Elite Risk Acceptances

09/09/2026

If you have been following the news lately, chances are you are likely to have heard of El Niño.

El Niño historically tends to shift rainfall patterns in southern Africa, increasing the risk of hotter, drier conditions in many summer rainfall areas, although impacts vary by region. The South African Weather System has warned that current predictions point towards a transition into El Niño conditions, with strengthening expected into spring and early summer.

With summers potentially being hotter and drier, there is an increased risk of fire, damage to outdoor structures, pressure on water systems and impact on valuable assets.

However, preparation against extreme weather can go a long way in reducing vulnerability.

How are you thinking about preparation around changing weather?

28/08/2026

We are proud to have been part of the very first Western Cape edition of the Insurance Conference (TIC) 2026, which recently took place at Plaisir W**e Estate. The event welcomed 250 attendees in person and 3 000 online, bringing together professionals from across the insurance industry.

“I was especially proud to see the Elite team engaging with industry peers, sharing ideas and representing our brand. It was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and be part of conversations about the future of our industry,” says Tandiwe Cimela, our Elite Risk executive, who co-hosted the event alongside Carel Nolte.

Thank you to everyone who made TIC 2026 a success. We look forward to building on the connections and ideas coming out of the event.

CN&CO

26/08/2026

Buying a new vehicle? Don't let the purchase price be your only consideration.

According to Tandiwe Cimela, Executive at Elite Risk, motorists should look beyond affordability and instead consider the total cost of ownership.

"Consumers often assume that the cheaper vehicle will also be cheaper to insure, but that is not necessarily the case," she says. "Insurers consider a wide range of factors, including theft trends, repair costs, parts availability, claims history, safety features and the intended use of the vehicle."

that the real cost of owning a vehicle extends far beyond the monthly instalment?

Insurance premiums, fuel consumption, servicing and maintenance costs, the availability of replacement parts, reliability, resale value and practicality should all form part of the buying decision.

From an underwriting perspective, insurers also consider factors such as the driver's age and experience, where the vehicle is kept overnight, its theft risk, repair costs, replacement value and historical claims data.

"Put another way, a slightly more expensive vehicle with superior safety features, lower theft risk and readily available parts may ultimately cost less to insure and own over its lifetime than a cheaper alternative," Cimela concludes.

21/08/2026

In this article from TopAuto, our executive, Tandiwe Cimela, talks about the hidden risks for anyone who drives an SUV in South Africa.
Thank you for featuring Tandiwe’s insights!

An insurance expert has warned that some SUVs sold in South Africa have a payload capacity issue, which could affect the owner’s insurance claims.

20/08/2026

As South Africa's flower season begins, many homeowners and collectors will be admiring the beauty of indigenous plants and gardens. From rare Clivias and carefully cultivated bonsais to mature indigenous trees and succulents that only grow in certain parts of South Africa: Collections can hold significant financial value.

Demand has also highlighted the importance of protecting valuable plants against risks such as theft.

that between 2018 and 2026, more than 2.5 million plants were seized in plant-poaching cases, with the Succulent Karoo among the hardest-hit regions? According to CapeNature, several rare Conophytum species and subspecies continue to be targeted by poachers, while global demand from collectors has seen some specimens sell for astronomical amounts online.

Against this, here are some tips for policyholders or collectors of sought after or valuable plants:
• Buy rare and high value plants from reputable, accredited nurseries or suppliers only.
• With flower season arriving across South Africa, it's a good reminder that some gardens are home to more than just beautiful blooms. Consider whether your insurance for your outdoor assets adequately reflects the value of your collection.
• Specialist collections often require accurate valuations and the right level of cover to ensure they are protected against theft and other unforeseen events.
• Just as you would insure other high value possessions, it is worth reviewing whether your garden and outdoor assets (including elaborate sculptures) are adequately covered and whether the insured values still reflect their replacement cost.

19/08/2026

Elite Risk Acceptances is proud to be a partner of the inaugural Insurance Conference Western Cape.

Held from 20–21 August 2026 at Plaisir W**e Estate, Cape W**elands, the conference will bring together insurance professionals from across South Africa and span two days. It aims to challenge conventional thinking, explore new ideas, strengthen relationships and have meaningful conversations about the future of insurance.

We look forward to engaging with delegates and contributing to conversations that will help shape the future of our industry.

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.

19/08/2026

Every August South Africa observes Women’s Month. And yet, while our country has made significant strides towards gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across many industries, including insurance.

At Elite Risk, we're proud to have a different story to tell. Since the company's inception, Elite Risk has been led by women because of the exceptional skills, experience and leadership they bring to the business.

"Every woman at Elite Risk has been appointed on merit, bringing a unique combination of expertise, industry knowledge and leadership. It is a privilege to build on and be part of that legacy," says Tandiwe Cimela, our executive.

Tandiwe joined Elite Risk in 2022 as its Chief Operations Officer and took over as its lead executive earlier in 2026, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the business.

This Women's Month, we celebrate not only the women leading Elite Risk, but every woman across our business whose talent, dedication and expertise contribute to our continued success. Happy Women’s Month!

07/08/2026

Art can form an important part of a wealth portfolio, but preserving its value requires careful management.

Here are a few practical habits that can help protect the long-term value of an art collection:

• Buy pieces that genuinely appeal to you. Art is often an illiquid asset, meaning you may own a work for many years before its value is realised.
• Look after your collection. Like other valuable physical assets, artworks require ongoing maintenance. For example, painting should be appropriately framed to help preserve their condition.
• Document everything. Details such as the title, artist, creation date and aquisition information, along with invoices and certificates of authenticity, can be important for insurers, future buyers or heirs.

Understanding and managing your collection is an important step in preserving both its financial and cultural value.

06/08/2026

Close to 70% of vehicles sold in South Africa are imported, driven largely by affordable options from India and the growing market share of Chinese manufacturers. However, recent reports have raised concerns around the safety of some entry-level vehicles sold in South Africa.

The most affordable version of the GWM Haval Jolion sold locally recently received a two-star safety rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) during crash testing conducted in Germany. Similarly, recent Automobile Association (AA) crash tests have highlighted concerns around the crash protection offered by certain entry-level models available in the local market.

But that vehicle safety can have a significant impact on both road safety and insurance risk?

"A vehicle's safety rating is an important indicator of risk, yet it is often overlooked," says Tandiwe Cimela, Executive at Elite Risk. "While insurers do not determine premiums solely based on crash-test ratings, vehicles with stronger safety credentials generally present a lower overall risk profile and can contribute positively to underwriting assessments."

Tandiwe says that with so many new vehicle brands entering the South African market, it is important for policyholders to ask several key questions before making a purchase.

"Besides considering whether the vehicle has been independently crash tested and what safety rating it achieved, consider its availability of replacement parts, expected repair and maintenance costs, and whether there is a well-established dealer and repair network," she says.

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.

29/07/2026

With winter rainfall setting in across South Africa, homeowners should take extra care to protect their homes from moisture and water-related damage.

To help protect and preserve the integrity of a home, homeowners should:

• Keep gutters and downpipes clear and free of leaks to prevent water damage.
• Ensure water drains away from the property and does not pool around foundations.
• Keep masonry and timber joinery well-maintained using appropriate breathable paints.
• Check that windows are properly sealed to prevent water ingress.
• Treat rust as soon as it appears to prevent further deterioration.
• Keep invasive tree roots away from the structure.
• Ensure air vents remain unblocked and that there is adequate airflow beneath floors.

Protecting a house is about more than maintenance – it is about preserving a safe space for future owners.