Start the Year Protected

Start the Year Protected: Essential Insurance Checks for January 2026

January isn’t just about new calendars, new routines, and trying to remember to write 2026 on forms.

It’s also the most important month of the year to review your insurance.

Why?

Because December brings gifts, gadgets, renovations, holidays, storms, business shutdowns, business re-openings… and a whole lot of new risk. January is when all of it catches up, and you either adjust your cover, or your cover surprises you later (and not in a fun way).

Let’s break down the essential checks every homeowner, business owner, and community scheme should prioritise this month.

1. Update Your Sums Insured (Your Valuables Changed, So Must Your Cover)

New year, new purchases.

TVs. Laptops. Smart home devices. That December special you definitely didn’t need but absolutely bought.

If your home contents sum insured still reflects 2023 prices, you could be underinsured. And with building costs rising fast, your building value may need a refresh too.

Update your cover if you’ve:

  1. Added new electronics
  2. Completed renovations or improvements
  3. Bought high-value items during December
  4. Installed solar or backup systems
  5. Moved, upgraded, or downsized

A few minutes reviewing your numbers now prevents payout shortfalls later.

2. Storm Season Isn’t Over (And January Loves a Burst Geyser)

South African storms don’t care that it’s a new year. January is notorious for:

  1. Burst geysers
  2. Water leaks
  3. Fallen trees
  4. Flooded rooms
  5. Lightning-damaged appliances

These are some of the most common January claims.

Before the clouds get dramatic again, check:

  1. Roof tiles, waterproofing & flashing
  2. Gutters and drains (January is “surprise waterfall” season)
  3. Condition of geysers & pressure valves
  4. Surge protection for electronics
  5. Your storm, flood & lightning cover limits

A little maintenance now = far fewer soggy carpets later.

3. Businesses: Reopen Strong for 2026

When your business reopens in January, your risk changes overnight.

More customers. New stock. New equipment. Larger volumes.

And, unfortunately, higher exposure to things going wrong.

Your 2026 business insurance review must include:

  1. Updated stock values
  2. Equipment replacements/upgrades
  3. Commercial building updates
  4. Liability cover checks
  5. Business interruption protection

If your business grows but your cover doesn’t, underinsurance becomes an expensive January guest.

4. Community Schemes: Don’t Start 2026 Underprotected

Bodies corporate, HOAs, and community schemes carry massive responsibilities, and even bigger risks.

This month, verify:

  1. Fidelity cover meets regulatory requirements
  2. Public liability cover is adequate for shared areas
  3. Building & common property cover reflects updated valuations
  4. Storm-season maintenance logs are complete
  5. Security systems are operational and compliant

One oversight in a shared space affects everyone.

5. Liability: The Protection You Don’t Want to Discover Too Late

Liability cover is the most underrated insurance in January, until something happens.

Depending on your life, property, or business, you may need:

  1. Public Liability (injury or damage caused to others)
  2. Directors & Officers Liability (for trustees, directors, boards)
  3. Professional Indemnity (for service or advice errors)

If you deal with people, money, advice, instructions, or physical spaces… you need liability cover. Simple.

6. Consider Value-Adds That Make January Easier

Holiday bills plus unexpected claims? Not a great combo.

Value-added products like Excess Eliminator reduce the excess you pay on approved claims, giving you financial breathing room when January hits a bit too hard.

Other smart add-ons:

  1. Sasria cover
  2. Geyser cover updates
  3. Specified all-risk for portable items

Small additions. Big relief when claims happen.

7. Your Quick January Insurance Checklist

Use this to make sure you’re not stepping into 2026 unprotected:

✔ Update sums insured (contents + building)

✔ Add new electronics and valuables

✔ Check storm-season maintenance

✔ Verify geyser condition

✔ Reassess business stock & equipment

✔ Confirm liability and fidelity cover

✔ Review Sasria

✔ Consider Excess Eliminator

✔ Book your policy review with TI Brokers

Ready to Start 2026 the Right Way?

A quick review now prevents surprises later, and gives you peace of mind for the rest of the year.

📞 +27 10 600 9999

📧 insurance@tibrokers.biz

TI Brokers — insurance that speaks human.