Elite Risk Acceptances

08/04/2026

The recently held George Old Car Show was truly the "torque" of the town.

Held under the auspices of the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC), this annual event paid homage to the pioneers of motoring, marking the 140th anniversary of the invention of the horseless motor carriage by Carl Benz, celebrating the centenary of Daimler Benz AG, and commemorating 50 years of the iconic W123 Mercedes Benz. Visitors were also treated to a special exhibition of early Mercedes Benz vehicles that helped shape modern motoring as we know it.

Events like these highlight that classic and collectible vehicles are specialised assets that require specialist risk thinking. At Elite Risk, this is where a more nuanced approach becomes critical, ensuring that prized automotive passions are protected with the care, expertise and understanding they deserve.

02/04/2026

Congratulations to Leon Kluge and the South African team for winning the prestigious Grand Gold Award and Best on Show at the Shenzhen International Flower Show in China, Asia’s largest floral showcase. His latest award-winning display is a powerful celebration of South Africa’s rich botanical heritage.

If Kluge’s creativity for gardening and landscaping inspires you to transform your outdoor space into valuable lifestyle investments (think trophy trees and boutique vineyards to water features, irrigation systems and curated outdoor décor) remember to include them in your insurance!

Standard homeowner policies may provide cover for certain risks, but specialised insurance can offer broader protection for high-value or unique garden assets. This includes cover for:
• Theft of outdoor features and fittings
• Damage from fire or accidents
• Contractor-related damage during maintenance or upgrades
• Unexpected incidents impacting your property and garden

If you are uncertain what your policy includes or excludes, speak to your broker or specialist insurer.

And click on the link to see Kluge's inspiring Shenzhen design! https://novanews.co.za/south-african-designer-wins-top-honours-at-asian-flower-show/

Leon Kluge wins Grand Gold Award and Best on Show at China's Shenzhen International Flower Show, bringing pride to South Africa.

02/04/2026

April Fools’ Day is usually about catching people off guard, but when it comes to insurance, surprises are the last thing you want.

It’s a good reminder that cover doesn't automatically keep up with your lifestyle and that gaps shouldn't only become clear at claims stage.

This makes April the ideal time to take care of the admin that often gets overlooked:
• Review your sums insured against current replacement values
• Check what is specified vs what is assumed
• Revisit recent purchases or upgrades: Have you insured your new watch, or informed your insurer or broker about your kitchen remodel?
• Confirm any lifestyle changes with your broker Because when it comes to protecting high-value assets, clarity matters more than assumptions.

01/04/2026

On Friday, we said farewell to a valued leader and celebrated an incredible career.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Mount Nelson to mark Tarina Vlok’s retirement. A beautiful gathering surrounded by colleagues and friends, it was truly a memorable send-off.

We wish Tarina Vlok every happiness in this next chapter, her contribution and legacy will always remain part of the Elite Risk story.

31/03/2026

WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!🎉

Thank you to everyone who entered our holiday giveaway on Facebook and shared your ideal getaway with us. From coastal escapes to bush breaks and everything in between, we loved seeing where you’d choose to unwind.

Congratulations to our lucky winner: Amanda Cloete🏆 You’ve won a special Babylonstoren hamper to enjoy!

Thank you again to everyone who participated and remember to watch this space for future competions and giveaways.

27/03/2026

Farewell to a Remarkable Leader

Today is a sad day at Elite Risk Acceptances as we bid farewell to our Managing Director, Tarina Vlok, who retires at the end of this month.

Tarina stepped into the MD role in 2022 after a rigorous appointment process, succeeding one of the company’s founding members. With more than two decades of industry experience, she has shaped our business with clarity, integrity and a deeply human approach to leadership.

Throughout her career, Tarina built strong, lasting relationships with brokers across the country, partnerships strengthened through consistent engagement, accessibility and her genuine respect for the people who power this industry. Before becoming MD, she served as General Manager at Elite Risk, where her strategic insight and commitment to excellence helped set the foundation for the growth that followed.

Tarina has not just led the business; she has nurtured it. She has uplifted teams, inspired confidence and steered Elite with a steady hand during times of change and opportunity.

As she enters this next chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her contribution, her guidance and her belief in Elite’s purpose.

Tarina, thank you for everything!
We wish you fulfilment, joy and new adventures in the years ahead.

24/03/2026

The short school holidays and the Easter break are upon us, and we can expect busy roads as families head off on well‑deserved getaways.

Before you hit the road, a few simple checks can make all the difference between a memorable holiday and an avoidable setback:
• Check tyre pressure and tread depth to ensure optimal handling and braking.
• Test brakes and fluid levels to reduce the risk of mechanical issues.
• Keep valuables out of sight to minimise the risk of theft.
• Activate home alarms and security systems before leaving.
• Let a trusted neighbour or security provider know you’ll be away, especially on longer trips.
Small, practical steps today can prevent major disruptions tomorrow.

Travel well. Travel prepared.



*Image by: Frimufilms

20/03/2026

A burning risk: “Wildfires are no longer a seasonal or regional issue, they are a growing risk across South Africa,” says Tarina Vlok, our MD.
“Rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves and shifting rainfall patterns are creating conditions where fires ignite more easily and spread faster.”

Against this, here is Elite Risk’s key lessons for homeowners:
• Prioritise the basics: Good maintenance, hazard reduction, cleared gutters, trimmed vegetation and safe electrical systems remain the most effective ways to prevent major losses.
• Ensure adequate insurance: Underinsurance is one of the biggest risks. Homeowners must update their property valuations to avoid unexpected costs if disaster strikes.
• Prepare for the worst: Clear firefighter access, reliable water sources, and a household evacuation plan can mean the difference between losing everything and protecting what matters most.

“Wildfire resilience starts at home, long before the flames appear on the horizon,” says Tarina.



*Image by: Freepik

19/03/2026

Elite Risk is pleased to announce the appointment of Tandiwe Cimela as Executive: Elite, effective 1 April 2026.

With nearly two decades of experience across the short-term insurance value chain, Tandiwe brings deep expertise and a strong track record in operational excellence, governance, and service delivery to the business. Tandiwe is no stranger to the Elite Risk business, given that she has been the company’s Chief Operations Officer since 2022.

She succeeds Tarina Vlok, who retires at the end of March after co-founding Elite and playing a pivotal role in establishing it as a trusted specialist offering in the high-net-worth market.

Congratulations Tandiwe! We look forward to the continued growth of the business under your leadership.

17/03/2026

time!

To get you into the holiday mood, we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to enjoy a Babylonstoren hamper valued at almost R5 000 to make their Easter break special.

To enter, tell us in the comments below, what’s your ideal holiday getaway, is it:
A) A Coastal escape
B) A Bush break
C) A luxury city stay
D) An adventurous trek somewhere unexplored

Good luck! The winner will be announced on 31 March 2026.

Ts&Cs:
• The competition is open to South African residents 18 and older.
• The winner will be randomly selected and announced on 31 March 2026
• The winner will be contacted via social media and must respond within 48 hours, failing which a new winner may be selected.
• The prize is not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
• The competition is not open to Old Mutual or Elite Risk employees, or their immediate family members.



*Image by: Babylonstoren

BESPOKE WEALTH ASSET PROTECTION FOR THE DISCERNING

Wealth Asset Insurance from Elite provides a personalised and tailored solution to non-life insurance and personal risk management for people with sophisticated needs.

12/03/2026

Thank you to FAnews and journalist Gareth Stokes for the recent coverage featuring Elite Risk on how we are responding to intensifying climate-related risks.

As climate volatility increases, these conversations are becoming essential to ensuring that clients remain properly protected and that insurers continue to operate sustainably and responsibly.

The article underscores several themes that are central to Elite’s approach:
• The growing importance of technical underwriting in a changing risk landscape
• The value of strong broker relationships in educating and guiding clients
• The need for proactive risk management as severe weather events rise
• The industry’s responsibility to respond with clarity, transparency and expertise

Read the full article here:
https://www.fanews.co.za/article/non-life/15/general/1217/brokers-drive-underwriting-discipline-as-climate-risk-intensifies/43403

It is widely accepted that the rising frequency and severity of flood and wildfire events in South Africa are influenced by climate volatility. Rising average temperatures tend to amplify the effects of established weather patterns, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation.

09/03/2026

Yesterday marked International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the influence and impact of women. One woman in particular has shaped the direction of Elite Risk and its team. That woman is our MD, Tarina Vlok, who retires at the end of this month.

Tarina’s leadership has blended clarity, empathy and a commitment to excellence. As she reflects on the transition ahead, she notes that retirement isn’t an ending but an evolution. It’s a reminder that identity is more than a job title, and that meaning doesn’t disappear when we step away from our desks — it simply takes on new form.

Her advice to women in leadership remains one of her most powerful lessons: “Believe in yourself, but know your own limitations. Self-awareness is incredibly important in this world that celebrates self-belief.”

As we reflect on International Women’s Day, we honour her legacy and the example she has set, proving that leadership grounded in purpose, curiosity and humanity leaves a lasting impact.



*Image by freepik