Brokers look to digital tools to reclaim time for client engagement
Two-thirds of brokers say they want plain-language breakdowns of extensions and exclusions, according to the 2025 Santam Insurance Barometer.
Insurance
Legacy network shutdown puts insurance cover at risk
As 2G and 3G networks are retired by end-2027, thousands of vehicle trackers and alarm systems could go dark – potentially invalidating policy terms.
Life sentence for man who killed farmer for insurance pay-out
The court found that Francisco Erasmus befriended an elderly Oudtshoorn couple before plotting a brutal murder to claim life insurance benefits.
Old Mutual and YuLife partner on digital-first employee benefits programme
The new offering pairs group risk cover with gamified wellness tools to meet the rising demand for digitally enabled workplace benefits.
FAIS Ombud finds broker negligent for failing to update client’s contact details
The material change from a co-policyholder to a sole policyholder should have alerted the FSP of the need to review the policy.
Employer medical boarding doesn’t guarantee a disability insurance payout
Even when an employer’s doctor declares an employee unfit, group policy definitions such as ‘Own Occupation’ vs ‘Any Occupation’ can lead to claim denials.
Grace period doesn’t prevent insurers from rejecting a claim
Some insurers send SMS or email reminders, but it is the policyholder’s responsibility to ensure that an overdue premium is paid.
Misclassified vehicle use – a reminder to provide adequate advice
An FSP failed to ensure that a client was made aware of the implications of modifying his policy, resulting in an insurance claim denial.
Increase in penalty for late insurance returns
The FSCA has raised the maximum daily penalty for late submissions under insurance legislation by 4.39%.
Enhanced underwriting and pricing drive Old Mutual Insure’s performance
The operating profit more than doubled in 2024, while gross written premiums increased by 9%.
Judgment in Delta case highlights D&O insurance limitations
With directors held accountable for undisclosed deals and conflicts of interest, the judgment brings to light the crucial issue of whether D&O policies will stand behind executives embroiled in misconduct.
Sanlam fires on all cylinders, delivering strong earnings and new business
The group recorded double-digit earnings, robust new business volumes, and an increased dividend, all underpinned by its tri-regional focus.
Sanlam advances Assupol integration to strengthen retail mass operations
With the integration of Assupol well under way, Sanlam is working to streamline its operations and enhance its market position.
Santam’s earnings surge despite troubling weather and vehicle claims
Nearly all business units report strong growth in new business volumes.
Where consumers spend and where they try to save
A DebtBusters study provides interesting insights into how South Africans in different income bands prioritise their spending outside of debt repayments.
Implications for the insurance industry of expropriation without compensation
Although expropriation itself is generally an excluded event, there may be knock-on effects that could impact the insurance sector.
Landmark ruling by UK court in business interruption test case
South Africa’s courts have taken much guidance from the judgments emerging from the United Kingdom relating to Covid-19.
