Power Surge Damage Reports for Insurance Claims

The power came back after load-shedding or a storm, and now the fridge won't start or the washing machine is dead. Most insurers will want a technician's report before they pay out. We do those for R850, plus the standard R350 call-out.

Updated 12 October 2026

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Quick answer

If an appliance or aircon is damaged by a power surge, most South African insurers ask for a technician's report confirming the cause and the cost to repair or replace it. Absolute Repairs & HVAC inspects and tests the appliance on site and writes up a surge damage report. The report is R850, plus the R350 call-out (R1,200 in total), and we cover homes across Johannesburg, Pretoria and the rest of Gauteng. If it can be fixed, we quote the repair too.

Signs an appliance was hit by a surge

It worked before the outage or storm and was dead straight afterwards.
No lights or display at all, even though the plug and breaker are fine.
A burnt smell, or a scorch mark on the plug or socket.
The fridge hums or clicks but the compressor won't run.
The earth leakage trips as soon as it's switched on.
Several appliances failed at the same time.

What to do straight away

Unplug it, and don't keep switching it on and off to "test" it. That can turn a repairable fault into a write-off.
Write down the date and roughly the time of the outage, storm or power spike. Note if your neighbours were affected.
Photograph the appliance, its rating plate (model and serial number) and any burn marks.
Call your insurer or broker to open a claim and ask exactly what they need from the technician.
Get the appliance assessed before you throw it away. Insurers usually want to know it was inspected.

What goes in our report

Your details, the address and the date of inspection
Brand, model and serial number of each appliance
What we tested and what we found
Our professional opinion on whether the damage is consistent with a power surge
Whether it's economical to repair, with the repair cost, or why it's a write-off
Photos of the damaged parts where relevant

The report costs R850, on top of the standard R350 call-out, so R1,200 in total for one appliance. Tell us when you book if there's more than one appliance, so we can plan the time.

Is surge damage covered?

Many household contents policies in South Africa cover power surge damage, but limits, excesses and exclusions vary a lot, and some exclude load-shedding-related damage or require surge protection. We can't tell you what your policy covers. Your insurer or broker can. What we can do is give them a clear, honest technical report so the claim isn't held up waiting for one.

Repair or replace?

Surge damage is often repairable. A fridge's compressor relay or a washing machine's control board can be replaced at a fraction of the price of a new appliance. Sometimes the damage is wider, or the parts cost more than the appliance is worth, and the report will say so plainly. Either way, your insurer gets the facts it needs.

Stopping it happening again

Put plug-in surge protectors on the fridge, washing machine, TV and computer.
Ask an electrician about a surge arrester at the distribution board, which protects the whole house.
During load-shedding, switch off big appliances and aircons, and switch them back on a few minutes after the power returns.

Where we do surge reports

Across our whole service area: Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand, Pretoria, Centurion, Kempton Park, Bedfordview, Krugersdorp and the rest of Gauteng.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a power surge damage report cost?

The report is R850, plus the R350 call-out fee, so R1,200 in total. If the appliance can be repaired, we also give you a fixed repair quote.

Does insurance cover load-shedding surge damage?

Many policies do, but it varies, and some exclude it or require surge protection. Check with your insurer or broker before you claim.

Which appliances can you report on?

Fridges and freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, stoves and ovens, microwaves and aircons.

Can you report on several appliances at once?

Yes. Let us know how many when you book so we can allow enough time.

Should I throw the damaged appliance away?

Not before it's been assessed and your insurer has agreed. They usually want proof it was inspected.

Need a surge report?

WhatsApp us what was damaged, the date it happened, and your insurer's claim number if you have one. Monday to Saturday, 07:30–17:30.