Two men were arrested in Port Elizabeth during the early hours of this morning (January 28, 2008) while allegedly attempting to rape a woman.

The incident began when the owner of a taxi service contacted Tracker after his driver failed to return his vehicle at the designated time. Fearing that the man had been hijacked, the owner contacted Tracker and the unit in his vehicle was activated.

"At around one o'clock this morning, a Tracker recovery crew and members of the SAPS Port Elizabeth Flying Squad tracked the vehicle to the backyard of a house in an area known as Timothy Valley. Proceeding with caution, they opened the door to the missing vehicle where one of two men was lying, half naked, on top of a woman, allegedly trying to rape her. The woman immediately burst into tears, screaming that our crews had saved her life," says Gareth Crocker, Tracker's Communications Manager.

The two men were arrested and the woman was immediately transferred to a local hospital for the necessary treatment and counseling. The woman later reported that the men had already raped her once at a previous destination earlier in the evening and that this was the second attempt.

"While we are hugely saddened that we could not spare this poor woman her initial ordeal, we are particularly proud of the fact that we were able to stop the alleged second rape from happening. Not only that, but we've caught these men in the act and may well have stopped them from possibly taking the woman's life or potentially raping more women in the future," says Crocker.

The woman reported that the men had offered her a free lift earlier in the evening. Her cellphone and wallet was found in their possession.
An appeal to the public

Tracker would like to appeal to members of the public not to accept lifts from strangers.

"We understand that many South Africans cannot afford transport and that there is an obvious temptation to accept a free ride from a stranger. However, this 'free ride' may well come at a cost. Just a few days ago, Tracker recovery crews pulled three innocent women out of a hijacked vehicle in KwaZulu Natal which had rolled down an embankment. The driver of that vehicle was an alleged hijacker and possible murderer who, in fact, took his own life as Tracker crews approached the stricken vehicle," says Crocker. "They too, had been offered a free lift."

For more information, please contact Tracker's Communications Manager, Gareth Crocker on (011) 380 0300 or 082 78 78 757.

A big "YES" to giving to consumers Whichever way you roll the dice it's the buyers of insurance that vote 'Yes' with their wallets to place their business direct or through brokers and when it comes to Pay As You Drive™ motor insurance Hollard gives consumers the final choice.

"The 'drive less pay less' concept is such a fair deal that we have made it available direct or through brokers because we have faith in buyers of insurance knowing what suits them best," says Edmund Chihambakwe, General Manager of the Pay As You Drive™ (PAYD) division at Hollard Insurance.

"Maybe they need the time-saving services of a good broker and maybe they don't. Maybe they need personal advice and guidance and maybe they don't. Maybe their needs are complex and maybe they aren't. That's not our decision to make.

"There are - and will always be - people whose needs are more complex than average and, or, who need the advice and backup from a broker who goes that extra mile. Brokers who are doing their job for their clients make life easier, handle claims, are available after hours in emergencies and keep tabs on important issues involving their clients' changing insurance needs.

"The essential issue going forward for insurance companies is to give a fair deal to buyers of insurance - whether they come to us through an intermediary or not. Also, our challenge is to fit our products to their needs while making dealing with us as easy as possible, which means fitting into their lifestyles as much as we can."

In keeping with this philosophy, Chihambakwe says Hollard has launched cash-based insurance for low income group's through retailers and through agents with cellphones. "PEP stores now sell Hollard underwritten insurance off the shelf, packaged like prepaid cellphone starter packs. More recently, in December last year, agents with cellphones also started selling insurance for cash far and wide, in urban or rural areas, making insurance accessible and affordable to people without bank accounts."

Chihambakwe says the bottom line is meeting consumer's needs. "In the area of motor insurance, we realised there were many drivers who were traveling short distances who were paying the same insurance premiums as people travelling triple the distance. Recent advances in onboard GPS technology means Pay As You Drive™ can now accurately and automatically monitor kilometres used and charge lower premiums based on monthly kilometres travelled.

"Doing what's fair makes the debate redundant concerning whether the consumer should be forced to go direct or go through their broker. We say it doesn't make sense for us to force consumers to do things one way or another when they know what is comfortable for them and suits their needs.

"Hollard believes in moving forward and doing what works best for everyone - like embracing new technology that has made it possible for us to make major changes in the way we do business."

Pay As You Drive™ innovations:

* Eliminate the need for business use loading that can be as much as 30%
* Remove the moral dilemma of whether or not to declare business use
* Lower premiums for low mileage drivers
* Provide electronic log books on line

"These are issues that matter to consumers and that should be our focus - not the channel of delivery which Pay As You Drive™ leaves to consumers.

It's fortunate for the insurance industry that 10 years ago, when Ed Chihambakwe did a work stint in a hospital as a prelude to starting Medical School, a stomach curdling incident in the emergency room turned him away from being a doctor and redirected him to a B.Sc in statistics and actuarial science instead.

Then five years ago he joined Hollard's graduate program straight from UCT with a superior academic record and a can-do attitude and today he is general manager of Hollard's Direct Motor and Household Insurance division that includes the innovative GPS monitored Pay As You Drive™ motor insurance that is also available through brokers.

"It's a good thing for me that traditionally Hollard selects typical actuaries who have the interest, innovation and mind-set to contribute in areas beyond the scope of statistics and actuarial activities. I believe that is probably a true career differentiator: The passion, drive and broad vision to see the gaps in the market and take initiative.

"The development and launch of Pay As You Drive™ last year was an extraordinary experience from my own personal perspective because after four years in a technical position my role changed. Because Pay As You Drive™ was a South African first with automated GPS distance monitoring, I spent substantial time on road trips spreading the word throughout the industry and meeting brokers and industry professionals.

"From a broker's point of view the drive less pay less concept provides a really beneficial motor option for their low mileage clients. One real life example is a professional couple who both have company cars which leaves their personal cars in the garage most of the time. The insurance saving on those two luxury cars is significant - so the broker is a hero." How did he go from an actuarial and technical role to GM of a Hollard division? "I started out in the Life division as an actuarial analyst. After two years I moved to the short-term product development area for a further two years - still focused on actuarial activities. Then I joined the new business development team and in March last year took up my present position."

Ed explains: "My grounding in actuarial science and stats has been a great advantage to me - especially in a company with a non-hierarchal structure like Hollard that also runs on a federal model with eight independent divisions. They all operate autonomously and across both life and short term licenses. This huge variety and about 100 niche partners - means exposure to the industry is unusually broad and the learning curve sharp and fast."

The launch of fully automated and monitored Pay As You Drive™ motor insurance has certainly been the leading innovation in the motor insurance arena in South Africa this year, says Ed Chihambakwe, General Manager of Hollard's Pay As You Drive motor insurance division.

"It sounds a bit like tooting our own horns but there's no getting away from the fact that it is a major move forward for many reasons - and not only in South Africa. The impact of the Pay As You Drive™ method of premium calculation is also having a significant impact in the UK and the States.

"The actuarial industry consensus is that GPS-based insurance rating is definitely the way to go. The key hindrance for most firms is the high cost of the technology - something Hollard has strategically overcome by partnering with the adventurous start-up: Tracker."

He says the two news items for brokers from a competitive business point of view are: "First, pricing for the client is the same whether they come direct or via a broker - unless the broker chooses to add charges. This gives a competitive edge to intermediaries which they can leverage in various ways. Second, Hollard does not typically enter into direct agencies with brokers but Pay As You Drive™ is available via a number of multi-quote panels. Thirdly, brokers have developed their underwriting skills over the years to the point where they know which insurer is best suited to accept a particular risk. Pay As You Drive™ gives brokers an additional differentiated underwriter with whom to place low mileage risks."

Chihambakwe says some brokers may argue that the potentially lower premium means lower commission. "But in reality and in the long-term there are four attractions that brokers here and overseas are finding outweigh that argument."

1. Feedback - including from brokers - indicates that consumers are increasingly seeking insurance products that are individually tailored to personalised risk profiles as opposed to being lumped together in a group based on underwriting assumptions.
2. Persistency is likely to be longer than conventional motor policies because (a) the client is experiencing the immediate benefit of his driving patterns in the form of lower premiums and doesn't have to wait 36 claim-free months to receive a no claim bonus and (b) the 36 month Skytrax contract that delivers the GPS monitoring for monthly premium calculation is an attractive value-add.
3. Repudiation of claims due to incorrect disclosure of usage (business versus private) is a thing of the past - as are business loadings.
4. Skytrax GPS-based reports reduce the amount of time required to verify claim details including time, location and disputes with other drivers about accident details.

"Our statistics are showing there are surprisingly high numbers of low distance drivers and they're being attracted by the concept of paying less for driving less. Wide-awake brokers need to be sussed about GPS-based insurance to retain the confidence of their clients," Chihambakwe says.

The issue of business versus private use, a contentious point in many underwriting and claims disputes, has been resolved using the latest technology, ensuring a better deal for many clients.

Automatically monitored mileage for lower premiums; online access to electronic log books for tax and expense claims; online, instant vehicle tracking; and even proof of good driving behaviour in an accident dispute - all these are benefits attached to the latest GPS technology.

"Because of advances in GPS technology, we have been able to launch fully automated Pay As You Drive™ motor insurance this year that brings a fair deal to low mileage users," says Edmund Chihambakwe, General Manager of the Pay As You Drive™ division at Hollard Insurance.

"Fully automated Pay As You Drive™ was one of Hollard insurance's four industry firsts this year and our records show that there are many motorists who travel as little as 10km to 20km a day - or as little as 200km a week. So from a fairness point of view, why should these people pay the same premium as those who travel 200km a day? Thanks to new technology, they don't! And the bonus is they also get a built in tracking device."

Technology shatters a myth
Thanks to this accurate monitoring technology a motor insurance underwriting assumption has also been blown out of the water.

"We have proved that the 'business use' loading assumption that all business people travel more than private people - and therefore need to pay a loading - is not true," explains Chihambakwe. "When we launched this GPS monitored 'drive less pay less' concept, using electronic log books to calculate monthly premiums, we made business or private use a non-issue. Our focus was on distance not purpose. We assumed some business people would benefit, but didn't know for sure.

"Now we know - thanks to monitoring technology - that many 'business people' do indeed travel less than the industry assumed. Significant numbers of drivers who previously paid a business loading of up to 30% -sometimes more - now save that cost as Pay As You Drive™ policyholders."

Technology simplifies claims
Chihambakwe explains that this new technology also eliminates contentious issues at claims stage. Some of the issues that are no longer problematic include the non-declaration involving 'business' versus 'private' use and technical proof of good driving behaviour in an accident dispute.

"It's understandable that people don't enjoy being quoted for a loading for business use and they face a dilemma. Do they 'accurately' declare their business, or partial business use? Or do they take a chance and declare 'private use' only and run the risk of having a claim rejected for non- declaration? In some cases people change usage and forget to declare it. Perhaps they have created their own businesses or the nature of their job changes. These kinds of situations were a nightmare for policyholders who unintentionally, and unknowingly, found themselves without effective insurance cover. But with Pay As You Drive™ 'usage' is one less policy requirement to worry about. Usage is a non-issue."

Another claims related benefit is a permanent 'technical witness' of good driving behaviour in an accident. "Sometimes it boils down to the client's word against another driver's word, who might accuse the client of speeding or not braking, for instance. But onboard GPS technology is a undisputable personal witness and removes any doubt," Chihambakwe says.

4 Firsts for Hollard in 2006

Holland has had an innovative year, bringing four insurance firsts to the public in 2006.

Tyre Insurance: Hollard partnered with Tiger Wheel and Tyre to insure all brands of tyres sold by them for a one-off premium of between R14 to R100. This covers the 'life expectancy' of tyres (3 years or 50 000km's) against road hazards.

Pay as You Drive: Advanced onboard GPS technology automatically monitors kilometres and means low mileage drivers can pay less if they drive less, download electronic logbooks, and declaring business or private use is eliminated.

Formation of specialist UMA for bikes: Offering individualised underwriting to today's sophisticated biker, Hollard has formed a partnership Underwriting Management Company that specialises in nothing but motorcycle insurance and accessories.

Cash-based 'starter pack' insurance: South Africa's 17 million low income people without bank accounts now have access to funeral, accident and cellphone insurance through 'starter pack' insurance that works like pre-paid cellphone insurance and is distributed through PEP Stores who collects payments at cash tills nation-wide.

You can't control the soaring petrol price or how much it costs to fix your car but thanks to Hollard Insurance and its network of brokers and partners you finally have power over how much you spend on your premium.

If you drive less you pay less with Pay As You Drive™ motor insurance from Hollard Insurance. Low-mileage users can save each month because you only pay for the kilometres you drive. Where's the catch? There isn't one! Hollard Insurance recognises that the less you drive the less you are at risk - and therefore the less your premium should be. That's only fair.
Technology makes it easy

Thanks to advanced onboard GPS technology, your kilometres are automatically monitored and billed every month. Plus... the first 400km a month are free! Your personal electronic log book is also available to you online, which takes the sweat out of doing your tax return - or calculating travel costs to claim from work or clients.
Built-in tracking

The onboard monitoring system doubles as a tracking device in the case of theft. The advanced GPS technology also empowers you to check the whereabouts of your car on line if someone has borrowed it and you are concerned for any reason.
Mixing business and pleasure

Did you know that if you're insured for private use and have an accident while driving to a business meeting your claim can be rejected? Insurance companies charge a loading of up to 30% for business use as this use is assumed to be higher. But with Pay As You Drive there is no business loading because it's all about how far you go, not why you go there.
Call for a free quote

If you drive less than 480km a week (or 25 000km a year) call 0861 114 072 for a free quote to see how much you may be able to save for things that are more glamorous than motor insurance.

True, shopping for insurance doesn't hold the same thrill as shopping for shoes. But it's important (and potentially costly), so here are some tips. By Theresa Mallinson
Talk the talk

Premium The amount you have to pay for insurance every month.
Excess The amount you have to pay in when making a claim. A higher excess usually goes hand in hand with lower premiums.
Risk address Where you usually park your car.
No-claim bonus A bonus 'paid out', usually as a lower premium, if you haven't claimed for a certain period.
Market value The amount your car will fetch today.
Retail value The price you paid for the car.

Only about 40% of South African drivers have car insurance. That's fine as long as nothing goes wrong. But when you're already fraught after being in an accident, or having your car stolen, the financial stress can be a killer.

Insurance is a grudge purchase, and car insurance -because it's expensive - is particularly so. If, for instance, you drive an old jalopy, it's easy to justify skipping insurance altogether on the premise that a few years' premiums is going to cost as much as a replacement jalopy.

But consider this: you cause a fender bender with a new Citroen. While you can live with your own scrapes and dents, the Citroen owner can't - and won't - and it's going to cost R30 000 to get his car looking as good as new.

That's where 'balance of third party' insurance comes in. At the very least, in the interests of self-protection, every one of us should have limited insurance that covers this. There are basically two types of car insurance: limited and comprehensive. Limited insurance covers damage caused by certain specified events (such as fire, theft or hijacking), while comprehensive insurance covers, well, almost everything.

But beware, insurance is about the detail, and if you've omitted the details, your insurer might not pay out just when it counts. Look out for:

* A GPS, CD player, air conditioning - and any other 'addons' that don't come standard - need to be specified.
* Personal effects left in your car, such as a laptop or clothes, might not be covered: check the policy.
* Car hire insurance that provides you with a hired car while yours is being repaired, can be a useful (and relatively modestly priced) add-on.
* Shortfall cover, which protects you should your car's insurance value come to less than the amount you still owe the bank on your original loan.

Other Points to Consider...

1. Your premium is based on criteria such as your gender (women get a better rate), age, claims record, risk address, model and year of your car, mileage, security system, etc.
2. Consider companies that have differentiated themselves, such as 1st for Women-which has tailor-made packages for women, like a towline and medical and trauma assistance.
3. Also look at Hollard's 'Pay As You Drive': you pay a fixed, low premium that is topped up with a variable premium, which fluctuates according to your monthly mileage as calculated by a tracking device installed free of charge.
4. Once you're insured:
* Review your car's value yearly. Cars depreciate, so insure yours for its market value, not its retail value.
* Have an annual roadworthy and regular tyre checks. Insurance companies may decline a claim if an accident is caused by an unroadworthy car.
* Make sure your car fulfils the security system requirements of your policy or, once again, your insurers may not pay up.
* If you're not the only driver of your car, your insurer needs to know.

How far do you go?

Now your car insurance can be adjusted according to the amount you drive. Conventional car insurance costs the same for a woman who travels 20km a day and her social twin who travels 10 times more, so incurring 10 times the risk. Hollard Insurance's "Pay As You Drive" policy is based on the number of kilometres you cover, plus you get the first 400km free each month. Technology Fitted to your car monitors distance and acts as a tracking system.
What do you get?

* Cash in your pocket if you drive less.
* The first 400km free.
* A tracking device.
* An emergency assistance button inside your car.
* No premium loading for business use. In the past if you were insured for private use and had an accident on the way to a business meeting, the claim could be refused.
* Electronic logbooks of the distance you've covered are available for tax purposes. You should save on premiums if you travel less than 480km a week, or 25 000km a year. For more information, call 086111 40 72 or visit www.howfardoyougo.co.za.

Learning how to conserve petrol will not only save you a lot of money. Keeping an eye on your car's fuel consumption will also help you check that everything is in good working order.

Always aim to fill up your tank, rather than spending R20 here, R40 there, and zero the speedometer every time you fill up so you can keep track of how much petrol your car consumes.

Short-term insurance motor risk hurts insurers, but presents opportunities too short-term insurers continue to enjoy a favourable underwriting climate, with the large listed companies all showing solid Will continue to focus on rigorous risk assessment. Nick Beyers, MD of SA Eagle results this year. But it's not the super cycle of two years ago, when many profitability records were broken.

Apart from the ever-present risk of natural disasters, insurers are seeing a lot more competition and pressure on margins in the personal lines business, squeezed on one side by direct insurers such as OUTsurance and Dial Direct that are capitalising on consumer discontent with brokers, and on the other by some problem accounts, mainly motor vehicle insurance.

The increased number of accidents and high cost of repairs are common themes in the short-term industry. Nick Beyers, MD of SA Eagle, says both factors affected its motor account as well as "certain weather-related events and a number of large fires". The company's other underwriting accounts are performing satisfactorily, he says, but SA Eagle "will continue to focus on rigorous risk assessment and appropriate corrective action going forward".

Bruce Campbell, MD of Mutual and Federal, notes a decline in the profitability of its motor account "which continues to be impacted by an increase in the incidence of motor vehicle accidents". He attributes that to poor driving standards and traffic congestion and says the motor book is further affected by escalating repair costs.

Beyers is also concerned about the increasing number of more affordable high performance vehicles available, often owned by relatively young and inexperienced drivers.

That also concerns Santam CEO Steffen Gilbert, who says high performance vehicles are more commonplace and are usually deemed a higher risk to insurers. "Owners are more likely to speed and could therefore be more accident prone."

But Gilbert also says that the increased number of imported vehicles is also pushing up the costs of repairs substantially, with foreign vehicle ownership growing from 29,6% in 2004 to 39,3% last year. "Advanced technology within cars like safety and travel accessories, such as air bags and GPS systems, add to the cost of the car and, in turn, cost to replace or repair."

Pressure on insurers' motor accounts must mean that premiums will increase this year, though that also leaves a gap in the market for new products. One is Hollard's Pay As You Drive™ motor insurance, where clients who drive less can pay less for cover. Hollard estimates that car owners who drive less than 25 000km/year can benefit financially from its product.