Fussell & Associates Pty Ltd

27/10/2023

Fussell & Associates standing firmly with the Bokke. Go for it boys - we are 100% behind you!!!!

14/08/2018

Start early, stick to the plan, and don’t withdraw any of the money along the way – Jaco van Tonder, Investec Asset Management.

18/07/2018

Your All Purpose Insurance And Financial Services Company

08/12/2017

RECREATIONAL DRONE USE

Note most insurance policy’s will not cover a drone whilst in use including liabilities arising from such use, unless you have a Remote Pilots License (RPL) And have registered your drone. You can still insure you drone for theft and accidental damage not related to actual flying or use of the drone under you all risks section as a specified item.

If you’re only interested in flying your hobby drone for private use, no commercial interest, outcome or gain, you don’t need to register the drone or obtain a RPL license, but the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) (Part 101) Regulations still apply.

Know what you can and can not do as a recreational flyer.

You’re allowed to fly a drone that weighs up to 7 kg, most hobby drones only weigh up to about 1.5 kg. The drone may not carry any passengers or transport cargo.

What are your distance and height restrictions. You may fly in Restricted Visual Line of Sight (R-VLOS) only, which means that you must always maintain a direct line of sight with the drone.

Maximum height: The drone may not exceeed 400 ft( about 120m) or the highest obstacle within 300 m of the pilot, whichever is the lower of the two.

Max distance: The drone may fly up to 500 m away from the pilot whilst maintaining a direct line of sight.

When can you Fly. Apart from not being allowed to fly at night, be sure to keep an eye out for bad weather such as strong winds, rain or fog. You’re not allowed to drink and drive/fly.
Can you fly anywhere ? You must keep more than 50 m from people, roads and buildings. Steer clear from (and within 10 km from) airports/aerodromes and respect other people’s privacy by not flying into or over their properties without permission - thismay constitute trespassing. Always seek permission when flying on private property.

There are many more No Fly Zones (NFZ) in South Africa that you need to take note of. There are smart phone apps that can assist you here. The NFZs include prisons, police stations, crime scenes, courts of law, nuclear power plants, and National Key Points or Strategic installations like the Union Buildings Presidency in Pretoria.

Other prohibited air spaces include restricted (FAR), danger (FAD) and environmental (FAP) areas such as SAN Parks. Safari-goers may not operate their drones within 457 m above the ground in any of South Africa’s National Parks. This is because some sightseers use their drones to disturb or chase wild animals. Only drones used for wildlife conservation and research purposes are allowed, subject to special permission.

Any hobby drone pilot who fails to adhere to these regulations may receive a 10-year prison sentence or a fine of up to R50 000, or both.

Fly Safe.

12/10/2017

Hollard Tip 5: protecting your art and collectables

Unlike most things we buy, which immediately depreciate in value, artwork and collectables only become more valuable over time.

You don’t need to dabble in European or American art to play in the big leagues. African art has rapidly become highly sought after, and works by artists such as Nigeria’s Njideka Akunyili Crosby, South Africa’s Marlene Dumas and Ethiopia’s Julie Mehretu fetch millions of dollars. You may even possess such a valuable artwork, and not even realise it …

An enormous variety of items meet the definitions of “art” and “collectable”, including paintings, statues, sculptures, jewellery, metalware, militaria, musical instruments, books, carpets, antiques and period furniture, wine and whisky collections, toys, precious metals, coins, scientific instruments, photographic equipment, stamp collections, and sporting and political memorabilia, among many others.

Essentially, anything that’s collectable, for which a value can be established and that appreciates in value over time, fits the bill.

But while some of us collect things as an investment, many of us do so for their beauty or rarity. Either way, they must be properly and expertly insured, because damage or loss can be financially disastrous.

If you’re a collector, your biggest risk isn’t actually theft; it’s accidental damage. Objects are dropped and paintings are torn or get wet, for example, which immediately affects their value even if they can be restored.

Thus protection is both in the physical sense and in terms of insurance, because theft, water damage, ill-advised cleaning, slipshod transportation and storage, even butterfingers can turn items worth millions into bric-a-brac.

So how do you ensure that your art or collectables are properly covered? You should …

… Have your items professionally valued

The bedrock of proper insurance cover for art and collectables is professional valuation. You should get recognised experts to examine your items to ensure that they are the real thing (i.e. not forgeries or copies), and assign an accurate value to them.

That valuation plays a fundamental role in determining your insurance premium and, of course, what you will be paid out in the event of a claim. It is thus very important to have your valuables appraised on a regular basis.

… Protect them appropriately

Climate control is critical for safeguarding your assets and their value, for one simple reason: gradual wear and tear won’t be covered by your insurance policy.

If you collect photographs, for example, you have a choice: carefully pack them away, and then no one ever sees them, or frame them and hang them on your walls. But photographs and other paper-based artworks tend to discolour and become fragile over time, so you should use museum-standard glass to protect them from the ravages of ultraviolet light.

In fact, you should take care around light generally: even bounced light – that which reflects off surfaces – can cause damage to artworks.

You should also bear in mind whether or not your fire-prevention measures are appropriate. So, for example, a sprinkler system will play havoc with items that should never get wet, such as paintings. In that case, a gaseous fire suppression system can smother a blaze without further damaging artworks.

Should you need to repair or restore a valuable item, ensure that you engage a professional restorer to do the work.

… Put in place appropriate security measures

Most South African homes have sufficient security systems for art and collectables to be insured, including alarms, fencing, armed response and so on. But sometimes valuables require specific measures.

Truth be told, thieves may not always notice that William Kentridge print in your lounge as they go for your flat-screen TV set. But they will be tempted by your coin collection – more likely for melting it down than for the value of the coins themselves.

So while your Kentridge is most probably safe hanging on the wall, you should keep coins in a floor- or wall-mounted safe that is strong and hidden.

… Have the right cover

Standard home insurance is not designed for covering art and collectables, which are special items and therefore require tailored insurance products.

Your insurance should at least cover you for accidental damage and theft of your valuable art or collectables. But think about when such valuables are not under your roof, such as when they are in transit or in storage – if you aren’t covered in these circumstances, ensure that you add policy extensions where and when relevant.

… Go with the insurance experts

Ask your broker about specialised insurance cover, where you will have ready access to valuation and restoration specialists.

22/08/2017

Hollard – Tip 3: Thatched roofs – what they mean for your insurance cover

So you’re buying a beautiful weekend home in the Magaliesberg with a thatched roof – or you’re planning to build a lapa over your outside entertainment area at home. Have you considered what that entails, from both maintenance and insurance perspectives?

For example, did you know that a lightning strike (a perennial risk on the Highveld) is much more likely to cause a power surge and damage your electronic equipment and appliances than start a fire? Or that a lightning mast – one of those ubiquitous masts one sees next to thatched buildings – could be more of a liability than an asset if it’s not properly maintained? Or that fire retardants don’t actually stop fires? Or that different types of fire extinguishers are required for thatch? Or even that you will need to completely replace that thatched roof periodically?

A thatched roof (as opposed to tile, slate, concrete, asbestos, metal or zinc roofs, which are deemed to be standard) is regarded as a non-standard construction by insurers, and this will be taken into account when determining your home insurance cover and premium.

But as long as you do all the right things – such as having the roof professionally installed, having it regularly maintained, obeying the law and taking steps to reduce fire risk – your insurer will provide you with good cover, and not quibble should the worst happen and you need to submit a claim.

To enjoy your thatched roof (and, of course, great insurance cover on it) for many years, you should …

… Install it properly

You will not be covered if your roof is of defective design, specification, construction, workmanship or material. All thatched roofs need to be installed and maintained by professionals.

The top layer of thatch rots over time, and needs to be brushed every five to eight years. When a thatched roof is originally built, its thickness should always allow for this maintenance. But when the roof reaches a minimum thickness, it is time to re-thatch.

The location and size of a lapa is also relevant to insurance cover; for example, most insurers want to know whether or not it is within five metres of the main residence, and the square metreage relative to the main residence’s roof (there may be additional premium required if it is more than 10-15% of the main residence’s). These factors will have a bearing on your cover, so consider the location and size of that lapa you so desire.

… Maintain it properly

You will not be covered if your building is not maintained properly, or has been damaged, over a period of time by mildew, damp, or wet- or dry-rot.

Have your thatched roof professionally brushed and keep an eye on the roof for any changes, which could indicate a potential problem. During the rainy season check your roof regularly, as dampness can lead to the growth of fungus, which decomposes the thatch.

Make sure the thatch can dry well; remove trees and plants that may hinder the sun and wind from drying it or rain from dispersing. A common maintenance problem in thatched roofs is lack of drainage, which leads to premature rotting and leaks.

Use rakes to remove leaves, needles and moss from the roof. In dry weather conditions the moss loosens its grip on the thatch, and is easier to remove.

… Protect against fire

It should go without saying that thatch, while attractive, is also highly combustible – and becomes more so over time, as the thatch layer becomes thinner and heats up more quickly.

A very important consideration is isolating chimneys. All chimneys must comply with National Building Regulations regarding factors such as height and materials used, and non-combustible flashing must be installed around the chimney.

Fire retardant is an optional protective measure. Importantly, it slows heat build-up, but doesn't stop a fire. If used, it should be maintained as per the manufacturer’s specification, which is usually every three years. If not, it will make the thatch brittle, which will lead to the roof being vulnerable to hail damage.

There are other steps you can take. For example, a fire-retardant blanket can be inserted in between layers of thatch, which will protect against fire spreading throughout the roof.

In case of fire, you should install at least a 5kg CO2 fire extinguisher in every kitchen or cooking area. Different types of extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fires. CO2 or “B” class extinguishers are best in cooking areas. Water extinguishers or “A” class are best to use directly on the thatch, and should be kept on every floor or loft if the building is higher than one storey.

So check extinguishers’ labels to see if they are “A” or “B” when you place them in strategic areas in your home. It is also cost effective to use water hose reels outside for the roof, grass and surrounding vegetation. Remember to service all your extinguishers annually.

… Protect against lightning

Direct lightning strikes are actually rare, but they do happen and can cause fires. A far more common risk is that lightning will cause a power surge, damaging electrical equipment and appliances.

A surge protector is designed to limit the voltage supplied to the property by blocking or short-circuiting unwanted voltage to the ground. While surge protection devices cannot eliminate the risk of damage entirely, there are many instances in which they can substantially limit the damage caused by lightning and power surges. It is highly recommended to protect the distribution board with an adequate device, and in some cases this may be the only requirement that your insurer will have as protection against lightning.

A freestanding lightning mast works in much the same way as a surge protector, but it must be earthed and bonded sufficiently. The mast shouldn't be too short; it has to be at a height where the 45-degree protective angle – for a virtual “umbrella” from the top of the mast – covers the entire roof. If you extend your building, ensure your mast is high enough to cover it in its entirety.

A lightning mast must also be maintained at least annually – otherwise, it will leak electrical surge into the ground, causing not only surge problems for you but likely your neighbours as well. In fact if you install a mast you should also have surge protection, as the mast will not be sufficient to prevent damage to the equipment in your home.

… Keep thatch away from metal

There should not be anything metallic that is not earthed and bonded, within one metre of a thatched roof. This includes metal pipes, metal structures and even cabling. If they are in the roof, they must be earthed and bonded well.

… Have the proof

At the end of the day, keep certificates and invoices of all installation and maintenance work that has been done by qualified professionals in a safe place – and, given the fire risk, not in your thatched home.

Rather save such information in the cloud, so that you can access it anytime, anywhere.

Most importantly, understand what your policy will or will not cover; if in doubt, ask your broker.

25/07/2017

Article from Hollard Insurance Company

Your home is not only where your heart is, it is most often your most valuable asset. And, while the idea of losing it (and all its treasured contents) is unthinkable, having insufficient insurance cover to replace it is an even more unbearable prospect.

Sadly, the recent fires in the Western Cape – which saw so many people lose their homes as well as all their possessions, their personal documentation and, in some instances, their livelihoods – are a very grim reminder of the huge price we can pay for making (or failing to make) important financial decisions without being fully aware of the consequences. So let’s take a look at some of the things you need to bear in mind to be sure the insurance cover on your home properly meets your needs:

1 The sum you insure your house & contents for, should ALWAYS match the price you’d have to pay to replace them
If you are unlucky enough to lose your home, or for it to be damaged in any way, you will only be paid out the amount you’ve covered it for. (So if it’s worth R1-million, but you’ve only insured it for R500 000, that’s all you’ll get.)

Understanding the importance of …
… Average

If you are under-insured, you’re likely to find your insurer will apply an “average” to your claim which, basically, means that you will be responsible for the portion of your “loss” that isn’t covered. So, say you incur damages of R300 000 on your R1m property, you’ll only receive a R150 000 payout, because you’ve only insured it for half the amount. This will leave you R150 000 out of pocket and potentially, unable to afford to complete the repairs, or it could drive you to use inferior materials and finishes which will have an impact on the value of your home.

… Updating your home value regularly

Costs rise all the time, so it is really important to have your home and contents revalued regularly. If necessary, you can adjust your insurance to make sure you’re always adequately covered.

… Rebuilding costs

There’s often more to rebuilding than the costs of the materials and labour. You may need the help of an architect or surveyor, and there could be demolition fees, too – all of which carry their own (variable) costs. So when you‘re calculating the costs you need to insure, you’ll need to factor these in, too.

… Not over-insuring

When you insure a property, it excludes the cost of the land it stands on. This means you should only insure your home and contents (rather than the property’s potential sale price), as you won’t be able to claim more than the costs for rebuilding the actual building with all its infrastructure, fixtures and fittings.

… Extraordinary expenses

Sometimes, even when we take the trouble to carefully consider all angles, extra expenses can creep in and it’s best to factor these in up front. For example, the fires that ripped through Knysna and Plettenberg Bay damaged so many properties that building materials and contracting resources will be at a premium, and that will add unexpected costs. Even though you may believe you could rebuild your home for less than what a professional valuation suggests, don’t be tempted to work on lower building rates.

… New building requirements

If you live in an historic home, or an older property, you may find that rebuilding will involve you making upgrades to comply with current building regulations. (For example, a heat pump or solar geyser in place of an ordinary geyser.) Again, these may add unexpected costs and it’s worth doing the homework up front to ensure your policy covers them fully.

2 You need to be able to provide proof of the household contents you own, as well as their value
Home contents cover is always calculated according to its replacement value but, in order to claim, you need to be able to prove that you own certain items and what they are worth. Again, there’s something to learn from the unfortunate experience of the Western Cape fire victims, many of whom had to flee their homes without being able to rescue anything – let alone documentation that could prove ownership or value of their assets.

Things you can do …

… Keep digital records

Take photos or videos of your household contents (and corresponding receipts), then store them digitally, online in cloud storage, so you can access them anywhere, anytime.

… Make an inventory

Download a free inventory app onto your cellphone and store the same information there, or ask your broker for an inventory checklist.

… Make electronic copies of your identity documents

If you lose your documentation and can’t prove who you say you are, you may have difficulty in accessing your funds when your insurance company processes your claim.

… Include e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g

Even if you have chosen to exclude certain high-value items in your policy (such as jewellery, because you believe it is adequately protected from theft in your safe), don’t leave them out of your inventory or they won’t be covered in the event of a fire or any other calamity.

… Ask a professional valuator to do the job for you

It’s an onerous job so, if you’re unlikely to do it yourself, don’t leave it. Call in professional help.

3 When you need insurance advice, consult a broker
The purpose of insurance is to return you to the same position you were in before you experienced any loss, and a broker has the experience and know-how to advise you appropriately. If you want to reduce costs, rather discuss other ways of saving premium such as having a higher excess or installing additional security, than being under-insured. Especially when it comes to replacing the roof over your head.

10/11/2016

Tips for cleaning your home after water damage

Water in unwanted places can cause a lot of damage. Not only can it ruin your prized possessions, but also the house in which they are stored. If you’re able to act quickly, you can minimize the damage and possibly save some of your possessions. Some of your success depends on how long the water’s been around, there might be pieces of furniture that can be saved, and sometimes, even carpet, but any electronics hit by water are probably doomed.

Don’t treat flood water in unwanted places lightly: even if your basement only has an inch of water in it, or is even just damp, it is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold growth not only ruins walls, furniture, carpets, flooring, etc., it can lead to poor indoor air quality causing respiratory problems including asthma, and can lead to severe illness. Preventing mold growth is key to keeping your home’s air clean and healthy. So in addition to calling your insurance company, here are a few tips to deal with your flooded basement and minimize the water damage. (Call your insurance company before you do anything, and tell them what you want to do.)

Disconnect the power, unplug any electronics, and remove electronics, furniture and movable items immediately. The faster you get items out of water’s way, the more likely you’ll be able to save them. Definitely move all electrical items first, and if you can, turn off your power leading into the affected area, especially if water rises above electrical outlets. Pull up any carpets (wall to wall and area rugs) and underpadding. You may be able to save the carpet if you get it cleaned and disinfected, however, it may shrink and be better off as an area rug afterwards. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to save the underpadding, which acts like a sponge and absorbs a lot of water.

Get rid of the water. There are several ways to get rid of the water. If you don’t have power, or are worried about loose wires, the old-fashioned, manual way will work. Use old towels, buckets and mops to soak up as much water as possible. As long as sewers in your neighbourhood aren’t backed up, you can pour the water down the drain, otherwise, pour onto your lawn or other permeable surface. A wet/dry vacuum can be used too, note: be very careful to plug it into outlets far away from water. Don’t use an extension cord as the connection could also short out and give you a nasty shock. Water and electricity don’t mix! If your basement or other flooded area is overwhelming and you have power, consider renting (if available) a sump pump. Getting rid of all the water and drying out the area is the most important thing you can do to prevent mold growth.

Dry out the affected area. Once you’ve mopped up all the water, use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. If it’s stopped raining, open windows to allow for air circulation and faster drying. You want to dry the area out as soon as possible. If you have a finished basement and the drywall was affected, you’ll probably have to cut away the areas that were touched by water as the drywall will crumble and the paper backing is a good source of food for mold. If you have baseboard trim, take it up first, and if it’s made from pressboard it will likely not be salvageable. If it was wood, you might be able to save it.

Disinfect. After the area has dried out, including wood beams, insulation, drywall, etc., use a good disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc.
Disinfect all areas affected by the flood waters including walls and wood and non-upholstered furniture that sat in flood water.

Dispose of damaged items responsibly. But remember, phone your Insurer or Broker first.

They can provide you with service providers that can help with the above.

10/11/2016

Joburg mops up after floods http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/joburg-mops-up-after-floods-20161110 via

Mopping up operations are under way in Johannesburg after a flash flood caused chaos on the city’s roads.