More time together = more romance?

Spending for Valentine's Day 2021 is predicted to be 21% up from 2020, despite current economic challenges. Americans spent $27.4 billion last year, while the British splashed out £1.45 billion, part of an upward trend since 2017. The Mastercard Love Index, which examines the buying patterns of romantics in over 53 countries, indicates that South Africans prefer shared experiences such as getaways to diamonds and greeting cards. Has the past year of more time together made us appreciate each other more? Discover the origins of Valentine's Day here...

Noteworthy news in numbers

Protection from sinkholes

Sinkholes have been in the news recently, with reports of these often huge holes appearing in suburban gardens and elsewhere, sometimes tragically causing loss of life. Common causes are changes in groundwater levels or a sudden increase in surface water, often from leaking water-pipes or blocked surface water-drainage systems. Can you get protection from damage caused by these mysterious natural holes? Bennie Boshoff, General Manager of Safire's Short-term Division, explains, "Safire offers cover for sinkhole damage when clients select the extended subsidence and landslip cover, available at an additional premium, under our Domestic / Stellar Lifestyle policy. Our standard cover includes damage caused by flowing surface water following storms or floods. Please contact your Safire-approved broker for more details." Have a look at these massive sinkholes from around the world…

What you gain from being kind

Random Acts of Kindness Day has been celebrated on 17 February since it was launched in 1995. Doing something kind for someone else has advantages for the 'doer', including alleviating depression and stress as well as reducing pain by generating endorphins (the brain's natural painkiller) and serotonin, the 'feel-good' chemical that assists healing and produces a sense of calm.

Lobster shell technology

The carapace of a lobster can resist the pressure of the ocean depths and is very hard to crack when the crustacean is on the menu. This has inspired Australian scientists to mirror the natural, overlapping patterns of a lobster shell using 3D printing technology to develop super-strong concrete to withstand the challenges of complex architecture.

Risky tow truck operators

Our clients are assured that only Safire-approved tow truck operators will attend to a scene of a vehicle accident if they call 0861 SAFIRE (0861 723 473). However, this article reveals what drivers could be faced with when accepting help from non-professionals - at a time when they really need assistance from someone they can trust. 

Not a wasteful exercise

Why would Volvo drop ten brand new vehicles from a height of 30 metres, the equivalent of a ten-storey building? It's an impressive answer. Learn why.. 

That's Life

Love comes in many shapes and sizes! Hoping that you celebrated Valentine's Day with whoever, or whatever, you love.

The Insurer newsletter and the content of any article published herein, should not be construed as forming part of any insurance contract or policy nor as constituting any form of advice. It is aimed at providing an informal and informative read to the readers thereof. Whilst every effort is taken to attempt to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information contained herein, Safire Insurance Company Limited does not give any assurance regarding such accuracy or correctness and accordingly does not accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential, arising from any reliance placed in the information contained herein.