“The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s turn-around time for fixing potholes and the tarring of roads [is] currently affected due to the national shortage of bitumen…,” said spokesperson Kupido Baron in a statement.

Bitumen is an oily black substance which binds tar and makes it waterproof.

According to the website of the SA Bitumen Association, the shortage started when a fire broke out at the Engen refinery in Durban on October 10.

Bitumen production was expected to resume on November 23, but would probably only be readily available in December, said chairperson Phillip Hechter.

Baron said other materials, including gravel, were being used as a temporary measure to fix potholes.

All potholes would be properly repaired when the bitumen supply resumed, he said.

- SAPA

On Insurance Chat we have discussed the need for tyre insurance in a post titled “Potholes and road damage drive demand for tyre insurance in South Africa”

Also view:

Can I claim for Pothole Damage?

Car Insurer joins the fight against pothole claims with Pothole Brigade

Potholes and Car Insurance

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Pretoria Flying Squad members arrested three men when they came across the suspected chop shop in Soshanguve while working on another investigation in the township on Tuesday.

The police officers and a member of a vehicle tracking company were searching the area for a suspected stolen car when they picked up the signal from a motorbike that had been stolen in Pretoria on Friday night.

Closing in on the signal, police found dozens of motorcycles lined up next to each other on a property.

Four were identified as stolen.

Police have sealed off the property and detectives are investigating how many others have been stolen.

Officers at the scene said that when they raided the property they found several men stripping the bike whose signal they had picked up and had been tracking.

An officer said the superbike, a Yamaha Fazer 1000cc, had been stolen from outside a motorbike shop in Capital Park on Friday.

“Police from the Flying Squad were tracing another vehicle in the Soshanguve area when they picked up the signal from the motorbike.

“Following the signal they came to a house in the township where they found dozens of motorbikes.

“Searching the yard in which the bikes were found, they discovered the motorbike whose signal they were following.” This motorcycle had been stripped.

“While searching the yard, police found another three superbikes with chassis numbers that had been altered.

“These motorbikes, along with the stripped motorbike, were seized.”

Three men in their mid-20s were arrested on charges of being in possession of suspected stolen motorbikes.

The trio were believed to be members of a motorbike theft syndicate.

“We believe that the syndicate is responsible for the theft of superbikes across the province.

“We also suspect that the members of the syndicate are stealing these bikes for spare parts.”

The officer said the men would appear in the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court soon. – [ Story by Graeme Hoskin appeared in Pretoria News]

Also view:

MiWay now provides insurance for bikers by bikers

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3. 3 Attorneys arrested in Pretoria for defrauding the Road Accident Fund

I have been driving in SA for the past 10 years using my international license. HOW can i get my SA license?

Answer:

A foreign driving licence can only be exchanged within 1 year of the holder thereof obtaining permanent residence. The Department has published draft regulations for comment that will extend this period to 5 years. It is rumoured that the regulations will be published before the end of this Month. Please check the Government gazette and www.info.gov.za.

In addition to the above the licence should have been obtained while the holder thereof was not ordinarily resident in South Africa i.e. the holder was not on holiday in the country of issue.

The licence must still be valid in the country of issue.

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The devastating floods in Queensland state that forced evacuation in Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city, are expected to be a near $1 billion event for insurers, though reinsurance is seen covering more than half of it.

That would mean the flood cost to insurers would rank along with the Perth and Melbourne storms last year and the Victorian bush fires in 2009, data from the Insurance Council of Australia showed.

In the first estimates of insurance claims tied to the floods, that are seen shaving up to 1 percent off GDP,
Queensland state’s top insurer Suncorp said reinsurance protection would limit its costs at up to A$90 million.

“The reality of it is, the event is so big that it is some one else’s problem now. It is over to the reinsurers,” said Paul Biddle, a fund manager at Celeste Funds Management, which owns Insurance Australia Group
shares.

Analysts said the reinsurers impacted included General Reinsurance, Swiss Re , Munich Re (MUVGn.DE) and Lloyds of London .

“The market will get some sense now,” Biddle said, referring to the more than 10 percent drop in Suncorp shares in the past month on fears of mounting claims.

Shares in Australian insurers were all higher on Thursday, with Suncorp up 0.6 percent, rebounding from a five-month low hit on Wednesday. IAG shares were up 1.6 percent in afternoon trade.

CLAIMS SO FAR

IAG said it has got 2,400 claims so far from the events tied to southeast Queensland and 1,200 due to heavy rains late last year in the state, which would cost it up to A$30 million.

While IAG said it was too early to assess the impact of the floods in Brisbane, analysts put the number at well below the reinsurance trigger of A$150 million.

Other insurers, who play a meaningful role in the region include QBE Insurance , Allianz and RACV
Insurance. These insurers have not commented on the claims and the total cost is based on the average of four analysts’ views.

IAG should be able to meet its insurance margin forecast of 10.5 to 12.5 percent and still have about two-thirds of its A$300 million weather-related allowance left for the half year for future events, the analysts said.

IAG has said it has a natural peril allowance of A$435 million for the year and it would use up to A$140 million in the six months to December.

Analysts, who raised their earnings forecasts by between 5 and 10 percent last week for IAG, said they would shave off half of it after IAG’s announcement.

While reinsurance protected a cost blowout for Suncorp, it surprised investors with a A$120 million cost to reinstate reinsurance cover. This forced analysts to cut already narrowed forecasts by a further 10 to 12 percent.

The reinsurance reinstatement would give Suncorp cover for a further two events between now and June,
analysts said.

(Reuters – Reporting by Narayanan Somasundaram; Editing by Sonali Paul and Dhara Ranasinghe)

Also view:

“Video captures scene as vehicles are swept away by floods in Australia”

What is flood insurance in Australia?

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Earlier this week we share a blog post titled “Video captures scene as vehicles are swept away by floods in Australia”

These floods will have a significant impact on the financial, and especially the insurance industry in Australia. Much has been written  – and will still be written-  about this topic. We would like to share some info provided by the Insurance Council of Australia on flood insurance:

The Insurance Council of Australia provides information about Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance in Australia – some useful information

Key Points

• The general insurance industry is working on developing greater access to flood insurance products for Australian communities., including a national flood information database (NFID) and a minimum standard definition for inland flood, to support better understanding of the risks to the community.
• Using NFID, where respective state governments have provided access to flood maps, flood cover will be able to be offered on terms relative to the known risks of the location.
• Ongoing co-operation and data sharing with government is essential to ensuring that the risks can be mapped and understood.

Background

• Flood is a persistent risk in the Australian community that traditionally accounts for one third of natural hazard damage.
• There are several inundation risks captured by the general term ‘flood’. Community interest and focus on flooding has traditionally been restricted to rivers and creeks overflowing their banks due to long duration rainfall over large catchment areas.
• Flash Flooding, a significant part of the flood risk, is produced by high intensity but short duration storms producing localised flooding conditions. Inundation risks related to stormsurge and tsunamis are also risks faced, albeit to a lesser extent by the Australian community.
• Many legacy land-use decisions and a general lack of availability of accurate flood mapping, have contributed to a situation where flood cover is not widely available to consumers.
• The 1974 Brisbane City flood provides a graphic example of the underinsured or noninsured economic impacts that were borne by the community and the government, where a total economic impact of $980M was experienced with insureds having cover to $68M.

In 2007 dollar terms, should such a flood ever be repeated, this represents a potential insurance loss of $1.8Bn and a simply staggering uninsured loss for both government and the affected community. An increase in the availability of affordable flood insurance for the community is imperative, a project that the Insurance Council of Australia is
currently engaged in.
• Notwithstanding the prospect that flood insurance may become more widely available in the future for certain types of inundation, the Insurance Council estimates that there are approximately 170,000 homes in the community where a high flooding risk may lead to high localised premiums or a simple lack of availability where insurers cannot accept the risk level.
• The key for consumers today, is to ensure that they are informed of the current flood risks to their home and to take feasible and available mitigation steps.

Determining the risk to your home

• Flood maps are available for some Australian communities that primarily focus on rivers and creeks. In some cases these maps also cover historical localised flooding due to overtaxed drains, etc (flash flooding).
• In many regional areas, Australian governments and other agencies have studied, analysed and modelled the risks by producing flood maps showing areas of inundation for 1:100 year flood events. While the style and content of these maps may differ they will all classically focus on highlighting geographic areas generally referred to as “flood
zones” or flood “overlays”, simply meaning those places at greatest risk of flood. The zones and overlays identify areas that have been flooded in the past, or are predicted to flood in the future. History shows approximately 80 percent of all flood loss occurs within these areas.
• In Australia flood mapping is typically the remit of your Local Council or a floodplain management authority. In determining if there is a flood risk to your property consumers should approach the Local Council or floodplain management authority and ask if your property is known to be affected by flooding. Many States require Local Councils to develop and implement natural hazard and environmental information as part of development controls.

Some States also require this information to be provided as part of various property purchasing processes in an effort to ensure that consumers are made aware of any latent risks with the property in question.
• If, as a consumer, you have not been given flood risk information as part of your State’s property purchasing process you should seek out the Local Council and/or floodplain management authority and request whatever information is available.
• Consumers should be aware that many factors can influence the accuracy of flood mapping including building development, road works, new agricultural growth, changes to river & creek catchments as well as changes to drainage and sewer arrangements for your area. Frequent re-familiarisation of the risks through engagement with your local
council and/or floodplain management authority is essential.

Protecting your home if subject to flood risk

• Apart from choosing to not establish a home in an area of known flood risk – the most prudent prevention method – there are personal flood mitigation actions that can be taken that may reduce the level of impact experienced during a flood. As part of its climate change adaptation program, the Insurance Council of Australia is developing property protection guidelines which provide high level guidance on risk mitigation for flood events.
• Consumers in a known flood zone or overlay should familiarise themselves with their Local Council’s emergency management plan or any flood awareness material provided by your local council, floodplain management authority or state emergency service agency for information that will help protect both yourself and to some extent your
property.
• Consumers can also familiarise themselves with flood preparation guidance offered by Emergency Management Australia.

Determining if you are covered for flood

• Consumers with property and contents insurance, who may be at risk of flood damage, should review the terms and conditions of their cover by reading their Policy Disclosure Statement (PDS). Characteristically, restrictions on policy cover are listed as exclusions which detail the circumstances under which cover is not applicable. If in doubt make
contact with your insurer to clarify the extent of cover currently held and your insurance
needs.

The Insurance Council’s flood insurance project

• Following on from the considerable research and work undertaken by the general insurance industry on the issue of flood mitigation and management, the Insurance Council Board endorsed an approach for the industry to pursue a framework which will lead to flood coverage becoming available for nearly all households in Australia.
• The industry has also reaffirmed its commitment to working in partnership with Governments to address the issues of flood mitigation and management, noting that flood remains a significant community issue that stands to worsen with the various inundation predictions arising from current climate change models.
• The Insurance Council believes a partnership approach with Government and the general insurance industry is needed to find ways in which community understanding of flood risk and its management can be increased. This includes flood insurance being made more widely available when the risk of flooding is reduced to an acceptable level
through mitigation measures.
• To reduce consumer confusion, the general insurance industry worked to develop a voluntary common definition for inland flood. It is envisaged that this definition of flood would be adopted on a voluntary basis by individual insurers; i.e. – insurers would remain free to offer coverage to alternative definitions for flood, with consumers able to use the
voluntary common definition as a reference point for comparison of the product actually being offered.
• The primary obstacle to achieving greater market availability of flood cover for the majority of households, is the ability for insurers to understand and price the risk.

NFID – National Flood Information Database

• Development and maintenance of flood maps and how they impact upon the built environment is a role typically left to local government authorities and/or floodplain management authorities in each of the states.
• In some instances there are highly accurate flood maps made available to the community and industry, upon which reasonable risk decisions can be made. In other instances no flood mapping is or can be made available, leaving a situation where local communities and insurers are unsure of the extent of the risk.
• The general insurance industry is preparing a national property database using available government flood studies, provided by each respective State.
• This database will be employed by Insurance Council members to test the risk applicable to an insured’s property and then to offer flood cover if the risk is within the insurers own calibrated limits.
• Apart from engendering a knowledge environment where the predicted risk to all flood prone homes will be able to be understood, quantified and priced according to individual underwriting tastes, the industry will also be in a position to work closely with government on those areas collectively identified as being at extreme peril and beyond the risk
appetite of the market.
• A key ingredient for the success of this project is the availability of and access to all current flood mapping, in all its diverse forms presently held by government agencies.

Working with Government(s)

• Insurance Council of Australia research indicates that a joint industry-government approach for flood insurance has been successfully undertaken by several OECD countries and it is our hope that this success can be replicated in Australia.
• The Insurance Council and Government have engaged on the flood issue through the newly formed National Flood Risk Advisory Group (NFRAG) operating under COAG.
• The key ‘ask’ from industry to government(s) on this issue is the provision of all available flood mapping data currently held at local, state and federal agencies, for incorporation in the national flood map.
• Consumers may not be able to access flood cover in areas where local or state government have not provided access to flood studies and maps.

Contact
Karl Sullivan
General Manager
Policy Risk & Disaster Planning

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A friend on Facebook shared a link to vehicles being swept away by floods in Australia!!

Our hearts go out to the owners of these vehicles – and the car insurance companies who have to cover much of the damage from flooding in Australia!!

We would like to urge motorists to view the following sections on the Arrive Alive website:

Safe Driving in Heavy rains
Escape and safety from a vehicle submerged under water
4×4 Vehicles and water crossings
Car Insurance and engine damage from driving through water

Click to view Video!!

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But what about the bike?…. accidents do happen  – and we need to protect our bikes from harm!!

Motorbike insurance can be regarded as “specialized” insurance – most insurance companies might provide such insurance – but might not have the expertise and know-how to provide the best rates and advice and assist in the swift and effective repair of the bike!

There are however insurance companies who have equipped themselves with the expertise to provide competitive rates and quality advice on the repair of damaged bikes. It might be well worth the effort to put a bit more attention into finding the best insurance company to protect your bike!!

We would like to advise bikers with the following on tips on motorbike insurance:

• Ask other bikers where they are insured and why they are insured at those companies.
• Ask them whether they have a claims history with that company. What has the experience been like?
• Also enquire more info from the motorbike retailer and ask for suggestions on where to insure.
• Shop around at several insurance companies –you should at least be able to compare three different quotes.
• Cheapest is not always the best – enquire about the financial sustainability of the company if it is not a well known brand.

I could not resist sharing the photos on this Blog post from an email received, titled “Don’t leave your bike with granny!!”

Robert might have his bike well protected -but he will still need motorbike insurance!!

Also visit the following sections:

• Motorcycle Safety 101
• Road Safety & Training Motorcyclists

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Question:

What does the legislation in South Africa stipulate about wearing seatbelts?

Answer:

National Road Traffic Act

Regulation 213 (1)

For the purpose of this regulation–

1. an adult is a person over the age of 14 years or taller than one comma five metres; and
2. a child is a person between the age of three years and 14 years, except where such person is taller than one comma five metres.

(2) Any reference to a safety belt in these regulations shall be construed as a reference to a seat belt.

(3) (a) Motor vehicles which are required to be fitted with seatbelts in terms of the relevant requirements as contemplated in regulation 216, shall be fitted with seatbelts in accordance therewith.

2. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a), no person shall operate a minibus the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 2 500 kg, unless seatbelts are fitted to the space on the front seat occupied by the driver, and if such front seat has seating accommodation for passengers, unless seatbelts are fitted for the driver and at least one passenger.
3. No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public road unless the seatbelts fitted to such motor vehicle are in good working order.
4. Seatbelts fitted to a motor vehicle may only be removed for repair or replacement purposes and such motor vehicle may not be used on a public road while such seatbelts are being repaired or replaced.

(4) No adult shall occupy a seat in a motor vehicle operated on a public road which is fitted with a seatbelt unless such person wears such seatbelt: Provided that the provisions of this regulation do not apply while reversing or moving in or out of a parking bay or area.

(5) No adult shall occupy a seat on a row of seats in a motor vehicle operated on a public road which is not fitted with a seatbelt, unless all other seats on such row which are fitted with seatbelts, are already occupied.

(6) The driver of a motor vehicle operated on a public road shall ensure that a child seated on a seat of the motor vehicle–

1. where it is available in the motor vehicle, uses an appropriate child restraint; or
2. if no child restraint is available, wears the seatbelt if an unoccupied seat which is fitted with a seatbelt is available.

(7) If no seat, equipped with a seatbelt is available in a motor vehicle the driver of the motor vehicle operated on a public road shall ensure that a child shall, if such motor vehicle is equipped with a rear seat, be seated on such rear seat.

(8) (a) A seatbelt shall comply with the standard specification SABS 1080 “Restraining devices for occupants of adult build in motor vehicles (Revised requirements)” and bear a certification mark or approval mark.

(b) A child restraint shall comply with the standard specification SABS 1340 “Child restraining devices in motor vehicles” and bear a certification mark or approval mark.

(9) The MEC may exempt a person from the provisions of this regulation on such medical grounds and under such conditions he or she may deem expedient

(10) An exemption from wearing a seatbelt in a prescribed territory shall be deemed to be an exemption in terms of subregulation (9) for the period of validity thereof.

Also View:

• Seatbelt Safety
• Child Restraints and Road Safety

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Yesterday I received a call from my mom after another elderly lady reversed into the door of her car in a parking area. Fortunately she remained calm and had a good idea of which information to gather after the “accident”. She went to her insurance broker and received guidance from a lady at the office. It appears that the office management have started their holiday and fortunately the office remains open till next week.

This however raises a very important question – can you reach your car insurance broker or car insurer if you are in an accident between Christmas and New Years? Have you been informed of office closures and contact details during this time? It becomes even more important to vehicle owners who are travelling outside of their normal environment where towing companies and vehicle repair shops are not well acquainted with the vehicle owners.

Reaching your car insurance broker is not a dilemma for those insured through direct insurers. They are regularly dealing with the broker on the phone and the broker is not a specific person- – but a company with hundreds of call centre assistants – and staff members are available 24/7.

Many of us have however dealt with individual brokers and family brokerage businesses for many years. It is most likely that the offices of these businesses might be closed from i.e. 20 December – 3 January. It is important that you as vehicle owners will be made aware of contacts and telephone numbers to call in the event of an emergency!

We would like to urge vehicle owners to include this enquiry in their planning before they start their holiday travels. Contact your broker and insurer and have the correct contact details and procedures for insurance claims and repairs available in your vehicle. This small bit of preparation could save you much stress and grief after an accident!

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1. WHY IS THE CAREER OF TRAFFIC OFFICER’S SO IMPORTANT?

Traffic Officer’s enforce the road rules and signs.  They ensure that all road users including pedestrians use our roads in an orderly and safe manner.  The main purpose of Traffic Officer’s is to ensure the safe and free flow of traffic to prevent road crashes and deaths on our roads.

2. WHAT DOES ONE DO IN THIS CAREER?

A distinction is made between Provincial Traffic Officers and Municipal Traffic Officers. Provincial Traffic Officers perform their duties within the boundaries of Provinces and Municipal Traffic Officers perform their duties within the boundaries of Municipalities. Provincial Traffic Officers are also known as Provincial Inspectors. They enforce compliance of the National Road Traffic Act, National Land Transport Act and Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act. They control traffic, inspect vehicles for roadworthiness and enforce road traffic signs and rules of the road.

3. WHAT WILL THE WORKPLACE BE LIKE?

Provincial Inspectors and Traffic Officers spent most of their working hours outdoors on the roads. A small portion of their time is spent in courtrooms and offices doing administrative duties. They do their patrol duties mainly in motorcars and some on motorcycles and on foot.

4. WHAT INSTRUMENTS, TOOLS OR MATERIALS WILL ONE WORK WITH?

Speed-measuring apparatus, alcohol test apparatus, measuring tapes, mass-measuring apparatus, summons books, infringement notices etc.

5. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS OF THIS CAREER?

• Advantages:    Working with people and helping them to obey traffic rules, assisting to reduce the number of road crashes and thus saving lives.
• Drawbacks:     Be able to work with people with various personalities, having to work during holidays and weekends.  Performing duties in all weather conditions.

6. HOW DO I BECOME A TRAFFIC OFFICER?

You first need to be employed by Provincial Government, Municipality or Government Agency such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation or Cross Border Road Transport Agency. Vacant posts are advertised by these Authorities in the Open Media.

You therefore need to check your local and national newspapers on a regular basis.  You may also contact any Local or Provincial Authority directly to enquire whether vacancies exist and when posts will be advertised.

7. WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A TRAFFIC OFFICER?

• South African Citizenship
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• No criminal record
• Code B driving Licence ( manual transmission)
• Medical Certificate – that a person may do strenuous exercises.
• Applicants shall not be older than 35 years of age

8.WHERE DO I TRAIN AS A TRAFFIC OFFICER?

Once you are employed as a Traffic Officer / Traffic Trainee you will be sent to one of the 12 Traffic Colleges approved by the Minister of Transport.  Only the following Traffic Colleges and Metro Police Academies may currently train Traffic Officers in South Africa.

9. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A METRO POLICE OFFICER AND A TRAFFIC OFFICER?

Metro Police Officers are trained as Traffic Officers and on certain functions of Police Officers.  Before you can become a Metro Police Officer you must be trained and registered as a Traffic Officer.  In addition to all their duties as Traffic Officers; Metro Police Officers also focus on crime prevention and the enforcement of Municipal by-laws.

10. CAN I STILL TRAIN ON MY OWN AS A TRAFFIC OFFICER EVEN IF I AM NOT EMPLOYED?

No, however, you can study Traffic Management related courses at various FET Colleges or Universities.  These courses give you an advantage should Authorities advertise Traffic Officers posts.

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