Elite Risk Acceptances

13/11/2025

In Hermanus, a R100 million-plus coastal estate has become one of the country’s most talked-about properties as it has recently become listed. The estate spans more than 7,000m², featuring a Cape vernacular manor house with an indoor pool, wine cellar, and sweeping panoramic views of Walker Bay. Described as a “front-row seat to world-class whale watching,” the property exemplifies coastal luxury at its finest.

In Hermanus, 76% of properties are still held as freehold, with many passed down through generations. A reflection of the lasting investment value of heritage estates. Often both heritage and luxury homes carry layers details that make restoration both complex and costly.

According to Tarina Vlok, our Managing Director, protecting such properties requires a deeper understanding of their unique value.
“Heritage homes are irreplaceable by nature,” says Tarina. “Homeowners should ensure their insurance reflects the true cost of restoration, from sourcing original materials to commissioning specialised artisans. Regularly reviewing your property’s replacement value is essential to avoid underinsurance and preserve the integrity of your home.”

Property remains among South Africa’s most valuable and storied asset, protecting its worth requires an expertise as considered as the craftsmanship behind the homes themselves.



*Image credit: Daily Investor

11/11/2025

Protecting the priceless — even from the boldest thieves.

From Paris to Pringle Bay, daring art and jewellery heists have made headlines, reminding us that no collection is too small or too secure to be targeted.
Whether it’s a family heirloom, a sculpture in your garden, or a rare piece of jewellery, your valuables deserve more than just admiration — they deserve protection.

Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances, says it’s vital to make sure your insurance truly reflects the value of what you own. That includes:
• Getting expert valuations
• Checking policy details for conditions, exclusions, or limits
• Taking extra safety precautions, especially during the festive season

06/11/2025

Luxury sets sail and South Africa is on the map.

Big news for boating enthusiasts! During the recent inaugural African Boat Conference held in Cape Town, the concept of a South African superyacht route was discussed — an exciting endeavour!.

With Cape Town fast becoming a sought-after stop for some of the world’s most spectacular vessels, our coastline will soon be ready to play host to a new wave of luxury, craftsmanship and adventure.

And while the open water calls, for boat owners true peace of mind starts with the right protection.
Elite Risk’s Watercraft Insurance Plans are crafted for owners who expect excellence, offering comprehensive cover for boats, yachts, and jet skis, whether out at sea cruising or safely docked.

Register for free. Engage with the content, complete the multiple-choice exam at the end, earn CPD hours, and download your CPD certificate.

28/10/2025

The latest edition of InsureTalk brought fresh perspectives and thought-provoking discussions to the table, as industry leaders unpacked the theme “Resilience and Responsibility in a Changing World.”

Our very own, Tandiwe Cimela, Chief Operations Officer of Elite Risk, gave an insightful presentation about how governance and controls – when used correctly – serve as strategic enablers of growth, rather than administrative obligations.

“Governance and controls do more than set benchmarks — they bring clarity, consistency and structure to decision-making, ensuring fair and transparent outcomes. Ultimately, governance measures across the supply chain all work together to produce a shared outcome: enhancing the customer experience,” said Tandiwe.

Elite Risk is proud to have been the headline partner for InsureTalk57, driving meaningful conversations that move our industry forward.

24/10/2025

Maya Angelou famously said that people will forget what you said and did, but never how you made them feel.

During October we observe – a reminder that how we show up for our clients matters more than ever. At Elite Risk, we believe that exceptional customer experience is not a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation on which long-term client relationships are built.

Clients’ expectations are changing. We see it every day, and global research confirms it. They’re more informed, more vocal, and expect insurance solutions that fit their lives – not the other way around.

This shift is particularly evident in the High-Net-Worth (HNW) market, where clients expect bespoke cover, proactive risk advice, and service excellence that reflects their complex lifestyles and assets. These changing expectations are not trends; they’re the new standard.

In a world where clients expect more, service excellence means meeting people where they are, understanding what they value, and delivering experiences that are bespoke, human, and go the extra mile. How are you showing up to clients today?

23/10/2025

October is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental health is a universal concern, yet the stigma around it continues to silence many. October is more than a month of awareness, it is a call to make wellbeing is a shared priority. Whether you are personally affected by mental health challenges or supporting someone who is, we all play an important role in creating a society where mental health is met with care, not criticism.

How to support someone who may be experiencing mental health challenges:
1. Educate yourself: Understanding mental health challenges helps dispel myths, reduce stigma, and makes it easier for people to seek help early.
2. Practice empathy: Listen to understand, not to respond. Often, what someone needs most is compassion, not correction.
3. Create spaces of psychological safety: Be the person or community where others feel accepted as they are, and encourage seeking professional support when needed. At Elite Risk we partner with professional providers like Lyra Wellness to support employees.
4. Speak up: Challenge stigma and casual dismissiveness when you encounter it. Small acts of advocacy help normalise conversations about mental health.

22/10/2025

The Elite Risk management team recently came together for two days during our annual strategy session. The beautiful coastal town of Paternoster provided the perfect backdrop to inspire fresh thinking and bold action plans to deliver an even better Elite experience in 2026 to our valued brokers and clients. Thank you, team, for showing up and your insight, energy, and commitment!

21/10/2025

We’re pleased to announce that the next InsureTalk, taking place on Thursday, 23 October 2025, will feature our Managing Director, Tarina Vlok, and Tandiwe Cimela, our Chief Operations Officer.
Tarina will discuss the transition from corporate employee to retiree, exploring both the emotional and practical aspects of this major life change. Tandiwe will take a deep dive into governance and controls in the non-life insurance sector.

This event is not to be missed for anyone in the insurance industry. It’s free to attend and takes place online. Reserve your seat today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of insurance by visiting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XMZP3DyfQ8inDFCSteIo-g

20/10/2025

Trust in insurance is not only created by promises but also by the systems and governance that make those promises unbreakable.
South African insurers operate in one of the most complex risk environments in the world, facing climate extremes, cyber threats, regulatory change, and economic uncertainty, which is why it is important to ensure that risk management is not a siloed function. Every team should take ownership, every risk should be assessed, and opportunities identified while safeguarding the integrity of the business.

Governance and enterprise risk management are not just compliance requirements. They are the invisible scaffolding that allows Elite to grow, innovate, and maintain the trust of clients and brokers.

Elite Risk COO Tandiwe Cimela, says that “Insurance is, at its heart, about trust. This trust is reinforced every time governance processes work as they should, protecting clients, supporting brokers, and enabling the business to act with confidence.”

Register for free. Engage with the content, complete the multiple-choice exam at the end, earn CPD hours, and download your CPD certificate.

10/10/2025

This month we are drinking… Wine! And why not? October is Pinotage month and WineX – the popular annual wine event that attracts over 9000 guests to sample 700 wines – is happening in Sandton between 30 - 31 October.

If you are a collector of fine wines (not just for consumption) and looking to capitalise on this month’s wine spotlight, then here are some top tips to remember to protect your investment:
“The storage of your wine is one of the most important considerations. When correctly stored, wine evolves with maturing and intensifying flavours. This is equally true for both casual collectors, who just want to enjoy the wines, and serious collectors, who have expanded cellars and see wine as an investment,” says Tarina Vlok, our MD.

• Maintain optimal storage conditions – Keep reds between 10–18°C and whites between 7–10°C, store bottles horizontally, and protect them from light, humidity shifts and vibration.
• Protect against physical risks – If your cellar is vulnerable to flooding, install a sump pump and ensure proper drainage to prevent label damage or breakages.
• Insure and document your collection – Choose an insurer who understands wine collections, keep a detailed inventory with up-to-date valuations, and review your cover annually.



Picture credit: Freepik

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

Register for free. Engage with the content, complete the multiple-choice exam at the end, earn CPD hours, and download your CPD certificate.

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

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