Category: General

 

We are super excited and incredibly proud to announce that from 1 October 2020, Oakhurst Insurance Company Limited will be merging its brand with dotsure.co.za, its direct arm, and changing their colours from green to orange!

This means that the Oakhurst brand will be gracefully retired whilst undergoing a re-branding process and an official name change to Dotsure Limited. Since 2019, the dotsure.co.za brand has been deservedly positioned as the country’s most trusted insurer according to Hellopeter.com* and we are fully committed to continue building on that reputation by creating new fans every day.

This move signifies a strengthening in our commitment to you and will give us the opportunity to create efficiencies that will translate into better outcomes for our customers and partners.

 

What does it mean for dotsure.co.za policyholders?

dotsure.co.za family members will still enjoy the same cover at the same affordable premiums.

 

What about current Oakhurst policyholders?

Don’t worry, this change will have no material impact on your policy or cover at all! Every policy you have in place with us will remain completely unaffected and you will have the same team of experts dedicating their time and expertise to the management of your policy.

 

We are supercharged and ready to impress you every step of the way. Watch the space! 😉

Have any questions? Send us a message here.

*As on Hellopeter.com, 2020/08

 

If it’s flexible and affordable insurance you’re after, dotsure.co.za is your go-to insurer for car, pet, life and household cover! Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird (or maybe both!), you decide when and where you’d like to manage your policy. Access to the dotsure.co.za Manage Portal simplifies your life and will save valuable time, so you’ll have more time to do the things you actually love doing.

With the help of the Manage Portal online platform, you’ll have control of your policy and portfolio with dotsure.co.za 24/7.

 

7 Things you can do on your Manage Portal

 

1. Change your personal details

We know that change is inevitable. People move, get married, get new mobile numbers, and some even change their identities. Manage Portal allows you to update your profile picture and personal info in a matter of seconds.

NB – Remember to always update your details ASAP when they change as it might have an impact on your cover and validity of a claim submitted!

 

2. Make policy changes

You can manage your policy online: view policy details, change your nominated driver, add or remove standard accessories for car insurance and change your security details for household insurance. Yay to technology!

 

3. Submit a claim

You can submit a claim and upload any supporting documents we might ask of you, even view the status of a claim after you’ve submitted.

 

4. Change your banking details

If you’ve moved over to a different bank, you can very easily opt for the DIY route when it comes to updating your banking details associated with your dotsure.co.za premium debit orders. It’s super simple and hassle-free.

 

5. Check out your history

You can view and download detailed history of premiums due/deducted and other transactions related to your car insurance policy. It’s even possible to request a 6-month or 12-month billing statement.

 

6. Log a query

There’s no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! Our consultants are on standby, eagerly waiting for an opportunity to turn a policyholder into a fan. 😉

 

7. Ask for policy docs

Need us to send you policy documents? Ask and you shall receive. Submit the request on Manage Portal and at the drop of a hat, you’ll receive an email with the documents attached.

 

Enjoy managing your insurance like a boss! If you have a dotsure.co.za policy sign into your Manage Portal here.

 

Have a question? Live chat to a consultant via the online chat bubble at the bottom of the page on www.dotsure.co.za OR pop us a mail at [email protected]. If you prefer to call, you’re welcome to reach us at 0861 dotsure (368 7873).

 

*T&Cs apply and are obtainable by emailing [email protected].

 

Fact: Savvy consumers should shop around. Fact: A great company should have great reviews. What happens when you put the two together? You get the truth.

Guess you’re probably not surprised that your favourite online pet, motor, life, funeral, and household insurance provider gets hundreds of glowing reviews from a trusted, crowd-sourced consumer watchdog every month. We wanted to share the latest with you…

 

Here are 5 shining shout-outs to dotsure.co.za on Hello Peter

 

Quick Claim Turn Around Time

“Tilani and her team are amazing. Efficient and friendly staff. Was an absolute pleasure dealing with the team. Thank you!!!!”

– Sacha B

dotsure.co.za is fantastic

“Fantastic customer service. Efficient, friendly and informed staff. I am very happy! “

– Riandi A

 

All round efficiency

“Service was excellent- very helpful and efficient. The consultant was super.”

– Shereen P

 

dotsure for sure

“Helpful, professional…. all the good adjectives.”

– Vila A

 

Great insurance company and fantastic service

“I’ve had a pet insurance policy with Dotsure for a couple of years now and WOW! What an awesome company!
The representatives really go above and beyond to make a client feel like more than just a client. They’re friendly, they care about their clients and the newsletters are a nice little addition to making it feel like a family.

I have had a few queries and requests, but every time I’m assisted by an enthusiastic and helpful consultant. The feedback is always quick and efficient. The services, products and premiums are fantastic and affordable. I wouldn’t dream of taking my business elsewhere unless absolutely necessary. I would recommend Dotsure to anyone!

Thank you to the Dotsure team for being such a great insurance provider!”

– Leigh M

 

Bottom line? You decide

Of course, in an age of ‘have your say’, giving you the mic in our marketing is just one way we are building a community of fans. We’d love to chat to you to find out how we can help you live a safer, happier, more chilled life. Get in touch, we love hearing from you!

 

 

dotsure.co.za, the country’s biggest online pet insurance provider is bringing the biggest reality-romance TV show, The Bachelor, to South African audiences.

The Bachelor TV series helps a handsome bachelor and one lucky lady out of 25 find love together. It has wowed US audiences for 21 seasons and has spinoffs in Japan, Greece, and Russia. Now, doture.co.za brings you a proudly South African version, launching on DSTV’s M-Net Prime Time on February 14, 2019. The man of the moment is model, entrepreneur, and former Sharks rugby player, Lee Thompson and doture.co.za is the main sponsor.

dotsure.co.za is proud to play matchmaker and put true love in the spotlight, and not only the kind of love that comes with a ring. The lead man adores the animals in his life, and they have an important place in it, onscreen and offscreen. “Lee knows that a home isn’t really a home without a pet,” says doture.co.za’s managing director, David Roache. “Naturally, being a pet insurance provider, we are also huge pet lovers, so it just felt like a natural fit for us.”

dotsure.co.za believes that animals bring love into any situation and will provide a year’s cover to the winning couple’s pets to help with pricey medical and wellness expenses. The online insurance provider also plans to run their unconditional love campaign throughout the duration of the Bachelor SA series, whereby they will be educating and encouraging the public on the importance of adopting shelter animals. It’s part of the premium pet insurance provider’s ongoing way to say ‘thank you’ to all furry friends. What else are they doing to get tongues and tails wagging?

dotsure.co.za is also the sponsor of The Bachelor’s Fantasy League game – which makes online predictions about the show – and brings you Lee’s secret innermost thoughts in The Bachelor Diaries online. Pet-loving viewers can watch out for the episode involving adorable animals with unconditional love to give. Furthermore, fans can expect exclusive dotsure.co.za interviews and appearances from the show’s participants on its own channels including Facebook, Instagram and the blog.

This move builds on dotsure.co.za’s long-term commitment to champion animal wellbeing and wage the war on animal abuse. “We want to support their welfare as much as we can,” David emphasises. In addition to offering the most affordable and adaptable pet insurance in the country that lets you Name Your Price™, dotsure.co.za hosts the annual Polar Bear Plunge which donates blankets to animals in need, and regularly makes significant contributions to animal welfare organisations like the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL), including a pledge of R50k when they won a Guinness World Record for the most dogs in bandanas in one place. “Every now and then along comes a benefactor who stands out from the norm and in our opinion, dotsure.co.za is one such example,” the AACL team says of the show’s sponsor.

Be sure to catch the fun afoot on February 14^th” on all our channels.

 

Can you afford to lose your phone? Most probably not! Phones cost an arm and a hand these days. Mobile devices are like third hands and we simply can’t function without our buzzing besties anymore.

Your electro-limb multitasks like a mother and keeps you connected to your people. You’ve grown attached to its slim body and intelligent mind.

 

Is your phone safe though?

 

Your phone travels everywhere you go and is exposed to many dangers. Your mobile can easily get snatched by strangers or end up with a cracked surface. It’s your job to protect your phone with insurance.

dotsure.co.za offers awesome mobile device insurance which can be added as a specified portable possession to your existing Household, Building or Motor Insurance policy. You can select the type and amount of cover needed to suit your pocket, with premiums from as low as R27 per month. That’s less that the price of 2 litres of milk. Wow!

 

Cover options:

 

1. Comprehensive

You are covered for accidental physical loss of, theft or damage to your mobile device specified in the policy schedule.

2. Accidental partial damage and theft

You are covered for theft as well as accidental partial damage (excluding any water or other liquid damage).

3. Accidental screen damage and theft

You are covered for theft and accidental damage to the screen of your mobile device only.   

4. Accidental screen damage only

You are covered for accidental damage to the screen of your mobile device only.

 

 

Your phone or tablet can be insured to a maximum of R15 000 per unit and you’ll be covered all over the world. You might have 99 problems, but you’ll have 1 less problem with dotsure.co.za. We’ll do the worrying, while you stay connected.

You can call us at 0861 dotsure (368 7873) or pop us a mail at [email protected] if you want to save yourself (and your phone) from expensive damages and loses.

 

Errors and omissions excepted.

We recently asked you, our fans and favourite critics, for your thoughts and feedback on our new website. We’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to give us really valuable feedback on our new website. You guys are amazing!

 

So, here’s what you had to say:

Pretty damn cool! You guys are too kind (and our designers and developers are pretty cool too) 😊

 

Other comments:

Christelle Bezuidenhout suggested the following: “Add a live chat where you can get direct info if it is not possible for you to receive a phone call at that time”. We hear you loud and clear Christelle and we have implemented just that. Go check it out. Thank you for the awesome suggestion!

Annelize Coetzee said: “From what I’m seeing on the website, I wouldn’t chance anything. It is very informational, and I like that all the info is on the website. The only thing I would add is a button that says, “submit your claim” or “how to claim”. Oooh, thanks for the suggestion Annelize. Watch this space!

 

A whopping 96% of you said that you would not change a thing…so we guess you kinda love it!

 

Now…we promised one of you a little thank you for rating us right? So, who was the lucky chosen one? Congratulations goes to Johan Thompson – You are the lucky winner of the R1500 Takealot voucher!

 

It’s tax season and if you’re a salted taxpayer, you know that submitting your returns could end you up with a nice cash bonus, but do you see dollar signs when you get your cash back notification? Do you think of the long-awaited holiday you never had money for and the renovations you’ve been meaning to make?

So are we to spend or are we to save? Here are 5 things to do with your return.

Pay down a credit card

Did you know that according to the National Credit Regulator, over 39% of South African credit consumers have their credit card accounts overdue due to not being able to make their monthly payments? Not only does your credit score take a huge knock, but your blood pressure rises to unhealthy levels.

That’s why this is the perfect opportunity to use your returns as a down payment on your credit card. In the long run this could free up some budget to spend on wise things like long term investments and health care.

For more information on how to reduce your credit card debt, click here!

Save for a rainy day

You’ve heard this many times, but it’s surprising how few people actually save for emergencies – it’s much easier to swipe the credit card or take out a loan from the bank.

These days there are so many options in terms of saving. Starting with a simple savings account such as a 30 day account to restrict yourself from simply drawing the cash for everyday use can come in handy. Talk to your financial advisor or bank to provide you with the best options for your savings needs.

You will thank yourself when an emergency arises! Here are some of the more popular choices:

ABSA Save or Invest

Capitec Global Plan

Standard Bank Savings and Investments

Nedbank 32 day account

 

Down payment for your wheels

You need a good set of wheels. Sure, it’s a big expense, but the good news is that putting a down payment on your vehicle finance can save you on interest charges for the period taken and could even shorten the payment period.

Speak to your Finance House regarding the options for a down-payment and how it will affect your rates.

Also remember to keep your insurance updated to cover for any shortfall in the event of a loss.

For more info on how to get Credit Shortfall cover – click here.

Long term investment savings

Technically this counts as a saving as well as a spending, but sometimes you have to spend now to save in the long run! Using your tax returns for long term investments could potentially benefit you by making your money work for you.

Investing in property, bonds, stocks, real-estate or other long-term investment options with your tax returns will not only give you extra income, but could provide you with financial security for your future goals – whether this is an early retirement or a house on shore.

Keep bucks aside for life insurance

This might be one of the most overlooked spending items as many people don’t quite grasp the importance of making provision for an unfortunate end. Although most people are wanting to believe that death only comes with old age, unfortunately the reality is that it can happen at any time, which could leave you unprepared financially to take care of your family’s needs when you are no longer there.

To get your life insurance quote today, click here!

Start saving for that next tax increase!

#bepennywise

What’s the Mandela Day Buzz about?

 

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Politician, philanthropist and President. Has history ever yielded a better beacon of compassion and selflessness? Perhaps not. Mandela Day honours his Batman-like heroism by allowing you to show-off your own hero-like qualities and give 67 minutes of compassion to a cause of your choice.

 

Why 67 Minutes?

That’s a great question! It’s because Mr Mandela was in public service for 67 years. Each minute of goodwill represents a year of his public service lifespan. Let that soak in for a minute… 67 years.

So, would you like to be a Hero like Madiba and clear your guilty conscience?

 

Here are 3 easy ways to be a hero on Mandela Day

 

1. Donate “kryptonite”

You can donate some life-giving blood. It will make you feel a little weak for a few minutes, but it can give others a lifetime of strength.

 

How to share your blood

• Make sure you are between the ages of 16-65, weigh more than 50 kg’s and have your Superman strength.
• Find a SANBS Blood Donation Centre near you OR motivate your employer to host a blood drive at your offices for the convenience of all your sidekicks.
• Eat a balanced meal 3-4 hours prior to donation. Remember-Even superheroes need to refuel.

Did you know?

Every unit of blood can save up to THREE civilians! That means that you turn into a real-life superhero in less than an hour. How cool is that?

 

2. Fly to your local SPCA

Use your flying powers and extra strength to play with the furry friends at the SPCA. Who knows, you might have the urge or wrap one in your cape and carry it to the safety of your own hideout.

How to carry your furry friends to safety?

 

ADOPT-YOU save a life!

Animals in shelters are abandoned and left destitute by some serious villains. They were left to fight the battle between good and bad alone, wandering around in search of a sidekick and a life companion. You have the power to make their future better than their past. You can provide them with a haven and experience, in the process, benefit from their unconditional love and companionship.

For guidelines on the adoption process click here.

 

3. Share your superpowers

You can share your caring superpowers with organisations like the Red Cross. Your selfless 67 minutes could save the next little Superman.

Red Cross

In less than 67 seconds you can donate R20 or more to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital which will contribute to the wellbeing of little superheroes fighting the battle for survival against the evilest villain of them all… Illness.

How do donate?

Visit the Children’s Hospital Trust website by clicking here.

If you would like to make a personal contribution to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, you can also pop in for a surprise visit and entertain the little superheroes with some fun and games. Your 67 minutes could make a major difference.

YOU could be the difference!

We at dotsure.co.za we also do our part. We celebrate Mandela Day by making it our mission to utilize a valuable feeding scheme to help feed 20 000 vulnerable South Africans every month. The prepared food packs consist of rice, soya mince, vegetables and a mixture of 21 vitamins and minerals which are handed out to charity organisations in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

On Mandela Day our employees honour Madiba by sharing their caring superpowers by helping us pack. Our team has enough power to save thousands of little superheroes.

Do you have the power to save lives?

Of course! Share your 67 minutes and honour the legacy of our country’s most influential leader!

Viva Madiba!!!

On Saturday, 28 July 2018 the brave and caring Garden Route community will again flock to the icy shores of Victoria Bay, where they will plunge into the icy depths of the winter-chilled Indian ocean to take part in the annual dotsure.co.za Polar Bear Plunge, all in aid of a host of local and national charities.

This year, local businesses and teams will be competing to bring the biggest and most exuberant following to the shore in order to make sure that charities close to their hearts are the beneficiaries of the sponsored R20 000 purse. Each team that enters will consist of 10 members and bring with them, warm hearts, warmer blankets and the warmest smiles available anywhere.

In 2017, with the help of the local community, the event (which is essentially a blanket drive), managed to raise more than 700 blankets for those in need. This year, the target is set at a cool 1000! “Winter is a hard time of year and it’s easy to forget others struggling in the cold temperatures while we live in our cosy comforts. This is why we do this! We do it because we care, we do it to try and make South Africa a little better, by trying to help those less fortunate than ourselves.”, says David Roache, MD of dotsure.co.za.

For those who would prefer to keep their toes dry, the 2018 edition of the Plunge will also boast a sizzling line up of entertainment including some hot tracks laid down by former 5FM DJ, Catherine Grenfell. Participants and supporters can partake in activities like a brain freeze eating contest, water sports, a crazy fun kids’ corner and more. The nominated charities will also be present on the day and have stalls where they will educate the public on what they do and where they will also be selling goodies, in aid of charity.

dotsure.co.za challenges you to dress in your most exciting swimwear and brave the freezing winter waves to show your support for this very deserving cause. Invite all your friends and family members to take the plunge and to bring a blanket as your entry fee.

Businesses can contact dotsure.co.za at [email protected] for an entry form and other participants can register on the dotsure.co.za Facebook page.

Don’t be Chicken, be Polar Bear! It’s time to get freezin’ for a reason!

 

After a long day of being insurance Vikings and delivering you excellent service we all shamelessly admit to binge-watching the hottest shows on Netflix. Without asking Mr Google for the top home-screen shows, you’ll soon know what to watch. We rounded up our favourites because we’re fans, too. And because we’re always professional, we also threw in the Rotten Tomatoes rating for each one. Bet these will keep you up all night and leave you with baggy eyes. Not a bad trade-off for days of entertainment, eh?

Our Top 10 Series

1. The End of the F***ing World

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 97%

We know some might frown at the show’s title, but if you watch the show you’ll see that it’s a fffitting one. The thriller series is about a 17-year-old teenager who believes he’s a psychopath. It’s probably not that far-fetched when you consider that he put his hand in a deep-fat fryer at 9 years old just to feel something. What a freak! Anyways, he meets a girl, the two weirdos connect and they go on a journey to find her missing father. Along the way, homicide disrupts the joyride and a stomach-turning twist leads to a surprise. BTW: It’s confirmed by our top dealer sales consultant that this one is a MUST-watch!

 

 

2. Black Mirror

 

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96%

Even if you’ve not watched a single episode of Black Mirror, you’ll be aware of the popular action thriller’s existence. There’s a Black Mirror buzz going around as the show blows more and more viewers’ minds. Imagine being stuck in a small room your entire life. Would you survive, or worse? Black Mirror is twisted, high-tech and will keep you on the edge of the couch.

 

 

3. Stranger Things

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%

Looking for something different? At first glance, Stranger Things looks like a typical American series. It’s anything but the American dream, however. A young boy mysteriously goes missing in a small town, followed by terrifying findings, supernatural forces, and a strange little girl.  It’s a total escape to a world of fantasy and drama.

 

 

4. Shameless

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93%

“People around here get their butts beat for missing Shameless, so sit down, shut up, and catch up.” That’s character Mickey Maguire, and statements like these are how a Shameless episode usually lures you to watch an episode of the jaw-dropping comedy-drama. WARNING: Once you’ve seen what can’t be unseen, you won’t be able to stop watching. It’s a shock to the system, at first, but you’ll learn to love Frank, his six kids, and his mixed bag of neighbours. Follow the lives of crazy characters and hide the swear jar far away.

 

 

5. Vikings

 

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93%

Escape to a world of warriors invading England. Embark on an adventure with Ragnar Lothbrok, the first Viking to emerge from Norse legend and onto the pages of history. Ragnar, a man on the edge of a myth, transforms from a farmer to a Scandinavian king. But how? You’ll have to find out for yourself.

 

 

6. Banshee

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 88%

Banshee will shake the popcorn out of its buckets and onto the floor. The action show is super-exciting. You’ll find yourself stuck in a small town called Banshee in Pennsylvania, USA, where an ex-con takes over the identity of a murdered sheriff. It’s well-worth streaming but we don’t want to give away too much of the good stuff. A world of adventure awaits!

 

 

7. Modern Family

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%

Funny and fabulous are two of the best words to describe this contemporary sitcom. Join the journey of a family full of fun and other binge-worthy drama. If you don’t fall in love with Phil and Gloria you’re probably already infatuated with Claire or Cameron.

 

 

8. House of Cards

 

 

 

9. Grace and Frankie

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 81%

Here’s one for the silver foxes. Hopefully you won’t relate to this odd storyline. Grace and Frankie are two senior women who find out that their husbands are romantically involved and on their way to becoming groom and groom. The two ladies try to deal with the situation and struggle to accept the betrayal that’s been blooming behind their backs for the previous 20 years.

 

 

10. Altered Carbon

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 65%

Pet Sales Consultant, Taylor Morton, says “Altered Carbon is amazing!” It’s twisted and futuristic. Imagine that you could get the perfect body but keep your beautiful mind. With Altered Carbon it’s possible. Consciousness is stored and corpses rise from the dead. One of the revived bodies needs to solve a mind-bending murder before being released from imprisonment.

 

 

Please Note: The above shows are not suitable for the youngsters. Peppa Pig and Daniel Tiger are awesome animation alternatives for kiddies.

Happy Binging!

 

It’s just after 5pm and your workday is finally over. Your mind is clogged as you drag tired feet to the car. You turn the key and think about the night’s plans, and realise you need to make a pitstop. The traffic is bad and, finally, after almost an hour, you arrive at your destination. You enter the gym and – BAM – the scent of sweat fills your nostrils. Ugh.  What’s even worse, the crowd of moist, pumped-up bods is flexing, floor-bending and spreading germs all over the fitness centre.

Okay, so maybe it’s not always that bad. You’ve probably made a few pals and the equipment raises the bar, but surely there must be a better way to get those gains in a less boring and conventional manner?

Wake-up and swap your glasses for goggles. You don’t have to stare at dumbbells any more. It’s 2018 and Virtual Reality (VR) is your jog out of the gym and into a world of futuristic cities, robots and other revolutionary figures.

 

What’s Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality is a three-dimensional, fictional world that can be accessed using a digital device and a VR headset. The VR headset has screens inside the visor and earphones at the side. The user enters a digital environment that they see through the headset. They can interact with it using hand controllers or sensor-fitted gloves. The sensors pick up any movements you make and the visuals respond accordingly. It’s clever like that!

 

 

What’s revolutionary about VR?

Fitness and gaming joined forces when Nintendo’s Wii Fit was launched in 2007. Wii users quickly worked out that they could play tennis while lounging on their comfy couches, controller in one hand, snacks in the other. Today, we’re reaching a new level of gaming with VR innovation.

One of the most advanced tech systems is the Oculus Rift which provides a sensory experience and a fitness element. Users can explore beautiful landscapes, climb virtual mountains, zoom in to anywhere on the planet or find themselves floating around in space. Bet you’re speechless right now.

Are you wondering how fitness and VR combine to create the body you’re working towards? You can buy a kit which consists of a headset and a single, motion-sensing hand controller which operates the virtual hands that appear on the screen when you put on the VR goggles. When you use the hand controller, you see your “hand” move on the VR screen. Movements include punching, shooting, and swiping. Gamers gonna love this…

The visual “experience” plays on a mobile phone which links with the headset and connects to the phone’s camera lenses, which are positioned to create a 360°, 3D field of vision. As you move your head, the screen tracks your movement so you can “look around” the projected environment. In seconds, you can be in a different dimension and explore the things most only see in movies and dreams. Today you visit the moon, tomorrow you take a trip to the Grand Canyon. The planet, no, the galaxy, is your playground, thanks to virtual reality.

VR and the future of fitness

Working out has reached the next level thanks to virtual reality. It smashes routine into millions of tiny pixels. Watch this video to see how VR deletes calories while you score the perfect booty. Gym bunnies and gamers unite (and fly)!

 

 

Still not convinced that working out with VR is awesome for your bod? Well, California-based gamer and writer, Job Stauffer, claims to have lost over 20kg in only 5 months playing a VR game called Soundboxing. In the game, competing players punch a suspended object to the rhythm of songs. They earn points and try to win each session.

 

 

According to Nick Harding, a GP from Birmingham, playing VR sports like ones where you catch American football involve a range of body movement that raise the resting heart rate from 56 BPM to 72 BPM. This means that VR contributes towards a healthier lifestyle.

Do you think future fitness centres will be filled with machines that work together with VR?

 

VR fitness at home versus a power workout at the gym – what’s better?

Workout @ GYM Benefits: Monthly payment option Immediate help available Build relationships/socialize Wide range of equipment Group classes Personal contact Entertaining and challenging   Cost: Average R350-700 pm for gym membership Total: R4200 – R8400 per year

VR @ home Benefits: Privacy Full tracking No distractions Avoid sweaty bodies Bring your personal trainer home Available 24/7 Entertaining and challenging   Cost: R5000 for Oculus headset, Oculus touch and two sensors. Games average R250 each Total: R5000 – R7000

 

VR workouts and gym exercise both promote better health. If you are easily bored and you’re not a fan of working out with crowds of strangers, VR is the way to go. If you enjoy socializing with gym buddies, and if pumping iron is your forte, the gym’s your best partner.

For now, the gym will probably remain the most popular choice because it is affordable and allows weight-bearing workouts. VR is pricey at present and still has a long way to go. What’s more, its exercise offerings are limited to aerobic action for now. If you start moving around in virtual space, it’s easy to bump into real-world objects that aren’t mapped and to injure yourself like this guy:

 

 

Though there will be a solution to this in time. Most likely, VR will become a popular gateway to improved fitness. People who enjoy gyms and physical pursuits will still exercise in the real world, but the visuals on a treadmill are repetitive, and there are no cool, animated figures around to join the journey you’re on.

GAME OVER

 

We know ‘endorsement’ is a big word. If you’ve got insurance, the term might not be foreign to you. You could have heard it or read something about it, but do you know what it means?

Sit back, relax and press play! Here is a video with Palesa Magxidolo, a friendly dotsure.co.za consultant, explaining endorsements in plain English.

 

Oops. #Dataprobs?  If you’ve run out of data or you’ve got a bad connection and you can’t watch the video, don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

Here’s that video in words:

An endorsement is:

1. a document
2. that is attached to your policy and
3. that changes your policy in some way.

Most of the time, it’s a change that you’ve asked for. e.g. you buy a brand-new car and add a driver OR buy a car accessory that needs special cover. These could affect your premiums, Ts and Cs, etc. which is why it’s essential for you to keep your details up to date.

However, not all endorsements are ones that you requested. There are some that your insurer may request. For example, drivers with poor driving records who do not meet the conditions on the policy may receive an endorsement. Eek!

Any changes that you request can happen right away!

At dotsure.co.za, updating your policy is so convenient, you can even do it in your pyjamas at home.

• Give us a ring on 0861 dotsure (368 7873) and ask your Personal Portfolio Consultant (PPC) to make the changes,
• or pop us a mail at [email protected] with your change request.

If learning long words got you excited about protecting your property, find out how you can insure your car, household goods – even your pets and your life –  by getting a quick online quote.

“I bought R200 worth of Bitcoin in December, it is now worth R55.
I bought R300 worth of Ethereum like 2 weeks ago, it is now worth R131.
This is why it is best that I avoid gambling.”
– Facebook Friend

 

Funny, huh? But if cryptocurrency is the future of finance, as one popular blog suggests, you’d better get to know it. Here’s the next of our Finance 101 series. These are the top ten words for talking Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and other currencies you can’t see…

 

Wait, what is cryptocurrency?

It’s digital money. Its ‘coins’ are secured by cryptography (code). You access it online but, because it’s virtual, it is not located in any one place.  Nobody controls it, and nobody can hack it, so there’s no fraud and no inflation. You can easily and securely buy and sell cryptocurrency on mobile apps like Luno. The transaction charges are cheap, even if the currency itself is not. Cryptocurrency value rises and falls a lot which makes it quite controversial. Those who like a little danger, love its unstable ways.

 

A bit of (recent) history

You’ve probably heard of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is the poster child for cryptocurrency. It’s worth much, MUCH more than it was when it was launched in 2010. About twenty thousand times more (at the time of writing). It hit its highest-ever value in December 2017, rose and fell in a steady decline in January 2018 and then slumped beginning of February. Since then, the internet has been kinda quiet about it. Get Ethereum instead, ripple the hushed voices of the crypto choir. But there’s a host of others to choose from, too. What to do?

 

Know the nature of the beast

Being a high-risk investment, cryptocurrency also promises potentially high returns.  The commodity itself is 100% verified and so has an integrity that “real” money lacks. Real money is – ironically – often based on gold reserves that don’t exist.

 

Virtual, with real proof

As there are no bars of gold in a vault to guarantee it, cryptocurrency operates on Proof of Work(PoW). When computers ‘mine’, they process transactions (blocks) using complicated algorithms. Validated blocks are ‘coins’, the units of the currency. Proof of Work is when a computer’s capacity is verified against its finds to ensure it is correct and unique, in other words, that the find is real. This means that when a computer finds a coin and you buy it (or part of it) you are guaranteed to get what you pay for. No double-spend. No false finds. No faulty mines.

 

Pain in the eco blockchain

It’s also deeply unsexy. Why? Have a look at the mining rig in the picture above. Mining rigs need to have major capacity and you need LOTS of energy to run such strong computers.  Humanity’s electricity is still largely provided by fossil fuels and rich fools. Iceland is threatening its own version of day zero because Bitcoin mining uses more energy than all the country’s households do. The worst part of this is that the power they’d be turning off is renewable energy (the kind we want and that we don’t have enough of). Burstcoin is a brilliant, eco-friendly alternative cryptocurrency with much less carbon karma than other cryptocurrencies. It works through a calculation once –  not multiple times –  meaning it takes much, MUCH less energy to mine (see “blockchain” below).

 

A new beginning

So now you know a little more, but before you go back to basics and start trading like your life (or at least, your savings) depend on it, remember that even virtual economies must evolve. Crypto is to traditional currency what Facebook was to snail mail – it is the disruptor, but not (necessarily) the enemy or the answer. The saying still stands in this new economic era: invest your excess and protect your profits.

 

Here are the top ten words you need to know before you join the new kids on the blockch-… yeah, okay. Enough of the puns for today.

 

ABC of Bitcoin in ten terms

A glossary for non-geeks

1. Altcoin – basically any virtual currency that isn’t the big boy Bitcoin (or, possibly, Ethereum. Loyalty is split). It might be used to say, “my altcoin is altogether more stable than your Bitcoin and Ethereum put together, babe.”
2. Blockchain – the live, digital ledger holding every single block that has been mined since a cryptocurrency began. It records and validates all transactions and is visible to everyone who purchases. Democracy, anyone? If you can afford it, that is.
3. Bollinger Band – the range that a crypto price moves around in. This is known as its standard deviation. When the price goes higher or lower than this range, it’s considered ‘volatile’(unstable) and risky (and potentially very profitable) to trade with.
4. Exchange – a website you can buy crypto coins on. Links below.
5. FUD – Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. This is a universal tactic used to create disinformation and affect market behaviour and the crypto market is not immune to human emotion! If anything, it’s more prone to it, as this market isn’t backed by the known patterns of more traditional markets like stocks and bonds are.
6. Mining – Computers searching for cryptocurrency using complex equations. Each transaction is validated by thousands of machines.
7. Mooning – not to be confused with naked bottom-waggers, the in-crowd uses this term to refer to a currency whose price is rocketing sky-high. Can you predict its eclipse? That’s when you want to sell, IF you sell.
8. Proof of Work – an algorithm used to verify and validate transactions (blocks).
9. Volatility – how much the price of a currency changes over time. Some cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile.
   “What?” a mother asks her daughter, “a Bitcoin for your birthday? That’s R 224 042.23, my girl. R 80 186.06 is a lot of money. What do you even need R 114 855.84 for, anyway?”
   That’s volatility for ya.
10. Wallet – where you “keep” your “coins”. It’s a digital or physical address and it’s usually accessed with a mobile app. Links below.

 

Got it? Good. Now go impress everyone at the next dinner party. And remember the advice of an ordinary guy whose tipsy typo made him famous,

“traders can only take your money if you sell.”

 

MORE

Eco-friendly cryptocurrency: Burstcoin
Looking for your wallet?
Luno wallet– an SA favourite.
Buy Bitcoin at these exchanges.
Buy a coin based on a meme star.
Buy a coin that is actually a digital cat.
Reuters covers crypto in detail.
Laugh a Bitcoin. Sorry.

Aah, April. It’s a special time filled with wild pranks (April Fools) and new beginnings (Easter Weekend). We don’t see any reason the fun shouldn’t last all month, either.

In 2018, the Easter weekend runs Friday, March 30 (Good Friday) to Sunday, April 1 (Easter Sunday) which makes Monday a day off. We’ve picked a few fantastic outdoor events that long weekend and throughout April to give you something to groove to.

Looking for a good time in the Easter Holidays? Desperate for a mid-month mini-break? Want a bit of a blast at the end of April? Our guide’s got something for everyone from the spectator to the party animal. Some are free and some are freakin’ insane and all of them will give you something to talk about as Autumn winds down into Winter.

Splashy Fen

With a long tradition of partying till dawn, Splashy Fensters see no other way to say, “yay!” than tramping across the Drakensberg foothills’ green velvet slopes. If you love the outdoors, live music and getting festival hair fast, you’ll love this five-stage festival in the mountains. This year you can jam out to national favourites Mango Groove, GoodLuck, pop-rock princes Prime Circle, Matthew Mole and so many others on the scene. Whether you’re camping or glamping, take warm clothes and something for wet weather. And save the sweating for the dancefloor – there’s an app to pre-order alcohol and you can grab a bus direct to the venue.

When: 29 March – 2 April 2018

Where: Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal

Why? It’s known for its friendly locals.

Entry fee: R10 – R795 (kids to adults)

If you do one thing: do it in gumboots. Just saying.

Tickets: http://splashyfen.co.za

 

 

KKNK

The arts are alive and well in the historic town of Oudtshoorn. Every year, the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (Arts Festival) floods its wide streets, enchanting allies and gorgeous, antique buildings with creativity and activity. There’s so much to choose from. It’s mostly-Afrikaans-language programme includes a fantastic array of popular and classical music, traditional and physical theatre, fine and contemporary art, family-friendly events and hilarious comedy shows. Pieter Dirk Uys has a new show dubbed “When in Doubt Say Darling”. RSG radio is hosting an opera night. Elize Cawood and Wilson Dunster bring the laughs with the comedy piece “Mike & Mavis”. It’s a good idea to stay a few days and go hang with the Cango Caves folk – they have an incredible zipline adventure waiting for you.

When: 29 March – 04 April 2018

Where: Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Why? Afrikaans culture means much, much more than koeksisters and potjiekos, my china.

Entry fee:  per show (varies)

If you do one thing: Support the “10-sent, 20-sent” street performers. They’re an established fringe act with amazing energy and they’re entrepreneurs, too.

Tickets: http://kknk.co.za/

 

April Fools Paintball Charity Fundraiser

Whether you’re a good shot or not, you can release pent-up energy in a do-good paintball bonanza this Easter. Participants are invited to pick up a (paintball) gun and do it for charity. All proceeds go to Pit Pals Pit Bull support and GRACE Animal Sanctuary (170-288 NPO). The goal is to aim at your frenemies and pull that trigger until they’re a dripping bruise-gripping rainbows of goodwill. There’s a pool to wash off in afterwards and a potjie for every surviving hero.

When: 1 April (1-day event)

Where: Zeestock Lodge, Cape Town.

Why? It’ll be a bullseye of a status update.

Entry fee: R50 – R300

If you do one thing: don’t shoot straight up. It comes down just as hard. #justsaying.

Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/267155197152239/

 

Organik Love Project

If you couldn’t make it out over Easter weekend, here’s one more chance to say goodbye to summer! Organik Love Project is a thumping, psytrance-music gathering under shady, mid-April trees. Barefoot stompers will have spectacularly beautiful stages to dust up. Revellers in baggies and bikinis will have a stream to play in.  DJs Rinkadink, On3 and more will wow the happy crowds. Lush camping and psychedelic backdrops are all part of the magic. There’s convenient pre-arranged camping and a party shuttle if you want to keep it simple.

When: 14-15 April 2018

Where: Caledon, Western Cape

Why? The Love Project lives up to its name by collecting blankets to give to the less fortunate. Take your donations to the box at the gate.

Entry fee: R340 – R450

If you do one thing: take a leaf out of Afrikaburn’s tree and start a cuddle puddle next to the dancefloor. Believe me, you won’t regret it.

Tickets: http://organik.co.za/

 

 

Afrikaburn

Based on Burning Man but with a distinctly South African flair, this colourful art festival will blow your mind. From four-story jungle gyms to forty different parties in one night, it’s a grown-up paradise that’s also family friendly. You must take EVERY-thing you need and that includes washing and drinking water and all your food. The event operates on a gifting economy – no cash at all and there’s nothing to buy (apart from ice, because desert camping). Amazingly, the ginormous art exhibition is volunteer-run and you’re encouraged to play your part. That could mean offering a complimentary massage to whoever asks or sponsoring a ticket for someone less privileged than you. Got a wild idea? It belongs here.

When: 23 April – 29 April 2018

Where: Tankwa Town, Northern Cape

Why? It’s the largest outdoor art gathering in Africa and the biggest dress-up (or down) in the Southern Hemisphere.

Entry fee:  R180 – R2 300 (Community Tickets – MayDay Tickets)

If you do one thing: be at the main burn (usually the Saturday night) – it’s when the clan sculpture goes up in flames.

Tickets: https://www.afrikaburn.com/

 

Feet tapping? Fingers rapping? Here’s a handy guide to get maximise your leave days because like you, we like to play as hard as we work, too.

More for less: hack your 2018 leave here
Public Holiday	What’s the occasion?	How many days’ annual leave?	Which days do I take off?	How many days off do I get in total?
27 April (Friday)	Freedom Day	1	30 Apr (Monday)	5 days
9 Aug (Thursday)	National Women’s Day	1	10 Aug (Friday)	4 days
24 September (Monday)	Heritage Day	1	21 Sept (Friday)	4 days
16 December (Sunday, next day off)	Day of Reconciliation	1	14 Dec (Friday)	4 days
25 December, 26 December, New Year’s Day	Christmas Day (25/12), Day of Goodwill (26/12), New Year’s Day (01/01)	5	21,24,27,28,31 Dec (Friday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Monday)	12 days

 

Soon humans and bots will unite. “The first marriage will be before – not after –  2050,” says best-selling author and robot expert, Dr David Levy. Hmm… ladies, looks like your knight in shining armor might be heartless but handy. Gents, would you fancy a metal-and-microchip lover?

According to a large group of Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts, robots will become an increasingly popular companion in the bedroom, warranting a system of ethics for their development and use.

In a study at the conference at Goldsmiths, University of London, researchers surveyed 263 testosterone-bursting humans between the ages of 18 and 67. Participants were shown a 2-minute video of robots that looked like replicas of the opposite sex complete with make-up, long lashes and gorgeous bods.

 

 

The male species observed and…well, drooled. Turns out that 40,3% of the lusty lovers admitted that they would buy a female robot for companionship and intimacy. According to Dr Levy, interested buyers will be able to purchase celebrity look-alike bots in the future. Buyers will be able to say, “I’ve got a sex robot that looks like Angelina Jolie and she’s fabulous in bed!” and celebs will make even more money out of the sensual robotic sensation as they receive a cut of the purchase price.

What’s the price tag?

The price of the humanoids has not been confirmed yet. They usually go for around R16k to a million depending on the advanced features. It’s pricey, but, hey, like Jessie J says, “Forget about the price tag, ain’t about (uh) ch-ch-ching ch-ching,” you’ll have Angelina (or Brad or both) between your silky sheets.

What can the droid BAE do?

In 2016 a graphic designer called Ricky Ma created a life-like replica of actress Scarlett Johansson who gives flirty winks and giggles when people tell her she’s cute. She also answers questions and moves her arms and hands around. She’s not a sex robot, she is a work of art. The mechanic beauty is worth more than R 500 000. Unfortunately, she’s not for sale, but feel free to admire her online anytime.

Watch this video and be blown away by human and artificial intelligence.

 

 

Yay, it’s that time of the week again! Your body wants to shuffle like LMFAO and you can already feel the glowing warmth of braai fire on your face.

Wait, hold that thought and focus! Sorry to burst your bubble, but you are still glued to that spinning office chair and your emails are still rolling in like a relentless set of tidal waves.

Take a break from the hundreds of emails and watch this awesome video instead. You might just feel inspired to do something extreme this weekend. Hmmm… Icey dip in the ocean anyone?

Soooo…now that you are blown away by a wind of wonder, dotsure.co.za must ask you a serious question: Are you brave enough?

If the answer is “hell yes”, then you are dotsure.co.za material. Join us at the Polar Bear Plunge on 29 July at Vic Bay and show us your brave side. Get Freezin’ For a Reason!

Have a BRAVESOME weekend

 

We love it. Most people think of the Garden Route as a place they go on holiday; for us, it’s a truth, every day. It’s a small town for all seasons with some of the country’s best beaches, rivers, wetlands and forests right on its doorstep. We surf, ski, paraglide, hike, cycle and work with smiles on our faces.

dotsure.co.za forms part of one of the town’s largest employers, Badger Holdings, which consistently and effectively promotes wholesome values, hard work and high standards. dotsure.co.za is dedicated to reinventing processes in an established industry that is yet to fully embrace the digital age. Our modus operandi is to disrupt, and our tailored, intelligent and customer-centric approach is changing the game by putting consumers first:

 

• We were one of the first South African companies to offer insurance purchase and policy management entirely online.
• We were the first to let you Name Your Price, South Africa, and it’s now our trademark^Woohoo!.
• We offer the most competitive and comprehensive pet insurance packages in the country.
• We hold a world record in fun stuff you can do with furry friends.
• We are constantly making online insurance easier and simpler. And better.
• We make a point of earning our fans.

 

As a result, we’re growing fast and looking for new talent to join the dream team. We aspire to be a tech giant, to go global and help humans (and their dependents) all over the world with efficient and effortless financial solutions. We also believe that giving back is part of going forward, and incorporate community support into our business structure.

 

What does family feel like? We asked the brothers and sisters of dotsure.co.za.

The best thing for Ray Ray is that “you can express your individuality.”

“Here, being ‘different’ is encouraged and not frowned upon,” Nikiwe agrees. She also admires her colleagues’ “constant support in reaching our individual targets and therefore our team target.”

“Everyone is so talented in their own way,” Amore continues, “and brings their own spice and flavour to the office. Everyone likes working hard – no flakes. Everyone has a ‘personality’ – never a dull moment.”
“Everyone here is themselves,” Anastachia affirms.
Nikki noodles in again. “Best part for me being part of the dotsure.co.za family is the constant motivation and help I get from my teammates.”
“We truly believe in ‘work hard, play hard’,” Robyn reveals. “We are always very honest with each other. We always have each other’s’ backs, no matter what.”
We are “passionate, genuine, lively,” adds Ru, pithily.
Heather sums it up. Life at dotsure.co.za is a celebration of “characters, banter and passion for the brand.” Also, #welikebraai

 

Are you special and different and brilliant?

It was Bill Gates who famously said that your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. We take our customer feedback very seriously and we crave your feedback.

At dotsure.co.za our products and services are truly centred on real customer value, as such we are fanatical about learning what customers want.

 

Don’t take our word for it though, here’s what some of you had to say.

 

Super friendly service & fantastic benefits- by Shardha-Hari on Jun 2, 2017

I have recently discovered Dotsure and I extremely impressed with the fantastic benefits they provide their clients.  Not to mention their super friendly & super-efficient staff when you call into their call centre with any queries.  I have recently had interaction with Marguerite and she was just great with answering my questions. 

 Well done Dotsure!!  I AM HOOKED.

 

Amazing service by Dotsure consultant Kimley  by Bebe001

This review serves to credit the amazing customer service by Dotsure consultant Kimley. She was professional, polite and incredibly helpful. On top of that, she even managed to arrange a discount on my policy fee.  I have been with Dotsure just over a year now, and I have no complaints. All consultants are attentive and quick with feedback. Kimley made sure to put me at ease and sorted out all queries wonderfully. I am so impressed with her service. Well done – I am a very happy client.

 

Great service and value for money! – by Ettienne-Poley

Friendly and immediate service when I requested to cancel my Platinum Top-Up Insurance, as well as an unexpected 10% refund on my April policy premium because it is my birth-month!

 

We’d love to hear from you. Rate our service, let us know what you like, what you don’t and most importantly, what you need.