Empty buildings = bigger risks

Whether it’s a holiday home unoccupied for extended periods, a rental property between tenants, or a commercial building in the process of being sold, property owners may not realise that leaving a building vacant significantly increases its exposure to insurance risk. Why unoccupancy increases risk A building that is regularly occupied benefits from constant oversight. […]

The latest cellphone theft tactic

At Safire, we encourage our clients to take proactive steps to protect their property and belongings such as mobile phones, which are not only valuable but often carry personal data and access to banking apps. Nearly 200 mobile phones are stolen daily in South Africa. Being vigilant and taking simple precautions can reduce the risk […]

Extending your vehicle’s lifespan

Smart tips to help extend the lifespan of your vehicle Keeping your vehicle in peak running condition for longer makes good sense. Regular maintenance and sensible behaviour can save you money, reduce breakdowns, and protect your investment 1. Stick to service schedules Regular servicing is critical – not just for performance, but also to maintain […]

Keep your property maintained

According to the latest annual report of the National Financial Ombud Scheme, 40% of complaints received in 2024 related to damage caused by natural events. The number of claims rejected for wear and tear increased by 7% compared to 2023, while household contents insurance claims saw an 18% rise in rejections linked to poor maintenance. […]

Driving under the influence

Drunk driving remains a leading cause of road deaths in South Africa, which has one of the highest alcohol-related vehicle accident rates in the world. Authorities report that during the recent festive season, ahead of the Christmas Day and Day of Goodwill holidays, the number of people arrested for violating traffic laws since the start […]

Ensuring solar system safety

Solar panels have become standard features on residential, commercial and industrial buildings across the world. However, the rapid expansion of the global solar market, along with an increase of component suppliers and installers, has heightened the risk of potentially unsafe solar systems. During 2025, local industry reports, firefighters and insurer feedback indicate that property damage […]

Staying safe during the festive season

As we approach the end of the year, for many of us it’s a time to relax with family and friends. Here are a few reminders on how to stay safe and enjoy an accident-free, incident-free holiday. When driving: If you are planning a longer trip, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy well before you […]

How to safely switch mobile phones

It’s been a good year, so you’ve decided to treat yourself to a fancy new mobile phone. The question is: how do you save what you want and delete what you should before selling or passing on the old one? Getting it wrong could be a nightmare of lost information and could also compromise your […]

Safire Insurance partners with Cordwalles Prep and Amathuba again

Seen here are (from left to right) Khanya Ngobese (Safire), Nomfundo Khowane (Safire), Zethembiso Msomi (Safire), Mbali Mkhulisi (Safire) and Hlengiwe Mdlangathi (Brokoop). On Friday 24 October, 95 staff members from Safire Insurance, Shackleton Risk Management, and Brokoop Insurance Brokers planted 60 indigenous trees in a local school’s forest. Pupils from Safire’s scholarship programme took […]

Storm season is coming

Storm season readiness: safeguarding your property At Safire, we believe that proactive risk management is the cornerstone of sound insurance practice. Taking steps to reduce risk before disaster strikes not only safeguards one’s assets but also helps ensure smoother claims processes and predictable outcomes. As climate patterns shift and extreme weather becomes more frequent, property […]