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LIVING TOGETHER? HOW TO INSURE YOUR BELONGINGS If you’re in a serious romantic relationship, you can insure your things jointly under one policy, but if you are just friends or housemates, you need to be separately insured. THE economic downturn over the past year, coupled with the need to reduce expenses, has seen a rise in vacant properties across South Africa and an increase in people living together, or cohabiting. Taking the decision to move in with a housemate or your partner is a big step. It’s wise to consider the emotional, financial and insurance implications and have critical conversations upfront. Personal lines underwriting
managers at Santam, Marius Steyn and Marius Neethling, say that there are a few considerations people need to think about when merging households. “In the scenario where you move in with your partner, an insurer usually considers you the equivalent of a common-law husband and wife, depending on the seriousness of your relationship. That means you can take out a policy together. “If you are moving in with
a housemate, you and your housemate will need your own separate insurance policies. In this case, you will have to insure your own belongings, and communal-living underwriting rules will apply.” Steyn and Neethling offer advice on what to consider before co-habiting. HOUSEHOLD CONTENTS COVER
Moving in together often results in a staggering amount of
