South African insurance analysis

Insights

Short-term insurance case law, technical coverage analysis, ombudsman case outcomes and SASRIA special-risk news - explained clearly for South African policyholders and brokers.

Case Law

Seepi v King Price: Why Undisclosed Minor Incidents Can Defeat a Motor Claim

The Gauteng High Court dismissed a Mercedes claim after the insured admitted he had not disclosed two earlier minor incidents. The judgment also shows that a policyholder must prove the insured accident occurred as alleged.

3 Sep 2026 · 4 min read

Renasa v Watson: Insurer’s Burden of Proof in Arson Fire Claims

The Supreme Court of Appeal confirmed that an insurer alleging arson, fraud or failure to prevent a loss must prove its repudiation defence on a balance of probabilities. Suspicion and possible motive alone were not enough in Renasa Insurance Company Limited v Watson and Another.

11 Aug 2026 · 5 min read

Clifford v Commercial Union: Why Vehicle Details Can Be Material to a Motor Claim

The Supreme Court of Appeal held that an incorrect vehicle manufacturing year was material where it expanded the insurer’s potential liability under a “new for old” theft benefit. The case remains an important illustration of why proposal-form details must be accurate and why materiality depends on the cover and risk involved.

30 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Ombudsman Case Outcomes

Cell Phone Insurance Claims: SIM Cards, Device Updates and Theft Exclusions

Cell phone insurance can fail at claim stage when the wrong SIM is used, a replacement device is not added to the policy, or theft conditions are not met. Learn the key issues raised by the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa.

11 Aug 2026 · 4 min read

SASRIA & Special Risk Insurance

Sasria and IISA Skills Programmes Aim to Build South Africa’s Short-Term Insurance Talent Pipeline

Sasria and the Insurance Institute of South Africa have introduced two development programmes intended to combine NQF Level 5 learning with workplace exposure for 54 prospective insurance professionals. The initiative focuses on emerging brokers, loss adjusters, youth employment and broader sector transformation.

20 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Sasria profit rises to R4.5bn as capital recovery supports future risk plans

Sasria reported a 34.1% rise in annual profit to R4.5 billion for the year ended 31 March 2025. Higher investment income, improved insurance results and lower net reinsurance costs lifted own funds to R18.6 billion, strengthening its ability to absorb severe special-risk losses while it considers a broader future role.

20 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Decentralisation for Natural Catastrophes: What It Could Mean for Insurance Resilience

Natural hazards, civil unrest and terrorism can all cause severe losses, but their risk patterns differ. Decentralised catastrophe planning may help spread decision-making, improve local response and strengthen insurance resilience.

20 Jul 2026 · 4 min read