Are you safe when buying a used car?

There has been a major move locally towards purchasing used rather than new vehicles. According to Auto Trader, 37.7 million vehicle searches took place last month, compared to 25.1 million in May 2019, an increase of 49.78%. What are the pros and cons? A lower rate of depreciation and generally lower insurance because of the vehicle’s increased age and reduced value are advantages. But are you safe when buying a pre-loved car? Who better to ask than Arrive Alive?

The sweetest straws around

Saddened by images of marine creatures affected by plastic pollution, a Stellenbosch University engineering student came up with an innovative concept: edible drinking straws that don’t unravel when wet and don’t add to the amount of single-use plastic that we produce. Leila Siljeur’s award-winning Eat Me Straws come in various options, including vegan. She found that other biodegradable straws made from bamboo, metal or paper are not degrading fast enough and continue to pollute our oceans.

Bionic eyesight is almost here

Scientists claim to have developed a bionic eye that could restore sight to the blind and enhance the sensitivity and capabilities of a human eye (giving night vision, for example). The eye, built by a joint team from the US and Hong Kong, mimics a human eye in shape and function and could also be used in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Trials in both animals and humans are due to start soon.

Warning of “false sense of security” for fire season

Ruth Bezuidenhout, GM of Safire’s Crop Division, urges against being “lulled into a false sense of security” because of relatively good rains in parts of the country during the recent summer rainfall period. “Some of the most catastrophic fires we’ve experienced occurred shortly after heavy snowfalls or rain,” she says. “Fuel loads are high this year and extra precautions should be taken when burning.” It isn’t only farmers and timber-growers who need to be cautious: over 80% of all wildfires are caused by humans, either through deliberate acts of arson or negligence, such as campfires and braais left unattended, the uncontrolled burning of rubbish, sparks from equipment malfunctions, discarded cigarettes, and other causes. Ruth stresses the need for care after a deliberate burn: “Many of our claims in recent years resulted from flare-ups that occurred days – sometimes weeks – after a controlled burn.”

A youthful celebration by #TeamSafire

We decided to celebrate Youth Day on 16 June by doing something that makes us all feel younger – dance! Watch our team dusting off some of their best ‘moves’ to an irresistible song, “Coming Along”, by Cape Town band, Sunset Sweatshop. We hope this gets your feet tapping and makes you smile!

That's Life

We think ALL our dads are great and we hope you celebrated Father’s Day in a fun way!

Noteworthy news in numbers

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.