Elite Risk Acceptances

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

06/03/2026

Today is Appreciation Day; the perfect moment to recognise the people who keep everything moving. You’re the ones answering the calls, checking the details, solving the challenges, and showing up with care and commitment every day.

Elite Risk isn’t defined by a logo or a product, it’s defined by each one of our employees.

Thank you to our entire team for the energy, dedication, and heart you bring!



*Image by SquareSpace

05/03/2026

South Africa’s latest Budget Speech brought another increase to sin taxes, with alcohol excise duties rising by 3.39% from 1 April.

What does this mean? Slightly higher prices across the board: from a few extra cents on a beer to more than R3 added to a 750ml bottle of spirits.

With South Africans consuming around 200 million bottles of spirits in 2022, this adjustment alone could add over R640 million in government revenue.

For collectors of fine wine and spirits, this matters.

📌 Rising excise duties increase the replacement cost of rare and limited‑edition bottles, many of which already carry significant scarcity premiums.

This may leave your current insurance cover below the true value of your collection.
If you collect fine wine or spirits, it may be a good time to review your policy and make sure your cover remains accurate.



*Image by: freepik

26/02/2026

: The ultra‑wealthy are investing less in things and more in moments

According to The Economist, the world’s wealthiest individuals are shifting away from traditional luxury assets and toward unforgettable experiences. While the cost of high‑end goods has softened since 2023, prices for exclusive experiences have risen sharply, up nearly 90% since 2019.

From Centre Court at Wimbledon and three‑star Michelin dining to World Cup finals and even coveted Met Gala access, scarcity and exclusivity are increasingly driving value. Demand for these once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments continues to grow, and prices for the most sought‑after experiences are expected to rise further.

What this trend reflects is not a rejection of value, but a redefinition of it. For many high‑net‑worth individuals, meaning, access and memory now matter as much as ownership.
As luxury evolves, so too must the way value is understood and protected.

Read more (subscription required):
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/10/12/why-the-ultra-rich-are-giving-up-on-luxury-assets

Forget fine wine, great art and glitzy mansions. There are finer things in life

25/02/2026

Rust, romance, and restoration: The heritage home trend

Remember the $1 home sales launched in Italy in 2019 and 2020? What began as a quirky news story has turned into a global interest in restoring historic and heritage homes.

Social media has fuelled the trend, with creators on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube sharing the often messy, expensive and romantic reality of bringing old properties back to life. Accounts like Cheap Old Houses have made the dream of owning a historic home feel surprisingly attainable.

Closer to home, however, heritage properties come with very specific risks.

As Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk, explains, heritage buildings are often vulnerable simply because of their age. Risks such as theft, fire and flood require a different approach to protection than modern homes. Replacement parts and restoration materials can be difficult to source, which adds complexity to insurance. Historic and cultural items may also hold exceptional value, meaning that even a straightforward claim can become complicated.

If you are drawn to the romance of a heritage property, it is worth remembering that these homes require careful planning, specialist protection and ongoing care.



*Image by wirestock on Freepik

23/02/2026

According to Tarina Vlok, technical expertise will always matter in insurance, but the leaders who truly stand out are those who master the human side of the role.

Drawing on her experience across underwriting, leadership and risk, Tarina highlights four leadership priorities that remain critical as the industry continues to evolve.

1. Prioritise people
Leadership starts with understanding those around you, your team, brokers and clients. Genuine empathy requires maintaining your own wellbeing first. Being present, authentic and compassionate is not optional. It is the foundation of meaningful influence.
2. Become comfortable with data
You do not need to be a technical expert, but you do need to understand how data and technology inform decision‑making. Today’s leaders must interpret insights, ask better questions and integrate data into everyday workflows, while keeping human judgement firmly at the centre.
3. Keep the client at the centre
Client centricity is essential. Clients expect seamless and personalised experiences across every interaction. Technology can enable this, but trust is built through understanding and consistency. Even in a digital‑first world, the human connection remains critical.
4. Lead with ethics and purpose
Clients, regulators and teams increasingly expect transparency and accountability. Strong leadership means making decisions that reflect integrity, long‑term responsibility and a clear sense of purpose. These are the qualities that separate good leaders from great ones.

Final thought
The industry is evolving rapidly, but leadership always comes back to people, purpose and sound judgement. Lead with empathy, stay curious and act with integrity. That is how we shape the future of insurance for the better.

17/02/2026

The shift to electric and hybrid vehicles is gaining momentum in South Africa, but it remains a measured transition rather than an overnight change.

Recent data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) shows that in 2025, consumer preference leaned strongly toward traditional hybrid vehicles, with 12,818 units sold. Interest in plug‑in hybrids increased notably year on year, while fully electric vehicle sales declined slightly, by around 13%.

This reflects a cautious approach to electrification, as buyers balance cost, infrastructure and everyday practicality.

If you are considering a hybrid vehicle this year, a few insurance considerations are worth keeping in mind:
• Insurance costs and repairs
Electric and hybrid vehicles often require specialised repairs, which can influence premiums. While these costs may reduce over time as adoption increases, they remain an important factor today.
• Tailored cover
Ensure your policy specifically protects EV‑related components such as batteries and charging equipment, which may not be adequately covered under standard motor policies.
• Your individual risk profile
Premiums are influenced by more than the vehicle itself. Factors such as driving history, location, make and model, and even vehicle colour can all play a role.

As vehicle technology evolves, ensuring your insurance keeps pace is essential to protecting both performance and value.



*Image by frimufilms on Freepik

16/02/2026

Coastal living is attracting renewed interest, but location brings its own risks.

With more South Africans looking to coastal cities for lifestyle and investment opportunities, it’s worth remembering that buying a high‑value home is only part of the equation. Protecting it properly matters just as much.

As Tarina Vlok, Managing Director at Elite Risk, explains:
“Insurance for high‑value homes should be based on replacement cost, not market value. That means allowing for the full cost of rebuilding, including outbuildings, landscaping and professional fees.”

Coastal properties often command prices well above their rebuild cost because of their setting. But rebuilding in these areas can be complex, particularly where materials, skilled labour or access may be limited.

Understanding these risks early, and working with a specialist insurer, helps ensure your home and your investment are properly protected from the start.

13/02/2026

Valentine’s Day is changing, and so is the way we give.

From personalised gifts to luxury experiences, spending around Valentine’s Day is increasingly focused on meaning rather than tradition. Recent insights from the National Retail Federation (USA) point to a few clear trends shaping how people celebrate:

• Gifting is no longer just for romantic partners. Many people now buy for family, friends and even pets
• High‑value and bespoke gifts, including jewellery and luxury items, continue to feature strongly
• Experiences are increasingly valued over physical objects

With these trends in mind, it’s important to think beyond the moment of giving.

As Tarina Vlok, Managing Director at Elite Risk, advises, high‑value gifts should be protected from the moment they’re purchased, not weeks later. That means formally specifying items on your insurance policy, confirming they’re correctly valued, and ensuring cover is in place immediately.

Thoughtful gifting deserves thoughtful protection, so that special moments remain just that.



*Image by ASphotofamily on Freepik

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.

12/02/2026

Did you know? Flooding is one of the biggest risks to fine wine collections.

South African wine has been 367 years in the making. Since the first Cape wine was produced in 1659, fine wine has become more than something to enjoy. It is an asset with real value.

As Tarina Vlok, our Managing Director, explains, "Thoughtful cellar design and appropriate temperature control are essential to safeguarding wine, whether it is enjoyed now or held as a long term investment."

Protecting fine wine isn’t just about storage: it’s about understanding the risks and planning for them.



*Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik

11/02/2026

We recently observed , a timely reminder of the importance of staying on top of your insurance cover and make sure it still reflects your vehicle, your lifestyle, and your level of risk. A few practical checks can make a meaningful difference:
• Review your cover annually: Vehicle values typically decrease over time, and your cover should be adjusted accordingly.
• Keep your insurer informed of any changes, from vehicle modifications to home renovations.
•Ensure all non-factory fitted accessories are specifically noted on your policy.
• Follow manufacturer maintenance guidelines and service your vehicle regularly to help avoid unnecessary complications at claims stage.

As Tarina Vlok, Managing Director at Elite Risk, notes:
“Many claims issues can be avoided simply by understanding what your policy actually covers. Your broker plays a critical role in helping you navigate the details and ensuring your cover keeps pace with changes in your life.”



*Image by HelloDavidPradoPerucha on Freepik