Elite Risk Acceptances

08/10/2025

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and more time spent outdoors. For many South Africans, that means gathering around a braai or fire pit with family and friends. But while flames bring people together, they also carry risk. For homeowners, fire damage claims are a sad reality that can often be avoided.

This Spring, Tarina Vlok, our MD , shares practical fire-safe braai tips to help South Africans celebrate safely:
• Never leave a braai unattended, and keep children supervised
• Avoid using flammable accelerants
• Keep braais away from overhanging plants or wooden structures
• Be mindful of wind direction
• Keep a fire extinguisher, water, or sand nearby
• Inspect gas braais for leaks and faulty fittings
• In estates or fynbos areas, trim vegetation to reduce fire risk

Celebration should never come at the cost of safety. By taking simple precautions, homeowners can ensure the sparks of joy around the fire never turn into sparks of disaster.

Image credit: Freepik

01/10/2025

What an outstanding publication! Thank you The Insurance Apprentice and FAnews!

The TIA 2025 Magazine is HERE!

Marking the culmination of our 2025 series, the TIA 2025 magazine is packed with insightful articles and reflections on the future of the insurance industry - inspiring stories, and everything you need to know about the FUTURE of insurance!

Inside the magazine, you can look forward to:

•Thought-provoking articles on career development, workplace culture, and emerging trends, especially geared towards Millennials and Gen Z.

•Expert opinions on what it takes to succeed in the modern insurance landscape, with a special focus on digital transformation, mentorship, and talent development.

•Exclusive stories and reflections on the TIA 2025 season, including interviews with judges, industry leaders, and participants.

Don’t miss out – read it NOW!https://www.fanews.co.za/magazines/pdf/pdf_334_tiamag-2025.pdf

Sasria SOC Ltd.
Old Mutual Insure
Santam Insurance
Aon South Africa
Discovery South Africa Insure
FSCA South Africa
INSETA
SAUMA
Bryte Insurance
Lloyd's
The Liability Company
Standard Bank - South Africa Insurance Brokers
Sapiens
Marsh Global
Milpark Education
EasyEquities
Elite Risk Acceptances
MUA Insurance Acceptances
Hollard
Paton Personnel
The Fulcrum Group SA
ITOO Special Risks
Garrun Group
Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa
Kunene Makopo Risk Solutions (KMRS)
New National Assurance Company
Auto&General Insurance Company Ltd
AC&E Engineering Underwriting Managers
Bryte Specialist Motor
CIB
KEU Underwriting Managers
Leppard & Associates
SAICB
Global Choices
Insurance Institute of South Africa

23/09/2025

Cape Town’s rental market is heating up. According to the latest Savills World Cities Prime Residential Index, the city saw rental growth of 6.5% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by high demand and a shortage of prime rental properties, along with market stability following last year’s elections.

In fact, Savills predicts average capital value growth of 1.5% across the Index in the second half of the year, with Cape Town, Seoul, and Tokyo expected to lead with growth of 6% to 7.9%.

Cape Town’s reputation as a city of “the moment” has attracted investors eager to capitalise on the surge in international visitors. However, our MD Tarina Vlok cautions that renting out an investment property on a short-term basis comes with many risks to homeowners. This is especially relevant as South Africa’s tourism season gets underway. Tarina advises property owners to ensure their insurance covers loss, damage, and liability for accidents or injuries that happen on the property. “Specialist insurers often provide comprehensive cover, but it’s essential to inform your insurer of the property’s intended use,” she notes.

“With careful planning and the right protection in place, investors can make the most of Cape Town’s thriving property market while managing the risks,” she concludes.

Discover the full insights from the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Index 2025 here:https://pdf.savills.com/documents/World-Research-Prime-Residential-Index-World-Cities-2025.pdf

Image credit - Freepiks

18/09/2025

As lifestyles evolve and technology advances, the way we protect ourselves, our families, and our assets must evolve too. Which area of personal security do you think will see the most innovation over the next five years?

A) Cyber and identity protection – Staying ahead of digital threats like AI-enabled fraud.
B) Home and estate security – Smart homes and advanced surveillance redefining safety.
C) Vehicle and driver safety – Telematics and autonomous features changing road protection.
D) Travel and lifestyle protection – Adapting security for luxury travel and remote getaways.

Is it A, B, C or D? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear which area you think will transform first!

16/09/2025

In today’s digital world, your online presence is more than just a reflection of your lifestyle — it’s a potential gateway for cybercriminals. For high-net-worth individuals, the stakes are even higher. All online activity leaves a trail that could be exploited if not carefully managed. Tarina Vlok, MD at Elite Risk, shares five essential tips to help protect your digital footprint and safeguard your wealth, privacy, and family.

• Be aware of everything you share online: This includes social media posts, travel bookings, e-commerce activity, and even photos, which can reveal hidden personal data like your location.
• Lock down financial accounts: Use two-factor authentication to safeguard your digital accounts and double-check emails before clicking links.
• Watch out for impersonation: Scammers can pretend to be banks, delivery companies, or luxury brands. Always verify who you’re dealing with before responding.
• Protect your household: Shared devices and passwords can be a risk. Make sure family, and staff follow strict security routines.
• Be smart with online giving: Always check donation platforms and causes before sending money, and keep your philanthropic activity as private as possible.

11/09/2025

The recent sale of former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone’s legendary race car collection for nearly $646 Million not only made global headlines, it highlighted just how valuable rare and historic vehicles have become. Ecclestone - a former race driver himself and UK business magnate - spent decades curating one of the most remarkable collections in motorsport history, featuring 69 iconic Formula 1 and Grand Prix cars dating back to the 1950s. The sheer scale and quality of his collection reaffirms the strength of the vintage and classic car market, where provenance, scarcity and passion continue to drive demand and record-breaking sales.

“If you want to protect your vintage or super car investment, it must be treated with care and properly insured,” says Tarina Vlok, MD. “Luxury and bespoke vehicles carry unique risks, and for rare classics, those risks are even greater. Meticulous maintenance is essential.”

Because these cars don't necessarily have a standard book value, it is important to partner with specialists that have the experience to understand the specific requirements in managing, maintaining and insuring these vintage or super cars.
Thinking of turning your passion for classic or super cars into an investment?

Here are 4 key tips to make sure your collected treasure keeps its value:
• Condition is everything: Vintage cars (30+ years old) usually appreciate, but only if they’re kept immaculate. Watch out for rust and paint damage, as repairs are costly.
• Get regular valuations: Have your car assessed annually by a knowledgeable professional to ensure it’s insured for its true worth.
• Choose the right cover: Partner with a specialist insurer who understands rare and luxury vehicles.
• Understand your policy: Some insurers limit who can drive your car (often just you or your spouse) and may require tracking devices or specific storage conditions. Always know the fine print.

09/09/2025

Taylor Swift is making headlines again, this time for her engagement to football star Travis Kelce, who proposed with a dazzling 8-carat Old Mine Cut diamond ring, estimated to be valued at $500,000–$1 million. The antique-cut stone, set in 18k yellow gold, is one-of-a-kind.

With Spring marking the start of South Africa’s ‘I do’ season, Swift’s sparkler is a timely reminder that every diamond – natural or lab-grown (also known as synthetic) – deserves the right insurance protection, says our MD Tarina Vlok. “There are significant cost differences between synthetic and lab-grown diamonds, and of course, this impacts insurance,” she says.

Here are her top tips to ensure a happy ever-after for your diamond rings:

Get an appraisal – Always have your diamond ring valued by a professional, and update it every three to five years as natural diamonds often appreciate. Remember: a grading report is not the same as an appraisal.
Check certification – A Gemmological Institute of America GIA) certificate or EGL (European Gemmological Laboratory) certificate for natural diamonds provides reassurance should the diamond ever need replacing.
Keep documentation – Keep receipts, valuations and certificates together. These support future claims and prove ownership. Store your ring safely – If you’re not wearing your jewellery, know your policy requirements. Most expect high-value pieces to be locked in a safe. Ignoring this could see a R300,000 ring loss - for example - only partially paid, or not at all.

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05/09/2025

What an incredible journey it has been! The Insurance Apprentice 2025 showcased the very best of our industry’s emerging talent, and we are proud to have been part of it.

Congratulations to this year’s winner, Khaya Mashologu! Your hard work, resilience, and passion are an inspiration to all of us shaping the future of insurance.

A special thank you to the organisers of TIA for creating a platform that empowers young professionals and strengthens our industry . Elite Risk is honoured to support this initiative.

Here’s to the next generation of leaders in insurance!

01/09/2025

Wishing an Elite welcome to Bianca Fortuin, our new Acquisitions Team Leader!

Bianca began her career in 2014 as an underwriter at a large insurer. By 2019, she had been promoted to team leader, delivering impressive retention results. In 2022, Bianca transitioned into the commercial retention team, where she grew her expertise and took on new challenges. By 2024, she was leading the commercial retention team at Old Mutual Insure.

This August, we were delighted to welcome her to the Elite Risk team, where she looks forward to driving growth and inspiring her high-performing team.

Outside of work, Bianca enjoys staying active at the gym, though she jokes that she is “still working on incorporating more carrots” into her diet!

28/08/2025

Awesome advice from one of our top advisors !

26/08/2025

In this fast-changing risk landscape, it is easy to see why brand loyalty is one of the most valuable (and fragile) assets an insurer can have. Loyalty is not won through attractive pricing or flashy ads; it’s earned through trust, empathy, and being there for the clients in the moments that matter most.

According to PwC, only 54% of global consumers trust the financial industry. KPMG adds that emotional connection, not just satisfaction, is the biggest predictor of loyalty.

In a relationship-driven market like South Africa’s, insurers and brokers have a shared opportunity to build that emotional connection, one interaction at a time. Elite Risk MD, , shares three proven strategies for building client loyalty that lasts:

• Deliver seamless client experiences: by removing friction at every touchpoint, from onboarding to claims, so clients feel supported and in control.
• Offer data-backed proactive risk advice: that anticipates issues before they arise, positioning you as a trusted partner rather than a reactive provider.
• Focus on human conversations, not just transactions: by listening with intent and respond with empathy.

Loyalty isn’t just about keeping clients; it’s about earning their trust. And that trust begins with how you make them feel.

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)