SPRING CLEAN YOUR FIRE SAFETY: AUTO&GENERAL AND FIDELITY SECUREFIRE BRING YEAR-ROUND PROTECTION

As South Africans welcome spring, we’re reminded that new beginnings aren’t just about fresh flowers and warmer days – they’re also about refreshing habits that keep our homes and families safe. While winter fires may have made headlines, the reality is that fire risks persist throughout the year. Faulty wiring, kitchen mishaps, and even battery-related incidents don’t take a seasonal break.

That’s why Auto&General Insurance, in partnership with Fidelity SecureFire, has integrated a pioneering three-tier firefighting benefit into its policies. From containing small blazes to rapid-response interventions and specialised support for larger emergencies, customers now have access to a private in-app fire response service – the first of its kind in the insurance industry.

“We’ve watched how devastating fire can be in people’s lives, no matter the season,” says Alex Terblanché, CEO of Auto&General Insurance. “It’s no longer enough to react. Prevention and early intervention are critical – and that’s where our Fire Assist benefit makes a difference. We’re giving customers peace of mind that they have support when they need it most.”

Fidelity SecureFire, launched in 2023, operates nationally and complies with international firefighting standards. At its core is the Fidelity Fire National Command Centre – a real-time operations hub powered by AI-based risk analysis, predictive modelling, and live monitoring. This allows resources to be deployed smartly, often anticipating threats before they escalate.

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“We don’t just respond – we predict, prevent and optimise,” explains Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group. “Spring might bring new beginnings, but the risk of fire never disappears. Our systems track weather, infrastructure and fire trends to ensure maximum agility during emergencies.”

The Fire Assist benefit is designed to complement, not replace, municipal fire services, much like private security firms do with policing. It’s a crucial safety net, but both Fidelity and Auto&General stress that prevention is always better than cure.

This spring, Auto&General encourages South Africans to add fire safety to their seasonal to-do lists:

Service and inspect appliances – from heaters and fireplaces left idle to electrical wiring that powers spring-cleaning gadgets.
Stay mindful in the kitchen – unattended cooking remains a leading cause of household fires.
Store lithium batteries safely, especially when devices charge overnight on flammable surfaces.
Keep escape plans fresh – review them as you do your home, ensuring everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

“For over 40 years, Auto&General has been there when South Africans needed us most,” concludes Terblanché. “Our commitment is clear: prevention first, support always, and protection that never goes out of season. Because when it comes to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, we are Never Not There.”