What's Happening?

Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin

NEED HELP? QUESTIONS@FIA.ORG.ZA

become A FIA member TODAY
member login

Out Of Office

ARTICLE BY

  • Sharon Paterson
  • CEO
  • Infiniti Insurance Limited

SHARE THIS POST

The holiday season is approaching, and we can expect an increase in home burglary incidents, as criminals are often well-prepared to target their unsuspecting victims while they are away.

Advanced security technology offers unprecedented protection capabilities, but its effectiveness depends on proper implementation and maintenance. This system is integrated with smart home technology that provides comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities when the house is unoccupied. The technologies encompass not only traditional alarm systems but also features such as doorbell cameras, smart locks, and environmental monitoring.

Smart locks enable homeowners to lock and unlock doors from anywhere, while doorbell cameras and monitoring systems provide real-time video footage of what is happening around the property. These security measures will enable clients to remotely monitor and control their home security through smartphone apps while they are on holiday. Clients must consider deploying a visible security system around the house because it acts as a strong deterrent to potential burglars.

Creating the impression of occupancy

Outdoor lighting serves as a critical first line of defence in home security. By illuminating the perimeter and vulnerable entry points, lights effectively deter potential intruders who prefer the anonymity of darkness. Well-lit areas make anyone approaching the property conspicuously visible, discouraging attempted break-ins.

For homes where an external power outlet is not readily available, a variety of effective alternatives exist. Solar-powered lights offer an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient solution. Battery-operated lighting options can also be used to provide flexibility in placement and can be strategically positioned to cover blind spots. The key is to ensure consistent and adequate lighting around all access points, including doors, windows, and any secluded areas around the house.

Installing a day-night switch for lights is an excellent strategy to create the impression of occupancy, providing an effective security measure. These switches automatically turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn, mimicking the natural patterns of an occupied home. Homeowners can strategically place interior lights, especially in living areas, to further enhance the illusion that there is an occupant in the house. Timers can also be used to switch lights on and off at varying intervals, making it appear as though residents are moving about the house.

Managing waste

The festive season, particularly Christmas and New Year, often bring about disruptions to routine services, including refuse collection. It is common for collection schedules to deviate during these periods, which can lead to an accumulation of waste. To mitigate potential issues and maintain home security, it is crucial to manage waste effectively during this period.

Clients must ensure that waste is not placed out if collection is not scheduled. Avoid leaving refuse bins at the curb for extended periods, as this can signal to potential intruders that the home is unoccupied or that the residents are away. Additionally, securely close all waste bins and consider storing them in a less visible location until the designated collection day. Implementing these practices collectively contributes to a robust home security strategy, making your property a less attractive target for intruders.

Be extra vigilant

Never leave doors unlocked or windows open, and always be vigilant in your surroundings. You do not want to come back from the beach to find your valuables, cash and bank cards stolen. Burglars often target victims while they are out to have fun.

Clients must not advertise to the world that they will be away. Be careful what you put on social media – that includes posting lovely holiday photos. You don’t know who your friends’ friends are. Burglaries are seldom random. You and your home can be targeted if it is known that you are away. The fewer people who know when you are away and the more lived-in your home looks, the less likely you are to be a target.

Subscriber Terms and Conditions

  1. APPLICATION OF TERMS
    • These terms and conditions (“Subscriber Terms”) apply to the subscription by any qualifying member of the South African Underwriting Managers Association NPC (“SAUMA”) to the services and benefits offered by FIA Services (Pty) Ltd (“FIA Services”) under the SAUMA affiliation arrangement (“Subscription”).

  2. NATURE OF SUBSCRIPTION
    • A Subscription under this arrangement:
      • does not constitute membership of FIA NPC;
      • does not confer any voting rights or governance participation in FIA NPC; and
      • is governed solely by the contractual relationship between the Subscriber and FIA Services.

  1. ELIGIBILITY
    • To qualify for the Subscription, the applicant must, at the time of application, be a current paid-up member of SAUMA.
    • FIA Services will verify the applicant’s SAUMA membership status with SAUMA prior to activation, and may re-verify such status periodically.
    • If a Subscriber ceases to be a paid-up member of SAUMA, the Subscription will correspondingly be terminated.
    • Applicants are required to authorise FIA Services to confirm their SAUMA membership status with SAUMA as part of the application process.

  1. SERVICES
    • The Subscription entitles the Subscriber to the following benefits:
      • Complimentary access to the FIA CPD Platform;
      • Complimentary access to the FIA Insight Magazine (digital edition);
      • Advertising opportunities on FIA platforms at a discounted rate of 15% (fifteen percent) off the prevailing published rates; and
      • Invitations to attend FIA Technical Webinars annually.
    • FIA Services reserves the right to update, vary or substitute the Services from time to time, provided that the overall value and nature of the benefits remain materially the same.

  1. FEES AND PAYMENT
    • The monthly subscription fee is R260.00 (two hundred and sixty rand) for up to seven registered individuals (Key Individuals and Representatives), and R36.00 (thirty-six rand) per additional registered individual thereafter, excluding VAT.
    • The Subscriber shall provide FIA Services with the required details of each individual to be registered under the Subscription for the purposes of activation and billing.
    • All fees are exclusive of VAT, which shall be charged at the prevailing statutory rate.
    • Subscription fees are reviewed annually in March and may be adjusted with effect from 1 April.
    • Any changes to the Subscription, including but not limited to the number of Representatives and Key Individuals registered under the Subscription, may only be effected once annually during the annual review period in March of each year, with such changes taking effect from 1 April.
    • Subscription fees shall be billed monthly in arrears, unless the Subscriber elects an annual billing cycle at the time of application.
    • The Subscriber shall ensure that all billing information (including contact details, authorised signatories and bank account details) is kept accurate and up to date.
    • Non-payment of subscription fees may result in suspension of access to the Services until such fees are brought up to date.
    • The Subscriber acknowledges and agrees that all subscription fees payable under these Subscriber Terms may be collected by way of debit order, which shall be processed by the holding company, FIA NPC (The Financial Intermediary Association of South Africa), on behalf of FIA Services. Payment to FIA NPC shall be deemed to constitute valid and sufficient discharge of the Subscriber’s payment obligations to FIA Services under these Subscriber Terms.

  1. ONBOARDING
    • Onboarding will be conducted as a Subscription with FIA Services under the SAUMA affiliation arrangement.
    • Onboarding will not confer FIA NPC membership status or any associated rights.
    • Onboarding is conditional on confirmation of the Subscriber’s current SAUMA membership at the time of application

  1. DATA PROTECTION
    • FIA Services will process all personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) as set out in our POPIA policies.
    • By subscribing, the Subscriber authorises FIA Services to confirm their SAUMA membership status with SAUMA and to process personal information for the purposes of fulfilling the Subscription.

  1. TERMINATION
    • The Subscriber may terminate the Subscription by giving FIA Services one calendar month’s written notice.
    • FIA Services may terminate the Subscription on one calendar month’s written notice, or immediately if the Subscriber breaches these Subscriber Terms and fails to remedy such breach within 14 (fourteen) days of receiving written notice.
    • Termination of the SAUMA–FIA Services affiliation agreement shall not automatically terminate these Subscriber Terms.
    • Termination by the Subscriber shall not relieve the Subscriber of liability for any subscription fees accrued up to the effective date of termination.
    • FIA Services may suspend or terminate the Subscription with immediate effect in the event of non-payment of fees by the Subscriber.

  1. GENERAL
    • These Subscriber Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
    • Any disputes arising under these Subscriber Terms shall be dealt with in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions contained in the FIA NPC membership terms and conditions, as modified to reflect that the contractual relationship is with FIA Services.
    • Any notices required under these Subscriber Terms may be validly delivered by email to the addresses provided in the Subscriber’s application form, and such notices shall be deemed received on the day of transmission if sent during business hours.
    • The Subscriber may not assign, cede or transfer any of its rights or obligations under these Subscriber Terms without the prior written consent of FIA Services.
    • No variation of these Subscriber Terms shall be of any force or effect unless reduced to writing and signed by both FIA Services and the Subscriber.