Hidden Power Surge Clauses for Clients

I had a problem with my Gate Motor which stopped to work due to Power Surge. The Agent called me and said they cannot pay the claim as I was supposed to call Insurance and tell them that I wanted to cover Power Surge. My question was, did I ever knew that there will be load shedding in South Africa when I took the cover? and am I an expect in insurances to advise them , why did they not call me as a client to find out if I need cover for Power Surge. For me this is a way of making money cause the Agent said that they do not tell us but we as the clients must advise the insurance company that we want to add the cover. How many hidden clauses are there that they have that people are not aware off. When I took the cover I said that I am covering both household content and the building inside and outside . I am very disappointed with Santam.