INSURANCE
What does a woman and insurance have in common ?
By Mbali Skosana
“ They are both very expensive and hard to understand , but can offer great support when you need it .”
So says Irene van Zyl , a mother of two teenagers and a Certisure broker in Hartswater . The best advice she has for her clients is that although insurance is a grudge purchase and is perceived to be expensive , it is a lot cheaper and responsible to have insurance than to have to find money to repair a car , replace stolen property or deal with a crop failure .
Insurance was never part of the plan because she started working in the transport division of a Vaalharts Co-operative after completing a B . Economics degree at the University of the Free State . An opportunity to join the insurance industry came after a year and she has already worked in all aspects of insurance : claims , underwriting and crops which has broadened her knowledge significantly . In 2016 , she was promoted from assistant broker to broker and she is looking forward to honing her broking skills for at least another decade .
After 23 years , Irene says there are new challenges every day , but she strives to remain positive and to improve herself . The biggest challenge of being an insurance broker is that there are continuous new regulations and legislation to be adhered to . The various insurance companies regularly bring new changes and new products into the market . “ You need to make sure you stay sharp and ahead of the game ,” she says .
Irene ’ s office handles asset insurance and insurance for crops like wheat , barley , maize and pecan nuts which are protected against hail , fire and transit damage . She focuses mainly on the personal market - her clients are the average man or woman who wants to insure his or her car , home and personal items .
Irene van Zyl
For the best insurance solutions in Hartswater , contact Irene at 087 004 1316 or email her at irene . vanzyl @ certisure . co . za .
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SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2018