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SHORT-TERM INSURANCE ACT
REGULATIONS UNDER THE SHORT-TERM INSURANCE ACT, 1998
[Updated to 28 September 2018]
GoN R1493, G. 19495 (c.i.o 1 January 1999),
GoN R462, G. 30988 (c.i.o 25 April 2008),
GoN R1076, G. 34877 (c.i.o 23 December 2011),
GoN 1439, G. 41334 (c.i.o January 2018 unless otherwise indicated),
GoN 1018, G. 41946 (c.i.o 28 September 2018 unless otherwise indicated).
The Minister of Finance has under section 70 of the Short-Term Insurance Act, 1998, made the regulations set out in the Schedule.
[General Note: The references to “Registrar” substituted with “Authority” by reg 2 of GoN 1018, G. 41946.]
ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS
INTERPRETATION
LIMITATION ON ASSETS
(SECTION 30)
[Rep by reg 4 of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
PART 4
AUTHORISATION OF AND REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLECTION OF PREMIUMS BY INTERMEDIARIES
(SECTION 45)
4.1 Authorisation
4.2 Requirements relating to receiving premiums
4.3 Returns
4.4 Exemption
PART 5
REMUNERATION
(SECTION 48)
PART 5A
LIMITATION ON REMUNERATION FOR SERVICES AS INTERMEDIARY
5.1 General limitations
5.2 Time and payment of commission
5.3 Maximum commission payable
5.4 Reversal of commission
5.5 Commission when policy comprises combination of policies
PART 5B
LIMITATION ON REMUNERATION FOR BINDER FUNCTIONS
5.6 Application of this Part 5B, and definitions
5.7 General principles for determining remuneration for binder functions
5.8 Remuneration that may be offered or provided to a binder holder
5.9 Participation by a binder holder in profits attributable to the policies referred to in a binder agreement
PART 5C
NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN ARRANGEMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT INTERMEDIARIES OR REPRESENTATIVES
5.11 Notification of certain arrangements with independent intermediaries or representatives
PART 6
BINDER AGREEMENTS
6.1 Definitions and interpretation
6.2 Requirements, limitations and prohibitions relating to binder holders
6.2A Governance and oversight requirements
6.3 Requirements, limitations and prohibitions relating to binder agreements
6.6 Reporting requirements
TITLE AND COMMENCEMENT
INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In these regulations “the Act” means the Short-Term Insurance Act, 1998, and any word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Act shall have the meaning so assigned to it, and unless a different meaning is assigned elsewhere in these regulations—
[Subs by reg 2(a) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“Companies Act” means the Companies Act, 2008 (Act 71 of 2008);
[“Companies Act” ins by reg 2(b) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“effective date” .
[“effective date” ins by reg 2(c) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334; rep by reg 3(a) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“independent intermediary” means a person, other than a representative, who renders services as intermediary;
[“independent intermediary” ins by reg 2(d) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334; subs by reg 3(b) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“Insurance Act” means the Insurance Act, 2017 (Act 18 of 2017);
[“Insurance Act” ins by reg 3(c) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“insurer” means a short-term insurer;
[“insurer” ins by reg 2(e) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“long-term policy” means a long-term policy as defined in the Long-term Insurance Act, 1998;
“microinsurer” has the meaning assigned to it in section 1 of the Insurance Act;
[“microinsurer” ins by reg 3(e) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“Part” means the applicable Part of these regulations;
“policy” means a short-term policy;
[“policy” ins by reg 2(f) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“Policyholder Protection Rules” means the Policyholder Protection Rules made under section 55 of the Act;
[“Policyholder Protection Rules” ins by reg 2(g) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“representative” means a natural person employed—
(a) by or working for an insurer and receiving or entitled to receive remuneration; and
(b) for the purpose of rendering services as intermediary in relation to the policies entered into or to be entered into by the insurer only;
[“representative” ins by reg 2(h) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334; subs by reg 2(g) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“SAFEX” means the South African Futures Exchange;
[“schedule” rep by reg 2(h) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“section” means the applicable section of the Act;
“services as intermediary” means any act performed by a person—
(a) the result of which is that another person will or does or offers to enter into, vary or renew a policy; or
(b) with a view to—
(i) maintaining, servicing or otherwise dealing with;
(ii) collecting or accounting for premium payable under; or
(iii) receiving, submitting or processing claims under,
[“services as intermediary” ins by reg 2(i) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334; subs by reg 3(j) of GoN 1018 in g. 41946.]
PART 2
.
[Part 2 (Reg 2.1–2.2) rep by reg 3 of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
LIMITATION ON ASSETS
[Part 3 rep by reg 4 of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
PART 4
AUTHORISATION OF AND REQUIREMENTS FOR COLLECTION OF PREMIUMS BY INTERMEDIARIES
4.1 Authorisation
(1) Any authorisation referred to in section 45 provided by an insurer to an independent intermediary to receive, hold or in any other manner deal with a premium payable under a policy of that insurer must be in writing.
(2) A written authorisation referred to in subregulation (1) must, amongst other things—
(a) specify the duration of the authorisation and the functions that may be performed under the authorisation;
(b) specify the level and standard of services that must be rendered in terms of the authorisation;
(c) specify the operational requirements that the independent intermediary must meet at all times to render services under the authorisation;
(d) specify the purposes for which premiums of the insurer received or held by the independent intermediary may and may not be utilised for by the independent intermediary;
(e) provide for appropriate requirements relating to the termination of the authorisation, including an adequate notice period, that take into account the interests of policyholders;
(f) provide for the type and frequency of reporting by the independent intermediary on the services rendered under the authorisation; and
(g) provide for the manner in and the means by which an insurer will monitor the independent intermediary's performance under and compliance with the authorisation.
(3) An insurer may not, for purposes of subregulation (2)(d), authorise an independent intermediary to utilise premiums for a purpose that could potentially lead to a significant increase in risk to the insurer.
(4) An independent intermediary may not delegate an authorisation that has been granted to it in accordance with section 45.
(5) An insurer must, before it authorises an independent intermediary under section 45, and at all times thereafter, be satisfied that—
(a) the independent intermediary is fit and proper and has the necessary operational ability to satisfactorily perform the functions or activities contemplated in the authorisation;
(b) such authorisation will not materially increase risk to the insurer; and
(c) such authorisation will not compromise the fair treatment of or continuous and satisfactory service to policyholders.
(6) An insurer must on an ongoing basis take reasonable steps to monitor whether an independent intermediary authorised under section 45 receives, holds or in any other manner deals with premiums in accordance with the authorisation and in accordance with this Part.
(7) An insurer must have appropriate contingency plans in place to address any shortcomings in the independent intermediary's performance of the authorised functions that it may identify through the monitoring contemplated in subregulation (6) or otherwise become aware of.
4.2 Requirements relating to receiving premiums
(1) The payment of a premium to an independent intermediary authorised under section 45 to receive a premium is deemed to be a payment to the insurer under the policy concerned.
(2) An independent intermediary who receives premiums must account for such premiums properly and promptly and open and maintain one or more separate bank account into which premiums are to be received.
(3) A separate bank account referred to in subregulation (2) may only contain monies collected from policyholders and may not contain any monies or funds of the independent intermediary.
(4) All premiums received by an independent intermediary—
(a) through electronic means must be received into a bank account referred to in subregulation (2); or
(b) in cash must be deposited into a bank account referred to in subregulation (2) within one business day after a premium is received.
(5) When an independent intermediary receives a premium in cash, that independent intermediary must as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the premium give to the payer a written receipt for the premium received containing the name, address and telephone number of the recipient, the policy number and the name of the insurer on whose behalf the premium is received.
(6) An independent intermediary must within a period of 15 days after the end of every month, pay to the insurer concerned the total amount of the premiums received during that month.
(7) Despite subregulation (6), an independent intermediary may, subject to the insurer's authorisation, prior to paying the total amount of the premiums received to the insurer reduce that amount by the value of—
(a) any refund of premiums due and payable by the insurer to any policyholder or prospective policyholder represented by such independent intermediary in respect of the policies that are subject to the authorisation granted by the insurer;
(b) any consideration payable to that independent intermediary by the insurer for rendering services as intermediary in respect of the policies concerned.
(8) If more than one independent intermediary is authorised by an insurer to receive premiums in relation to the same policy, the period between the receipt thereof from the insured or any person on his or her behalf and payment to the insurer shall not exceed the period contemplated in subregulation (6).
(1) An independent intermediary who has been authorised under section 45 must in respect of every month in respect of which the authority is in force, furnish the insurer concerned with returns—
(a) in the form required by that insurer;
(c) containing information relating to at least the premiums received, the commission payable to that intermediary and the amounts paid to the insurer in respect of the policies concerned; and
(d) within a period of 15 days after the end of the month concerned.
4.4 Exemption
(1) The Authority may, on reasonable grounds, on application from an insurer or on the Authority's own initiative, subject to such conditions as the Authority may determine, exempt an insurer or independent intermediary from any requirement of this Part if the Authority is satisfied that the granting of the exemption—
(a) is necessary because practicalities impede the strict application of a specific provision of this Part or another Act of Parliament regulates an activity that is subject to this Part and that such regulation of the activity justifies the exemption from a specific requirement of this Part;
(b) will not materially increase risk to the insurer;
(c) will not be contrary to the public interest; and
(d) will not compromise the fair treatment of or continuous and satisfactory service to policyholders.
[Part 4 subs by reg 5 of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
PART 5
REMUNERATION
(Section 48)
[Part heading subs by reg 5(a) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
PART 5A
LIMITATION ON REMUNERATION FOR SERVICES AS INTERMEDIARY
[Heading Part 5A ins by reg 4(b) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
5.1 General limitations
(1) No consideration shall, directly or indirectly, be provided to, or accepted by or on behalf of, an independent intermediary for rendering services as intermediary, otherwise than by way of commission in monetary form.
[Reg 5.1 subs by reg 4(c) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
(2) No commission shall be paid or accepted otherwise than subject to this Part.
(3) Irrespective of how many persons render services as intermediary in relation to a policy, the total commission payable in respect of that policy shall not exceed the maximum amount payable in terms of regulation 5.3.
5.2 Time and payment of commission
Commission shall not be paid or accepted before the date on which the premium in respect of which it is payable has been paid to the insurer.
[Reg 5.2 subs by reg 6 of GoN 1018 in g. 41946.]
5.3 Maximum commission payable
(1) Subject to subregulation (2), no commission shall exceed, in respect of—
(a) a motor policy and a policy underwritten under the "Motor" class of non-life insurance business as set out in Table 2 of Schedule 2 of the Insurance Act, 12,5 per cent of the premium payable under the policy;
(b) a contract identified in category 1, 2 and 3 in the table under regulation 7.2(1) of the regulations, the maximum commission specified in column two of the Scale below (in relation to the monthly premium band specified in column 1); and
(c) any other policy, 20 per cent of the premium payable under the policy.
(2 Despite subregulation (1)—
(a) paragraph (a) of subregulation (1) does not apply to a policy underwritten by a microinsurer under the "Motor" class of non-life insurance business as set out in Table 2 of Schedule 2 of the Insurance Act in respect of which the aggregate value of the policy benefits is R120,000 or less;
(b) paragraph (c) of subregulation (1) does not apply to a policy underwritten by a microinsurer.
[Reg 5.3 subs by reg 6(b) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
5.4 Reversal of commission
If a premium or any part thereof is for any reason refunded by an insurer, the commission payable in terms of this Part in respect of that premium, or the part of that premium, which is so refunded, shall be refunded, to the insurer by the person to whom it was paid.
[Reg 5.4 subs by reg 6(c) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
5.5 Commission when policy comprises combination of policies
(1) If a policy is a contract comprising a combination of any two or more of the short-term policies defined in section 1, the maximum commission payable shall be determined by aggregating the maximum payable in terms of this Part in respect of each of the separate kinds of policies comprising the combination by reference to the premium payable for each such policy, and if the premium attributable to each component is not specified in or ascertainable from the policy, the maximum shall not exceed that which would have been payable had the policy been the kind of policy to which the lowest maximum rate of commission applies.
(2) Despite subregulation (1), if a policy is a contract comprising a combination of any two or more of the short-term policies defined in section 1 and one of the policies is a contract referred to in category 1, 2 or 3 in the table under regulation 7.2(1), the maximum commission payable shall be determined by aggregating the maximum payable in terms of this Part in respect of each of the separate kinds of policies comprising the combination by reference to the premium payable for each such policy, and if the premium attributable to each component is not specified in or ascertainable from the policy, the maximum commission payable for the whole of the policy shall not exceed the maximum commission allowable under Scale in Regulation 5.3(1).
[Reg 5.5 subs by reg reg 6(d) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
PART 5B
LIMITATION ON REMUNERATION FOR BINDER FUNCTIONS
[Part 5B ins by reg 4(d) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
5.6 Application of this Part 5B, and definitions
“cell structure” has the meaning assigned to it in section 1 of the Insurance Act.
[“cell structure” subs by reg 6(e) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
5.7 General principles for determining remuneration for binder functions
(1) When remuneration is provided by or on behalf of an insurer to any person for rendering a binder function—
(a) such remuneration must be reasonable and commensurate with the actual cost of performing the binder function, taking into account the nature of the function and the resources, skills and competencies reasonably required to perform it;
(b) the payment of such remuneration must not result in the person being remunerated more than once for performing a similar function on behalf of the insurer and / or policyholder;
(c) any actual or potential conflicts between the interests of policyholders and the interests of the person receiving the remuneration must be effectively mitigated; and
(d) the payment of such remuneration must not impede the delivery of fair outcomes to policyholders.
5.8 Remuneration that may be offered or provided to a binder holder
(1) An insurer may pay a binder holder a fee for services rendered under a binder agreement, if the fee is consistent with the principles referred to in regulation 5.7(1).
(2) Despite subregulation (1), an insurer must not without the prior approval of the Authority referred to in subregulation (3) pay a binder holder a fee for services rendered under a binder agreement that exceeds the value listed in the Table below, reflected as a percentage of the aggregate of the total premiums payable by policyholders in respect of the policies to which the binder function relates, if that binder holder is—
(a) a non-mandated intermediary that is authorised to render “advice” as defined in the FAIS Act in respect of policies;
(b) a non-mandated intermediary that is an associate of another non-mandated intermediary that is authorised to render “advice” as defined in the FAIS Act in respect of policies.
BINDER FUNCTION MAXIMUM FEE PAYABLE Enter into, vary or renew a policy – section 48A(1)(A) (“function (a)”) Function (a) onlyDetermine the wording of a policy – section 48A(1)(b) (“function (b)”)
Determine premuims under a policy – section 48A(1)(c) (“function (c)”)
Function (a) and one or more of functions (b) – (d) Determine the value of policy benefits under a policy – section 48A(1)(d) (“function (d)”) One or more of functions (b) – (d) only Settle claims under a policy – section 48A(1)(e)(3) The Authority, subject to such conditions as the Authority may impose, may on application from an insurer grant approval to the insurer to pay a binder holder a fee in excess of the fees referred to in subregulation (2) if the Authority is satisfied that the fee is consistent with the principles referred to in regulation 5.7(1).
(4) Any fee referred to under subregulation (1) payable to a non‑mandated intermediary that may perform the service or function contemplated in section 48A(1)(e) of the Act under a binder agreement, may not constitute or be based on a percentage of the difference between an amount claimed or the maximum value of policy benefits payable under a policy and the policy benefits actually provided to a policyholder in settlement of a claim.
(5) Any fee referred to under this regulation 5.8, payable to a non-mandated intermediary that is a binder holder, must be disclosed to a policyholder, which disclosure must be included in the disclosures contemplated under regulation 6.2(1)(g).
5.9 Participation by a binder holder in profits attributable to the policies referred to in a binder agreement
(1) A non-mandated intermediary that is a binder holder, in respect of the services rendered under the binder agreement, may not directly or indirectly receive or be offered any share in the profits of the insurer attributable to the type or kind of policies referred to in the binder agreement.
(2) Subregulation (1) does not prohibit a non-mandated intermediary that is a binder holder and entered into a cell structure with an insurer from receiving dividends in respect of shares held in that insurer as part of that cell structure.
(3) An underwriting manager, in respect of the services rendered under the binder agreement, may share in the profits of the insurer attributable to the type or kind of policies referred to in the binder agreement.
PART 5C
NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN ARRANGEMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT INTERMEDIARIES OR REPRESENTATIVES
[Part 5C ins by reg 4(e) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
5.10 Definitions
In this Part 5C “binder function” has the meaning assigned to it in Part 6.
[Reg 5.10 subs by reg 6(f) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
5.11 Notification of certain arrangements with independent intermediaries or representatives
An insurer must at least 30 days before entering into an arrangement to pay remuneration to an independent intermediary or representative for a service, function or activity which in the opinion of the insurer does not constitute services as intermediary or a binder function notify the Authority in writing and in the format determined by the Authority of the arrangement to be entered into.
PART 6
BINDER AGREEMENTS
6.1 Definitions and interpretation
In this Part 6, unless the context indicates otherwise—
(a) has the meaning assigned to it in the General Code of Conduct; and
(b) in addition to paragraph (a), includes, in respect of a juristic person—
(i) another juristic person that has a significant owner or member of its governing body that is also a significant owner or member of the governing body of the first mentioned juristic person; and
(ii) another juristic person that has a person as a significant owner or member of its governing body who is an associate (within the meaning of paragraph (a)) of a significant owner or member of the governing body of the first mentioned juristic person;
[“associate” subs by reg 6(a) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“binder agreement” means an agreement contemplated in section 48A of the Act;
[“binder agreement” subs by reg 6(b) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“binder function” means any of the functions contemplated in section 48A(1)(a) to (e) of the Act;
[“binder function” subs by reg 6(c) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“binder holder” means a person with whom an insurer has concluded a binder agreement;
“commercial lines business” means short-term insurance business other than in respect of personal lines business;
[“commercial lines business” subs by reg 6(d) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334; reg 7(a) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“enter into” means any act that results in an insurer becoming liable to provide policy benefits under a policy where the person performing the act may do so without the insurer becoming aware of the act until after the act has been performed;
“FAIS Act” means the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002 (Act 37 of 2002);
[“FAIS Act” ins by reg 6(e) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“General Code of Conduct” means the General Code of Conduct for Authorised Financial Services Providers and Representatives as published in Board Notice 80 of 2003, and amended from time to time, under section 15 of the FAIS Act;
[“General Code of Conduct” ins by reg 6(f) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“governing body” has the meaning assigned to it in section 1 of the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017 (Act 9 of 2017);
[“governing body” ins by reg 6(g) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334 subs by reg 7(b) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“insurer” means a short-term insurer or but excludes SASRIA as defined in section 1 and referred to in the Conversion of SASRIA Act, 1998 (Act 134 of 1998);
[“insurer” subs by reg 6(h) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334, reg 7(c) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“integration” means policy and policyholder data is in a format that is readily recognisable and capable of being meaningfully utilised immediately by the core insurance systems and applications of the insurer;
[“integration” ins by reg 6(i) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“inter-related” has the meaning assigned to in section 1 of the Companies Act;
[“inter-related” ins by reg 6(j) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“juristic person” includes—
(a) a company, close corporation or co-operative incorporated or registered in terms of legislation whether in the Republic or elsewhere;
(b) an association, partnership, club or other body of persons of whatever description, corporate or unincorporated; or
(c) a trust or trust fund;
[“juristic person” ins by reg 6(k) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“mandated intermediary” means an independent intermediary that holds a written mandate from a potential policyholder or policyholder that authorises that intermediary, without having to obtain the prior approval of that potential policyholder or policyholder, to perform any act, including termination, in relation to a policy, that legally binds that potential policyholder or policyholder;
“non-mandated intermediary” means a representative or an independent intermediary, other than a mandated intermediary or an underwriting manager;
“policy” means a policy other than a short-term reinsurance policy;
[“policy” subs by reg 6(l) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334, rg 7(d) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“qualifying stake” means in respect of a person that—
(a) is a company, that another person, directly or indirectly, alone or together with a related or inter‑related person—
(i) holds at least 15% of the issued shares of the first mentioned person;
(ii) has the ability to exercise or control the exercise of at least 15% of the voting rights attached to securities of the first mentioned person;
(iii) has the ability to dispose of or control the disposal of at least 15% of the first mentioned person’s securities; or
(iv) holds rights in relation to the first mentioned person that, if exercised, would result in that other person, directly or indirectly, alone or together with a related or inter-related person—
(aa) holding at least 15% of the securities of the first mentioned person;
(bb) having the ability to exercise or control at least 15% of the voting rights attached to shares or other securities of the first mentioned person; or
(cc) having the ability to dispose of or direct the disposal of at least 15% of the first mentioned person’s securities;
(b) is a close corporation, that another person, directly or indirectly, alone or together with a related or inter-related person, holds at least 15% of the members’ interests or controls, or has the right to control, at least 15% of members’ votes in the close corporation;
(c) is a trust, means that another person has, directly or indirectly, alone or together with a related or inter-related person—
(i) the ability to exercise or control the exercise of at least 15% of the votes of the trustees;
(ii) the power to appoint at least 15% of the trustees; or
(iii) the power to appoint or change any beneficiaries of the trust;
[“qualifying stake” ins by reg 6(m) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“related” has the meaning assigned to in the section 1 of the Companies Act;
[“related” ins by reg 6(n) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“renew” means any act that results in the renewal of an insurer’s liability to provide policy benefits under a policy where the person performing the act may do so without the insurer becoming aware of the act until after the act has been performed;
“representative” has the meaning assigned in Part 1, but excludes an employee of an insurer;
[“representative” subs by reg 6(o) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“settle a claim” means any act that results in—
(a) the acceptance of partial or full liability under a claim for policy benefits or a part thereof;
(b) the determination of the liability of an insurer under a claim for policy benefits; or
(c) the rejection of or refusal to pay a claim for policy benefits or a part thereof;
where the person performing the act may do so without the insurer becoming aware of the act until after the act has been performed;
“significant owner” means a person that, directly or indirectly, alone or together with a related or inter‑related person, has the ability to control or influence materially the business or strategy of another person. A person has the ability referred to in that subsection if—
(a) the person, directly or indirectly, alone or together with a related or inter-related person, has the power to appoint 15% of the members of the governing body of the other person;
(b) the consent of the person, alone or together with a related or inter-related person, is required for the appointment of 15% of the members of a governing body of the other person; or
(c) the person, directly or indirectly, alone or together with a related or inter-related person, holds a qualifying stake in the other person;
[“significant owner” ins by reg 6(p) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“this Part” means this Part 6;
“transformation in the insurance sector” has the meaning assigned to it in section 1 of the Insurance Act;
[“transformation in the insurance sector” ins by reg 7(e) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
“underwriting manager” means a person that—
(a) performs one or more of the binder function; and
(b) if that person renders services as an intermediary as defined in Part 1 of the Regulations—
(i) does not perform any act the result of which is that another person will or does or offers to enter into, vary or renew a policy on behalf of an insurer, a potential policyholder or policyholder; and
(ii) renders those services (other than the services referred to in paragraph (i) above) to or on behalf of an insurer only; and
(c) does not have any relationship with an insurer (including the secondment of that person’s employees to an insurer or an associate of an insurer, the outsourcing of that person’s infrastructure to an insurer or an associate of an insurer, or any similar arrangement) which may result in that person or its employees de facto, directly or indirectly, performing any act directed towards entering into, varying or renewing a policy on behalf of an insurer, potential policyholder or policyholder; and
[“underwriting manager” subs by reg 6(q) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
“vary” means any act that results in the variation, termination, repudiation or denial of an insurer’s liability to provide policy benefits under a policy where the person performing the act may do so without the insurer becoming aware of the act until after the act has been performed, and includes any act declaring a policy void.
6.2 Requirements, limitations and prohibitions relating to binder holders
(1) An insurer, subject to subregulations (1A) to (4) and regulation 6.5, may have a binder agreement with one or more of the following persons only—
(a) a non-mandated intermediary; or
(b) an underwriting manager.
(1A) An insurer may only enter into a binder agreement with a person referred to in subregulation (1) if the outsourcing of a binder function to that person—
(a) is intended to promote the delivery of fair outcomes to customers;
(b) would not result in a duplication of administrative efforts or costs for the insurer; and
(c) would not impede the insurer’s ability to on an ongoing basis identify, assess, manage and report on the risks of poor customer outcomes potentially arising from the manner in which the insurer conducts its business.
(2) A non-mandated intermediary referred to under subregulation (1)(a) may not conduct any business with any mandated intermediary that is an associate of that non-mandated intermediary in relation to the same policy or policies of an insurer.
(3) An underwriting manager referred to under subregulation (1)(b) may not conduct any business with a mandated or non-mandated intermediary, or a representative of a mandated or non-mandated intermediary that is an associate of that underwriting manager in relation to the same policy or policies of an insurer.
(a) An underwriting manager referred to under subregulation (1)(b) who is a binder holder of one insurer cannot also be a binder holder of other insurers in respect of the same class of policies defined in section 1 the Act, unless all the relevant insurers have agreed thereto in writing.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if an underwriting manager enters into a binder agreement with an insurer during a termination period referred to in regulation 6.3(1)(s) in respect of a binder agreement with another insurer and that underwriting manager may not perform any binder functions on behalf of that other insurer during that termination period.
[Reg 6.2 subs by reg 6(r) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
6.2A Governance and oversight requirements
(1) An insurer must before entering into a binder agreement and at all times thereafter—
(a) have the necessary resources and ability to exercise effective oversight over the binder holder on an ongoing basis, particularly in respect of identifying, assessing, managing and reporting on the risks of poor customer outcomes arising from conducting insurance business through binder agreements;
(b) satisfy itself of the adequacy of the binder holder’s—
(i) governance, risk management and internal control framework, including the binder holder’s ability to comply with applicable laws and the binder agreement; and
(ii) fitness and propriety, including any specific technical expertise required to perform the function to which the binder agreement relate;
(c) have documented controls in place to ensure the validity, accuracy, completeness and security of any information provided by the binder holder; and
(d) have appropriate contingency plans in place to address any shortcomings it may identify that could lead to it not being satisfied as to the matters provided for in paragraph (b), including where the binder holder is unable to provide the insurer with the relevant data in the appropriate format.
(2) An insurer must before entering into a binder agreement and at all times thereafter be satisfied that the binder holder has the operational ability to ensure integration between the information technology system of the insurer and the information technology system of the binder holder, which enables the insurer to have access to up-to-date, accurate and complete data held by the binder holder as and when requested by the insurer and as required in terms of the binder agreement and any other regulatory requirements relating to data management, including toe requirements in the Policyholder Protection Rules;
(3) An insurer must regularly review and, where appropriate, act upon the information received from the binder holder to assess the appropriateness and suitability of the functions being performed in terms of the binder arrangement in delivering fair outcomes to policyholders on an ongoing basis.
[Reg 6.2A ins by reg 6(s) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
6.3 Requirements, limitations and prohibitions relating to binder agreements
(1) A binder agreement must, in addition to those matters provided for under section 48A(2)—
(a) specify if the binder holder is a non-mandated intermediary or an underwriting manager;
(b) specify the duration of the agreement;
(c) specify the level and standard of service that must be rendered to a policyholder, where relevant, and to the insurer;
(d) require that the binder holder at all times is fit and proper, and has appropriate governance, risk management, internal controls and information technology systems in place to render the services under the binder agreement;
[Reg 6.3(1)(d) subs by reg 6(t) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
(e) require that the binder holder comply with applicable laws;
(f) specify the Rand value of the remuneration or consideration contemplated under Part 5B payable by the insurer to the binder holder or, if the Rand value is not fixed or determinable on entering into the agreement, the basis on which the remuneration or consideration payable will be calculated, in respect of each binder function performed under the binder agreement;
[Reg 6.3(1)(f) subs by reg 6(u) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
(g) specify the disclosures that must be made and the information that must be provided to a policyholder, and the manner in which such disclosures or information must be made or provided when a binder holder—
(i) enters into, varies or renews a policy;
(ii) determines the wording of a policy;
(iii) determines premiums under a policy;
(iv) determines the value of policy benefits under a policy; or
(v) settles a claim under a policy;
(h) provide for the type and frequency of reporting by the binder holder on the services rendered under the binder agreement;
(i) provide for the manner in and the means by which an insurer will monitor the binder holder’s performance under and compliance with the binder agreement;
(j) provide for periodic performance reviews of the binder holder and the regular review of the binder agreement;
(k) specify that the insurer has a right to access any data held by the binder holder as and when such data is requested by the insurer;
[Reg 6.3(1)(k) subs by reg 6(v) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
(l) address confidentiality, privacy and the security of information of the insurer and policyholders;
(m) address ownership of intellectual property;
(n) specify that the binder holder must take the necessary steps to allow the Authority access to its business and information in respect of the functions performed under the agreement;
(o) include indemnity and liability provisions;
(p) require the binder holder to provide the insurer with access to up-to-date, accurate and complete data (in accordance with Regulation 6.2A(2)) on a daily basis to ensure that the insurer is able to comply with any regulatory requirements relating to data management, including any requirements provided for in the Policyholder Protection Rules;
[Reg 6.3(1)(p) subs by reg 6(w) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
(q) set out any warranties or guarantees to be furnished and insurance to be secured by the binder holder in respect of its ability to fulfill its contractual obligations;
(qA) provide for mechanisms and measures that will assist the insurer in meeting procurement, enterprise and supplier development targets relating to the transformation in the insurance sector;
[Reg 6.3(1)(qA) ins by reg 7(f) of GoN 1018 in G. 41946.]
(r) provide for a dispute resolution process;
(s) provide for a termination period, irrespective of the circumstances under which the agreement is terminated (including the lapsing or non-renewal of the agreement), of at least 90 days, that will allow—
(i) the binder holder and insurer to comply with any legislative requirements relating to the policies referred to in the binder agreement; and
(ii) for the transfer or sharing of all electronic and paper-based records in respect of the policies referred to in the binder agreement, including the names and identity numbers of all policyholders, insured persons and beneficiaries; and
(t) provide for business contingency processes, including the continuity of service if the binder holder is placed under curatorship, business rescue, becomes insolvent, is liquidated or is for any reason unable to continue to render the services in accordance with the binder agreement.
(2) Subregulation (1)(t) does not prohibit a binder agreement from providing that an insurer may—
(a) limit or prevent a binder holder from performing certain or all binder functions during the termination period; or
(b) take reasonable measures to limit any risks it may be exposed to resulting from or associated with a binder agreement or its termination.
(a) A binder agreement may only provide for matters referred to in section 48A of the Act, this Part and matters incidental thereto, and may not regulate any other arrangement or relationship with the binder holder, irrespective of such other arrangement or relationship being dependent on the conclusion of a binder agreement or that the binder agreement is in addition to or consequential to such other arrangement or relationship.
(b) A binder agreement may not prohibit an insurer from communicating directly with its policyholders or any independent intermediary.
(4) A binder agreement concluded with a non-mandated intermediary, in addition to the matters provided for under subregulation (1), must limit the discretion of the binder holder in respect of—
(a) the maximum value of policy benefits that may be determined under each policy or the maximum value of any claim that may be settled by the binder holder under the policies to which the binder agreement relates;
(b) the risk factors that must be considered by the binder holder when entering into, varying or renewing a policy or determining the value of policy benefits under a policy; and
(c) other parameters in accordance with which the binder holder must render the services provided for in the binder agreement.
(5) A binder agreement concluded with a non-mandated intermediary may not authorise the binder holder to—
(a) refuse to renew a policy;
(b) reject or refuse to pay a claim for policy benefits or a part thereof;
(c) terminate, repudiate or deny an insurer’s liability to provide policy benefits under a policy; or
(d) declare a policy void.
(6) An insurer must promptly take reasonable steps to rectify any non-adherence to a binder agreement.
[Reg 6.3(6) ins by reg 6(x) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
(7) An insurer must retain a copy of a binder agreement for a period of at least five years from the date on which a binder agreement is terminated.
[Reg 6.3(7) ins by reg 6(x) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
[Reg 6.4 rep by reg 6(y) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
6.5 Exemption
(1) Despite regulation 6.2(1)—
(a) an insurer may conclude a hold-covered binder agreement with a mandated intermediary or a non-mandated intermediary, if—
(i) that agreement provides for the entering into policies on an interim and limited-in-time basis only; and
(ii) the legal liability of the insurer under such policies lapses after a maximum period of 96 hours in respect of personal lines business and 30 days in respect of commercial lines business, unless the insurer, in respect of each policy, confirms its legal liability under that policy in writing prior to the expiry of such period; and
(iii) no fee for the services rendered under the hold-covered binder agreement is payable to the mandated intermediary or non-mandated intermediary by the insurer.
(2) Despite regulation 6.2(2) or (3), the Authority may on application from an insurer referred to in regulation 6.2(2) or (3) or an insurer that is the holding company or associate of more than one person referred to in regulation 6.2(2) or (3) exempt, subject to such conditions as the Authority may impose, the insurer or such person from regulation 6.2(2) or (3), if the Authority is satisfied that—
(a) any actual or potential conflict of interest is effectively mitigated;
(b) the delivery of fair outcomes to policyholders will not be impeded; and
(c) the person has the operational and financial capability to perform the binder function or to conduct such business.
(a) Regulations 6.3(1)(f) and 6.4 do not apply to a hold-covered binder agreement concluded under subregulation (1)(a).
(b) For purposes of a hold-covered binder agreement, the timeframes referred to under regulations 6.3(1)(p) and (s) are 96 hours in respect of personal lines business and 30 days in respect of commercial lines business.
[Reg 6.5 subs by reg 6(z) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
6.6 Reporting requirements
(1) An insurer must, at least 30 days before entering into a binder agreement, notify the Authority in writing and in the format required by the Authority of the proposed binder agreement.
(2) An insurer must, at least 60 days before the expiry of the termination period referred to under regulation 6.3(1)(s), inform the Authority in writing and in the format required by the Authority—
(a) of the date on which the binder agreement will terminate;
(b) of the reasons for the termination of the binder agreement;
(c) how the policies to which the binder agreement relates will be dealt with;
(d) how any legislative requirements relating to the termination of the binder agreement or policies, if one or more policies to which the binder agreement relates will be terminated, will be complied with.
[Reg 6.6 subs by reg 6(aa) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
[Reg 6.7 subs by reg 1 of GoN R1076 in G. 34877; rep by reg 6(bb) of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
TITLE AND COMMENCEMENT
8.1 These regulations are called the Regulations under the Short-Term Insurance Act, 1998.
8.2 The amendments to the Regulations, subject to regulations 8.3 and 8.4 take effect on 1 July 2018.
8.3 Despite regulation 8.2, the—
(i) reg 4.1(2), (3), (4), (6) and (7); and
(ii) regulation 4.2(2), (3) and (4),
in Part 4 takes effect 12 months after the date referred to in regulation 8.2; and
(b) insertion of paragraph (q) in subregulation (1) in regulation 6.3 of Part 6 takes effect—
(i) on the date referred to in regulation 8.2 for binder agreements entered into on or after the date referred to in regulation 8.2;
(ii) on 1 January 2019 for binder agreements entered into before the date referred to in regulation 8.2.
8.4 Despite regulation 8.2, the following amendments made to the Regulations through Government Notice 1439 as published in Government Gazette 41334 on 15 December 2017 take effect as follows—
(a) insertion of subregulations (2) and (3) in regulation 5.8 in Part 5B takes effect—
(i) on the effective date for binder agreements entered into on or after the effective date;
(ii) for binder agreements entered into after 1 January 2017 but before the effective date, the earliest of—
(aa) six months after the effective date; or
(bb) the date on which any amendment to binder fees payable under such binder agreement is made;
(iii) for binder agreements entered into before 1 January 2017, the earliest of—
(aa) 12 months after the effective date; or
(bb) the date on which any amendment to binder fees payable under such binder agreement is made;
(b) insertion of subregulation (2) in regulation 6.2A in Part 6 takes effect 24 months after the effective date; and
(c) amendment to paragraph (p) in subregulation (1) in regulation 6.3 in Part 6 takes effect 24 months after the effective date.
8.5 For purposes of regulation 8.4 “effective date” means 1 January 2018.
[Reg 7 ins by reg 2 of GoN R1076 in G. 34877; subs by reg 7 of GoN 1439 in G. 41334.]
[Editor Note: Reg 7 of GoN 1439 in G. 41334 substitutes Part 8 of these Regulations but we believe they erroneously said Part 8 instead of Part 7. We incorporated the amendment accordingly.]