COVER Magazine

Classic Cars, 4x4s & More: How Cross Country Protects Passionate Collectors

Cross Country has spent 24 years developing a niche insurance offering that goes beyond traditional motor cover. Specialising in 4x4 vehicles, classic cars, and adventure-driven policies, the company stands out for its deep understanding of client passions. Whether covering rare vintage vehicles or supporting adventurous off-roaders, Cross Country ensures seamless protection, including repatriation, emergency medical assistance, and tailored risk solutions. By working closely with brokers and exclusive clubs, they’ve built a reputation for delivering personalised, value-driven cover. Their approach isn’t just about insuring assets—it’s about safeguarding the entire lifestyle that comes with them. 

Specialist Lines: The Future of Broker Success

Join Tony from COVER as he speaks with Austin Mpandawana, the Manager for Specialist Lines at Renasa. In this insightful conversation, Austin discusses the evolving role of brokers in the commercial motor insurance space, the growth of specialist lines, and the vital partnership between Renasa and its brokers. They explore how brokers are adapting to new challenges, such as fleet management and risk mitigation, and how Renasa is supporting them with specialised products and tools. Tune in for valuable insights into the future of commercial motor insurance and the evolving landscape for brokers. 

Rethinking Transport Risk

In this thought-provoking discussion, Tony van Niekerk chats with Mike Mgodeli, Managing Director of RTUSA, about the transformation of South Africa’s public transport and e-hailing sectors. They explore how mobility is evolving through co-creation between taxis, e-hailing platforms, and fleet operators—offering new opportunities and challenges for insurers and brokers. Mike shares fresh insights into vehicle access, risk management, and the need for more flexible insurance products. If you're in insurance, tech, or transport, this is a must-listen conversation about how innovation is reshaping how South Africans move. 

Tech-Driven Efficiency: How INSRAP is Transforming Insurance Replacements

In this discussion, we explore how INSRAP, part of Admin Plus, is revolutionising insurance claims fulfillment. Cameron Clark (Business Executive) and Alan Kinloch (General Manager) join us to discuss how their tech-driven approach is cutting claim costs by up to 33% while reducing processing times to under 24 hours.  
They explain how real-time pricing, automated updates, and a national supply network are transforming the way brokers and insurers handle claims. If you’re in the insurance industry and want to learn how claims fulfillment is being streamlined for speed and savings, this is a must-listen! 

Why Plant Hire Insurance Needs More Than Just a Motor Policy

In this insightful conversation, Tony from COVER Magazine chats with Fergus McNamara, Director at FDM Engineering Underwriters, about the complexities of plant insurance and the challenges faced by the construction industry. They explore the key differences between plant insurance and motor vehicle policies, the risks of absconding, and how FDM’s policy offers unique features like fixed depreciation and market value protection. With practical tips on risk management and insights into the current construction market, this discussion is a must-listen for brokers, insurers, and anyone involved in construction insurance. 

Unlocking Opportunities in the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Insurance Market

Join Hilmar von Mansberg, Managing Director at Ownsurance, as he shares the journey of building one of South Africa's largest independent heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) insurance brokerages. From humble beginnings as a one-man brokerage to becoming a leader in the HCV sector, Hilmar discusses the importance of specialization, building partnerships, and the evolving transport market. Gain valuable insights into the growing HCV insurance landscape, how brokers can benefit from partnerships, and the dynamic role Renasa has played in his business growth. Tune in to hear about the evolution of Ownsurance and the future of HCV insurance. 

Trading, Tech & Trust: Inside the Broking World

In this episode, MJ Givens Kgasi, analyst at global brokerage firm Octa, joins Tony to unpack the evolving world of trading and broking. From the shift to mobile-first platforms and the role of liquidity providers to the importance of regulation and rapid execution, MJ gives listeners a grounded look into what it really takes to trade successfully in today’s volatile markets. He also highlights Octa’s mission to democratise access to trading, especially in emerging markets like South Africa, while addressing the growing need for financial education and infrastructure to combat scams and empower users. 

Life Cover in Dollars: A Game Changer for Global South Africans

In this insightful podcast, Tony speaks with Harry Joffe, Head of Legal at Discovery Life, about the increasingly popular Dollar Life Plan. Designed to meet the needs of globally mobile South Africans, the product allows policyholders to take out and pay for life cover in US dollars.
Harry Joffe unpacks the practicalities of premium payments, estate planning advantages, and innovative uses of foreign trusts and offshore payments.
This conversation provides valuable insight for financial advisors and clients navigating cross-border financial needs, estate duty implications, and long-term financial security. 
 
Key Points from the discussion:
Dollar-denominated life cover addresses offshore estate planning needs. 
Clients can pay via SDA or directly from offshore funds. 
Premiums are affordable, starting at $50/month. 
Policy is issued from Guernsey and pays to offshore bank accounts only, making it exempt from South African estate duty. 
Offshore structures like trusts, companies, and foundations can own the policy. 
Discovery offers a “short-form trust” for simplified, cost-effective estate planning.
Practical for covering offshore estate taxes (e.g., UK or US situs tax).
Used increasingly by middle-class families, not just high-net-worth clients.
Vitality members can receive a 50% discount on premiums based on the exchange rate. 

Global Risk Trends: Misinformation, Geopolitics & Climate

In a fast-moving world, businesses face increasing risks from misinformation, geopolitical instability, and climate change. In this discussion, Spiros Fatouros, CEO of Marsh McLennan Africa, provides insights into the evolving risk landscape. He highlights key findings from the latest Global Risk Report, emphasizing the impact of AI-driven misinformation, business interruption, and environmental threats. From supply chain disruptions to long-term climate planning, organisations must take a proactive approach to risk management. This conversation explores how businesses can better navigate uncertainty and ensure resilience in the face of growing global challenges. 

The Global Impact of Tariff Wars on Emerging Markets

South Africa’s GDP growth remains sluggish, but can the right reforms drive a turnaround? In this discussion, Tony speaks with Reza Hendricks, Portfolio Manager at PPS Investments, about the key factors influencing the country’s economic outlook. 
 They discuss the role of infrastructure, logistics, and policy efficiency in unlocking growth, as well as the impact of global tariff wars. Reza shares insights on how PPS Investments is navigating uncertainty, balancing risk, and positioning for future opportunities.  
Tune in to gain expert perspectives on the South African investment landscape.