High Court rejects challenge to SASRIA’s treatment of co-owned properties
The insurer’s differentiation between co-owners was rationally connected to its risk-management objectives.
Insurance
Why South Africa’s changing fire risk matters to insurers
Evolving buildings and technologies are complicating structural fires, increasing the importance of prevention, resilience, municipal capacity, and effective risk transfer.
Insurer cannot rely on policy terms after adviser’s misrepresentation
A policyholder’s godfather was recorded as her father despite the adviser knowing the true relationship, leading to a ruling that the insurer must pay the claim.
It may be claim number 49. It’s their worst day.
A routine interaction for an insurance professional can be a crisis for the person on the other side, making empathy a practical part of the job.
Claim delay exposes importance of keeping policyholders informed
An NFO case highlights the requirements of Rule 17.8.6 and the consequences when an insurer fails to communicate during a prolonged claims process.
Not every medical non-disclosure justifies claim rejection
The Appeal Tribunal found that an undisclosed diagnostic test was not material to the insurer’s assessment of the risk and ordered the claim to be paid.
Landlord’s fire claim fails after tenant-created hazard goes undisclosed
The NFO found that a property owner could not avoid responsibility for an increased risk where poor construction, electrical defects, and tenant conduct contributed to the loss.
Tribunal ruling reinforces substance over form in insurance
CDH says the decision highlights the risks for businesses that incorporate cover or risk-transfer arrangements into broader commercial offerings.
The race to reach a fire before it becomes a total loss
Private firefighting networks, connected smoke detectors, and faster emergency response are giving insurers new ways to limit losses before flames engulf a home.
Can AARTO make better drivers – and smarter underwriting?
Old Mutual Insure says demerit points could eventually influence underwriting, but only if they prove to be a reliable predictor of insurance risk.
Could AARTO eventually affect your insurance premium?
SAIA says international precedent exists, but insurers will need years of reliable data before drawing any conclusions.
Refundable ‘premium’ sinks taxpayer’s insurance deduction
The High Court finds that most of the payment was a recoverable, interest-bearing deposit rather than expenditure incurred for genuine insurance cover.
Santam joins insurers rewarding claim-free customers with cashback
The new programme pays qualifying policyholders 10% of premiums back after claim-free periods, reflecting the growing use of rewards to build customer loyalty.
Living benefits dominate claims among under-30s
Discovery’s claims data highlights how illness and disability can disrupt a young adult’s financial future long before retirement planning begins.
Income protection dispute turns on 10% increase versus CPI cap
The Appeal Tribunal found that voluntary pre-claim benefit increases were distinct from post-claim escalation and could not be used to support a fixed 10% increase.
NFO’s only non-life final ruling of 2025 turns on theft, not ‘missing items’
Even though the SAPS case was marked ‘unfounded’, the NFO held this did not prove there had been no theft, and the policy claim fell within cover on the facts.
CPD deadline days away: MBSE highlights immediate-access course options
Professionals still have time to complete any outstanding hours, but they should avoid leaving enrolment to the weekend.
