Rwanda is currently experiencing its first season of rains which the Meteorology department have warned will be heavier than usual consequently destroying property.

This is not the first advent of higher than usual rain the country is experiencing, in recent months, heavy rains and storms across have destroyed billions worth of property leaving some businesses’ future uncertain.

At a time when there have been unpredictable rain patterns among other consequences of weather, adequate insurance coverage is increasingly becoming important.

This applies to both individual and business. 

Statistics from the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management shows that disasters such as heavy rains have left led to the loss of property worth billions of francs in recent years.

In 2019, statistics from the ministry show that close to 6000 houses were damaged and at lease at least 10, 600 hectares of crops destroyed.

In 2018, over 15,000 houses were destroyed, 9,412 hectares of crops damaged while 797 deaths of livestock were recorded.  An assessment conducted in 15 districts, which were the most affected, indicates that, in monetary value, the country lost Rwf204 billion due to disasters in 2018.

In 2017, disasters damaged 5,057 houses, destroyed 5,111 hectares of crops and killed 589 livestock, among other properties.

It is not uncommon to come across tales of cars, houses and other property damaged during heavy rains with owners counting losses.

While little can be done to mitigate the occurrence of the perils and disasters, adequate insurance coverage ensures that firms’ and individuals are cushioned from the impacts that could have adverse impacts.

Experts at UAP Insurance Rwanda say that the simple motive of Insurance is to protect and mitigate risks. UAP Insurance Rwanda is a subsidiary of UAP Old Mutual in East Africa with 175 years’ experience providing insurance, investment and financial solutions across Africa.

Insurance solutions ensure people are financially secured to face any type of problem or accident through loss indemnity.  

Insurance solutions vary for individual, group of people, organizations or several type of businesses with adequate response to respective risk and indemnity depending on the asset or property insured.

UAP Insurance Rwanda told The New Times that it is imperative for people to contract for adequate insurance covers to protect against loss in case of unplanned events.

For one to be compensated in the occurrence of the perils, they ought to be adequately insured for the right perils.

Rain and its damage are no longer totally unpredictable, however, over time, the country has witnessed damages, and is aware of assets or properties at risk and provided with adequate insurance covers enabling protection.  

"We cannot control the weather neither stop rain, but we can assess rain-related risks, protect our assets, properties, our beloved ones and our communities,”  UAP Insurance Rwanda said. 

"The market offers a range of insurance covers for our houses, cars, buildings, equipment, business, personnel, companies or organizations. We have got the power to make the right decision to limit the impact of events like rain and thus contribute to the economic growth of the country,” the firm added. 

Inquire from your insurer for adequate cover.