Elite Risk Acceptances

21/08/2025

We are so excited to be involved with the Insurance Apprentice (TIA) 2025! Not only is it promoting talent across the insurance industry, it is also going to make a real difference to the lives of those entering the insurance industry.

One lucky viewer of TIA 2025 stands a chance to win an INSETA bursary worth R175 000.

To enter, tune in every Thursday at 19:00 on SABC and follow the prompts during each episode.

The Insurance Apprentice 2025 returns with a bigger, bolder season, packed with industry insights and high-pressure challenges.
Don’t miss it!
(T&Cs apply)

19/08/2025

Customers of luxury brands are finding themselves- and their personal data- increasingly at risk of exposure to cybercriminals. A wave of cyber-attacks has recently hit major global fashion houses, including The North Face, Dior and Cartier. Even Louis Vuitton South Africa issued a customer alert last month confirming “unauthorised access” to its systems.

These breaches often expose highly sensitive information like names, emails, purchase histories, membership details and even biometric data, making wealthy customers especially attractive targets for cybercrime.

And unfortunately, the threat is growing.

According to Interpol’s Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2025, South Africa (the second-most targeted nation in Africa) saw a sharp rise in ransomware detections in 2024. This means high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in South Africa could increasingly become prime targets.

Elite Risk Managing Director, Tarina Vlok says that while HNWIs often trust brands and service providers to manage their data securely, it must be remembered that conventional insurance typically doesn’t cover losses stemming from cybercrime, which is why it is important for policyholders to understand how they can protect themselves against data breaches.

“We help our clients understand how to prevent a loss in the first place,” says Tarina, adding that Elite Risk stores client data securely in full compliance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and other regulations.

“In this day and age, protecting your assets also means protecting your identity." As cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, luxury consumers must be equally as vigilant.

For more insights into data protection, read on Tarina Vlok’s full article here on Insurance Biz https://insurancebiz.co.za/news/non-life/are-sa%E2%80%99s-wealthy-a-target-for-cybercriminals-how-to-stay-safe.html

14/08/2025

In a recent trial that has alarmed the wine community, a French winemaker admitted to selling hundreds of thousands of bottles of counterfeit Champagne, falsely labelled and passed off as premium French cuvées. Estimates place the total number of counterfeits anywhere between 800,000 and 1.8 million bottles, making it a major cause of concern for both collectors and the industry at large.

According to his former employees, the discredited winemaker scheme involved, buying still wines from the Ardèche and Spain, then adding liqueur syrup and injecting them with carbon dioxide, before transporting the mixture to the Marne, where he bottled and labeled it as Champagne.

Cases like these are a sobering reminder that counterfeits don’t just threaten fashion brands, they’re infiltrating wine cellars and investment portfolios.

Our MD, Tarina Vlok, shares her top tips to protect your collection from the exposure of counterfeits:

• Look closely at the details: premium brands usually come in quality packaging with specific markings that show they’re the real deal.
• Don’t take someone’s word for it: even if you’re buying from a so-called expert, do your own research so you know what to look out for.
• Stick with trusted sellers: don’t get caught up in social media hype. Buy from retailers, importers, or auction houses you know you can trust.
• Keep your paperwork safe: receipts and certificates help prove what you’ve got and make it easier to insure or sell later.

Most importantly, choose an insurer like Elite Risk- one that understands luxury insurance is about more than protecting possessions; it’s about protecting provenance

12/08/2025

The New World Wealthiest Cities Report 2025, published by Henley & Partners, suggests that Cape Town could double its ultra-wealthy population over the next decade, with forecasts indicating more than 100% growth in its super-wealthy community by 2035.

If you’re considering a move to Cape Town, or already live here and are searching for a new home, our MD, , shares her top tips for mansion hunting.

Use a specialist insurer – High-value homes come with unique risks. Work with a specialist broker or underwriter who understands the luxury property market and local conditions.

Insure for replacement cost, not market value – Your policy should reflect the cost to rebuild the home and outbuildings, restore landscaping, and cover professional fees and site clearing – not what you paid for the property.

Avoid underinsurance – Undervaluing your home can leave you seriously out-of-pocket if disaster strikes.

Don’t overinsure either – Insuring your home for more than its replacement cost leads to higher premiums, but you’ll only be paid the true replacement cost if you claim.

Understand local rebuilding costs – If you’re an international buyer, don’t assume construction costs are the same as in your home country. Location and availability of skilled labour and materials can impact rebuilding expenses.

Account for location-specific risks – Prime homes often fetch prices above replacement value due to location, but location can also make rebuilding complex. Make sure your insurer understands these challenges.

Partner early with your insurer – Get expert input before finalising your purchase to avoid insurance pitfalls and ensure seamless protection from day one.

09/08/2025

Coco Chanel once said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” This reminds us that true style isn’t about what you wear – it’s about how you carry yourself, how you lead, and how you uplift others.

This Women’s Day, we honour all women – and remember the fierce trailblazers, whose bold and fearless march to the Union Buildings in 1956 made it possible for us to step confidently into boardrooms today. These heroes paved the way for us to have careers, voices and choices. They walked, so that we could run. Now, it is our responsibility to empower the girls we are raising to soar even higher.

To all the women redefining excellence, standing up for what matters, and elevating those around them – in business, at home, in community, and at work – we see you, and we celebrate you.

Happy Women’s Day.

Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo.

07/08/2025

Thank you for visiting the Elite Risk Pamper Pad at the AIE 2025 Conference!

We loved welcoming you into our space (a moment of calm amid the conference buzz). Whether you popped in for a refresh, a reset, or just a quick hello, we’re glad you made time to engage with us.

The conversations, connections and the shared passion for excellence in insurance reminded us why this event continues to be a standout on our calendar.

Here’s to raising the bar together.

31/07/2025

Today we have the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye and celebrating the retirement of someone very special at Elite Risk. Rouxle Munro, the personal assistant to our MD, who has been with Elite for almost 7 years and with OMI for more than 30 years.

Rouxle has been so much more than her title suggests. She has been the very heart of the Elite Risk team, the steady hand that keeps things running smoothly, and the first friendly face to welcome anyone who walks through our doors.

Loved by all and known for her calm presence and support, Rouxle has been the rock of Elite Risk, the quiet strength behind the scenes, and her departure leaves big shoes to fill.

Rouxle, thank you for being an exceptional member of the team. We will miss you dearly but know you deserve this time to take the time to smell the roses. Thank you for everything. You’ll always be part of the Elite family.

29/07/2025

A recent study by the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) has identified floods and storms as the most pervasive threats, particularly impacting KwaZulu-Natal. This comes after the recent devastating floods in the Eastern Cape.

"During times of flood and catastrophe the most important thing is safety, as lives cannot be replaced", says our MD, .

Below she shares her tips for mitigating risk in the current environment.

• Get ready for extreme weather – With extreme weather conditions becoming more frequent, early preparation is essential to minimise potential damage. Now’s the time to prepare your home and plan ahead.

• Stay on top of maintenance – Many claims are rejected due to issues like poor waterproofing. A little routine upkeep can save you major costs down the line.

• Put safety first – In a flood or severe weather event, your safety and your family’s well-being are what matter most. Property can be replaced, but lives cannot.

• Know what your policy covers – Speak to your broker to make sure your insurance is up to date and provides the right protection for weather-related risks.

24/07/2025

We’re heading to Sun City this July for the annual AIE Conference, and we’re bringing the indulgence with us.

Our much-loved Elite Pamper Pod is back again this year, and whether you're looking to unwind between sessions or simply indulge in a moment of luxury, come be spoiled the Elite way. We will be offering hand massages to help you reset and unwind.

See you there!

22/07/2025

In these cold winter months, there is nothing better than snuggling up near the fireplace🔥. However, before getting too cosy, take a second to ensure your fireplace is in top condition, not just for efficiency but also for your safety!

Regular chimney cleaning is essential, as it lowers the risk of fires, helps prevent carbon monoxide leaks and can save you from costly repairs down the line.

Your insurer may cover damage caused by a chimney fire but might need you to prove that your fireplace has been properly maintained, including regular chimney sweeping.

For peace of mind, have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. A little maintenance goes a long way towards keeping your home safe this winter.

If you have a chimney and are unsure about the implications for your coverage, Tarina Vlok, our MD, urges you to reach out to your broker.

"Your broker is there to understand your policy and coverage. Take advantage of their help and expertise as it will go some way to ensure a successful outcome to your insurance claim," she says.

Image credit: Unsplash

17/07/2025

In the world of luxury, desire often determines value more than appraisals do. Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, value is in the hands of the collector. The record €86 million sale of Jane Birkin’s original Hermès handbag at Sotheby’s last week is a perfect example of this.

The black leather handbag, custom-made for singer Jane Birkin in 1985 was a staple in the singer’s wardrobe for ten years, before being donated to charity. Widely known as the Original Birkin, this design set the blueprint for what would arguably become the most sought-after accessory in fashion history.

The rare cocktail of provenance, scarcity and craftsmanship had 9 bidders from around the world engaged in a fierce 10-minute-long bidding war, before the handbag was finally sold to a private collector in Japan, making it the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction.

“Bespoke pieces like this are more than just accessories – they’re investments. And their unique and irreplaceable nature often places them beyond the scope of standard insurance,” says Tarina Vlok, our MD. Remember, at Elite Risk, we partner with our clients to ensure one-of-a-kind pieces are properly appraised and adequately covered, whether they’re on display, in a vault, or heading to auction.

To read more about this story, see here:

Prototype for bag once owned by British-born singer and actor is most expensive fashion accessory sold at auction in Europe

15/07/2025

In celebration of happening today, 15 July, we are proud to be associated with Insurance Apprentice (TIA), a programme sponsored by Elite Risk, with a new season debutting on SABC 3, this Thursday, 17 July. Don't miss it!

TIA isn’t just a reality-style competition. It’s a platform that equips young professionals with real-world skills in insurance, risk, business strategy, and communication.

It shows that this industry is about more than just policies , but about problem-solving, protecting livelihoods, and building careers that will now go far beyond stereotypes to showcase the true depth of the insurance industry. From risk management to innovation and entrepreneurship, the programme is building a future pipeline of skilled, passionate professionals ready to transform the sector, and at Elite Risk we believe in investing in future leaders.

📺Tune in every Thursday at 19:00 on SABC 3, from 17 July until 4 September.