title Insurance Important?
Sectional title insurance is not only important but also legally required in South Africa under the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act (STSMA). The law mandates that Body Corporates must take out insurance for the buildings within the scheme, including common property and, in most cases, the individual sections themselves. This means that if a fire or other covered event damages the complex, all unit owners and the Body Corporate are protected.
Here’s why sectional title insurance is essential:
- Legal Requirement: As per the STSMA, all sectional title schemes must have insurance in place. This ensures that repairs or replacements in the event of damage can be funded without requiring out-of-pocket contributions from individual owners.
- Protection Against Shared Risks: In a sectional title property, individual owners share common spaces, so risks are shared as well. Without adequate insurance, a fire or other disaster affecting communal areas would require all owners to cover repair costs.
- Peace of Mind for Home Owners and Body Corporates: Having sectional title insurance in place gives unit owners peace of mind, knowing that their property and the shared spaces are protected. It also protects the Body Corporate from potential financial disaster should the complex face a major incident.
To learn more about insurance for Body Corporates, and how to manage these insurance responsibilities, you can read more on Sectional Title Body Corporate Insurance.
What Does Sectional Title Insurance Cover?
Sectional title insurance provides coverage for various parts of a sectional title property, with a focus on protecting both individual units and common property. Below, we break down the different areas that sectional title insurance covers.
Buildings and Structural Components
One of the primary aspects of sectional title insurance is coverage for the physical buildings in the sectional title scheme. This includes:
- The walls, roofs, and floors of the individual units.
- All common property structures, such as entrances, stairways, elevators, and parking areas.
In most cases, this insurance covers damage caused by fire, storms, floods, or other natural disasters. It may also include coverage for vandalism and accidental damage.
It’s important to note that individual owners are generally responsible for insuring the contents of their units, such as personal belongings and household appliances. Body Corporate insurance covers the structural elements, but not the interior fittings and personal items.
Common Property
In a sectional title scheme, the common property is owned collectively by all unit owners. This includes shared facilities such as swimming pools, gardens, clubhouses, and outdoor areas. Sectional title insurance ensures that any damage to these areas is repaired without requiring owners to contribute individually.
Common property can also extend to items like plumbing systems, electrical infrastructure, and communal security features such as gates and cameras. Since these systems are used by all owners, any damage or malfunction would be costly to repair without insurance.
Liability Coverage
A crucial part of sectional title insurance is liability coverage, which protects the Body Corporate and unit owners from legal claims arising from injuries or accidents that occur on the common property. For example, if a visitor trips and falls in a communal hallway and sues the Body Corporate for negligence, the liability insurance would cover the legal costs and potential settlement.
Special Risks
Sectional title insurance can also be extended to cover specific risks that may be relevant to a particular development. This may include:
- Fire Insurance: Protecting against damage from fire, smoke, or explosions.
- Flood or Storm Damage: Covering repairs for damage caused by extreme weather events such as floods, hail, or high winds.
- Subsidence or Landslip Insurance: In areas prone to earth movement, this additional coverage can protect against structural damage caused by shifting soil or landslides.
The extent of coverage for these risks will depend on the specific policy and the insurance provider, so it’s essential to consult with your Body Corporate and insurance advisor to ensure your sectional title scheme is adequately protected.
Who Needs Sectional Title Insurance?
In a sectional title scheme, the responsibility for ensuring that the buildings and common property are insured lies with the Body Corporate. The Body Corporate is made up of all the unit owners and is tasked with managing the scheme’s day-to-day operations, including the insurance.
Body Corporates
The Body Corporate is legally required to take out sectional title insurance. This coverage protects the entire complex, including both common property and individual units. The cost of this insurance is typically included in the levies that unit owners pay to the Body Corporate each month.
The Body Corporate must ensure that the policy provides sufficient coverage for potential risks, including natural disasters, structural damage, and liability claims. It’s also responsible for ensuring that the insurance policy is renewed each year and that it remains adequate as the property evolves (for example, if additional units or structures are built).
For more detailed information on how Body Corporates handle insurance for sectional title schemes, visit Sectional Title Body Corporate Insurance.
Individual Unit Owners
Although the Body Corporate is responsible for insuring the buildings and common property, individual unit owners must also consider additional insurance for their own needs. For instance, while sectional title insurance covers the building’s structure, it does not typically include personal belongings, home contents, or fixtures inside the unit that are not classified as structural (e.g., carpets, built-in cabinets, and personal appliances).
For this reason, unit owners are advised to take out home contents insurance to cover these personal assets. This will provide additional protection against theft, fire, or other forms of damage to their belongings.
The Role of Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) in Sectional Title Insurance
In some sectional title schemes, the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) may play a similar role to the Body Corporate, particularly in estates or gated communities. While the Body Corporate manages sectional title schemes, HOAs are often responsible for enforcing rules and maintaining communal facilities in a broader development, such as residential estates that include free-standing homes or townhouses under sectional title.
The HOA may also be involved in organising and managing the insurance for communal facilities, such as shared gardens, roads, and recreational areas. In many cases, the HOA works closely with the Body Corporate to ensure that all parts of the sectional title development are adequately insured.
How to Choose the Right Sectional Title Insurance
Choosing the right sectional title insurance policy is a critical decision for the Body Corporate and individual unit owners. Here are some tips to help ensure you’re selecting the best coverage:
1. Work with an Experienced Insurance Broker
An experienced insurance broker who specialises in sectional title insurance can help navigate the complexities of this type of coverage. They will ensure that the Body Corporate’s insurance meets legal requirements and that the policy offers comprehensive protection for the development’s unique needs.
2. Compare Policies
Different insurance providers may offer varying levels of coverage, exclusions, and premiums. It’s essential to compare policies to find one that offers the most comprehensive coverage for the best price.
3. Review Coverage Regularly
As the sectional title property ages or changes (for instance, with the addition of new units or amenities), it’s vital to review the insurance coverage to ensure it remains adequate. The Body Corporate should conduct an annual review of the policy to account for inflation, property improvements, or increased risks.
Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Sectional Title Property
Sectional title insurance is a critical aspect of owning property in a sectional title scheme. Whether you’re a member of a Body Corporate or an individual unit owner, understanding what this insurance covers and how it protects you is essential. The Body Corporate, in particular, plays a vital role in ensuring that the sectional title scheme has adequate insurance, protecting both common property and individual units from potential risks.
To recap:
- Sectional title insurance covers buildings, common property, and liability, providing crucial protection for sectional title schemes.
- Body Corporates are legally responsible for ensuring adequate insurance is in place for the scheme.
- Unit owners should consider additional home contents insurance to cover personal belongings not included in sectional title insurance.
For more insights into sectional title insurance and how it can protect your property, visit Sectional Title Body Corporate Insurance to learn more. By choosing the right insurance and staying informed, you can enjoy the benefits of sectional title living with peace of mind that you are protected from the unexpected.