While major floods make headlines worldwide, smaller and more frequent downpours are causing increasing losses for motorists, infrastructure, and insurers. SAIA’s Insurance Data System reports over 7,000 weather-related motor claims each year since 2020, with payouts exceeding R1.6 billion. Unlike prolonged floods, localised flooding occurs within minutes, leading to hydroplaning, hidden road damage, and life-threatening situations.

Localised flooding not only endangers motorists but also strains the entire transport network. Blocked and waterlogged roads cause congestion, lead to secondary accidents, and hinder emergency services. Infrastructure sustains long-term damage, with weakened roadways and drainage systems increasing risks even after the waters recede.

For insurers, these events result in more claims across various areas, including motor, liability, and business interruption. The unpredictable nature of localised flooding complicates risk assessment, challenges underwriting models, and increases the need for innovative solutions.

With summer in full swing, bringing heavier rains and increased localised flooding, road users are advised to exercise extra caution and avoid driving through waterlogged areas whenever possible.

Localised flooding is no longer a marginal issue; it is a systemic road-safety challenge with significant human and economic costs. For the insurance industry, the stakes are clear: protecting policyholders, supporting resilience, and enabling smarter risk management. For society, the imperative is even greater: saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods.

When roads turn into rivers, the question is not whether we can prevent every flood, but whether we can build a system resilient enough to withstand them. With shared responsibility and proactive investment, South Africa can change the course of this hidden crisis.