Important Notice: SASRIA Fire Extinguishing Charges (FEC) Extension

Effective 1 August 2026, the Fire Extinguishing Charges(FEC) Extension is no longer automatically included under SASRIA policies. This benefit is now an optional extension that must be selected and paid for separately.

Why is this important?

The Fire Extinguishing Charges Extension provides indemnity for the costs incurred by emergency services in extinguishing fires resulting from SASRIA-insured events, such as riots, strikes, civil commotion and public disorder. These costs can be significant and, where the extension has not been selected, may become the responsibility of the insured.

The widespread civil unrest experienced in South Africa during 2021 highlighted the potentially devastating financial impact that riots and associated fires can have on businesses and communities. While such events are infrequent, the exposure they present is real, and the cost of this extension is modest when compared to the potential financial consequences of being uninsured for these expenses, if you become liable for the costs.

Historically, this cover extension formed part of the standard SASRIA policy. As it is now an optional extension, policyholders are required to elect the cover and pay the additional premium.

Our recommendation

As your insurance broker, it is our responsibility to advise you of changes that may materially affect the protection afforded by your insurance programme.

In view of the relatively low additional premium and the potentially significant financial exposure, we recommend that you consider including the Fire Extinguishing Charges Extension as part of your SASRIA cover.

By way of example :

• On Fire Extinguishing Charges with a limit of R500,000
• Additional Premium: From approximately R19.61 per month

Please note that the above is provided as an example only. The appropriate limit and premium will depend on the nature, size, and risk profile of your business.

What you need to do

Should you wish to add this extension before your next renewal date, please contact your Account Executive or our office, and we will arrange this on your behalf.

If you prefer to consider the extension at your next renewal, we encourage you to discuss the appropriate limit with your Account Executive as part of your annual insurance review. Once your renewal documentation has been issued, we also recommend that you review your policy schedule carefully to ensure that the cover and limits selected accurately reflect your requirements.

We remain committed to ensuring that you are fully informed of material changes affecting your insurance programme and are available to assist you in selecting the level of protection most appropriate for your business.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.