THE INSURER – September 2020

Protect your vehicle from theft

Vehicle theft dropped dramatically during the initial stages of lockdown, along with hijackings, business and house robberies. Sadly, criminal activities are returning to pre-lockdown levels as people become more mobile and trading restrictions ease. But there are some simple tips that could make a real difference to prevent you - and your vehicle - becoming a crime statistic. Have a look...

Noteworthy news in numbers

$1.1 billion: estimated size of global esports revenue in 2020, a year-on-year growth of almost 16%. Three-quarters of this will come from sponsorship and media rights.

95 million: tonnes of waste sent to SA’s 826 landfills sites. Only about 40% of our country’s waste is recycled, as highlighted during Recycling Week this month.

1.3 million: hectares of pine and eucalyptus trees in SA which are sustainably managed, and although not indigenous, contribute significantly to the economy and environment.

Safire Berg 100 - entries for 2021 open soon

We are delighted to announce that we have a date for next year’s Safire Berg 100, after having had to cancel our iconic race not once but twice this year, because of restrictions on travel, gatherings and sporting events. The race, which alternates between starting and ending in the KZN Midlands’ villages of Himeville and Nottingham Road, will take place on 27 March 2021 and will start in Nottingham Road. Entries open soon (October-November), so keep this date free!

The i-cow solution to protecting livestock

It’s the ultimate in hindsight: scientists have discovered that painting eyes on the rumps of cattle appears to deter ambush predators such as lions. This simple tactic, called the “i-cow solution”, was researched using 2,061 cows on farms in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Researchers tracked the animals over a four-year period and found that 15 of the 835 unpainted cows and four of the 543 cattle painted with an X were killed by predators. However, not one of the 683 animals with eye art on their behinds was taken.

Online accident reporting

The National Traffic Information System (NATIS) website is being promoted as a convenient way for motorists to report minor road accidents online. This must be done within 24 hours or the next working day. Obtaining an automated crash report number and uploading a crash report this way is legally binding, according to the NATIS site.

The high cost of cancelling your insurance

People across the world are battling to make ends meet but cancelling your insurance is not a good idea: it can be catastrophic if you need to claim and find yourself without any form of cover or underinsured. For most people, their home is their most valuable asset, so ensure you have adequate cover for an event such as a fire, which could potentially result in the total loss of the building or part of it, and your household contents. It’s also not sensible to do away with vehicle insurance. Instead of cancelling your insurance policy altogether, sit down with your broker to discuss how to reduce your monthly premium while still remaining insured.

Safire does the Jerusalema

People around the world are sharing videos of themselves dancing to the chart-topping song Jerusalema by South African musician, DJ and record producer Master KG, featuring the voice of South African songstress Nomcebo. The official #JerusalemaDanceChallenge video has had over 126 million YouTube views to date, with enthusiasts from all walks of life getting into the spirit of the song, which has been described as ‘a global anthem of unity’ during the pandemic. Have a look at our Safire staff celebrating the move to Lockdown Level 1 with our own version of the Jerusalema dance!

That's Life

Celebrate the majesty of trees this Arbour Month. Trees are especially significant to us at Safire, as we were established as an innovative insurance co-operative by timber-growers, way back in 1987. Our roots truly are in timber.

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.