Garrun Boere Makelaars was formed in 2005 when Philippie de Beer, Hendrik de Swardt, Koos Smith and the Garrun Group collaborated in order to create a unique short-term insurance policy aimed at the farming fraternity.

Philippie de Beer BCom (Insurance) Hon) is a farmer in the Potgietersrus District who has been working in the insurance industry for over 20 years. He also currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Potgietersrus District Agricultural Union.

Hendrik de Swardt, a farmer from Roedtan, has been involved in the insurance industry for nearly 20 years. As member of the management committee of the Potgietersrus District Agricultural Union he has been intensively active in the farming community over the past 9 years.

Jointly Hendrik and Philippie designed, proposed and presented an insurance package to the Transvaal Agricultural Union SA (TAU SA), which, with the assistance of the Garrun Group, was accepted. Thus culminating in the signing of a 10-year sole mandate from the TAU SA, North, East and Western regions to prioritise Garrun Boere Makelaars as short term insurance brokers of choice. To date, the support from the farming community has been overwhelming

The marketing concept is to acquire and appoint a local accredited independent broker in all the different regions to introduce and market the unique Garrun Boere Policy. To date, various brokers have been nominated and appointed in each of the North East, Central and Western regions of the TAU SA, as well as the Free State Province. Currently 21 independent brokers have been incorporated through alliance to promote and market the Garrun Boere Policy and other short term insurance products.

Garrun Boere Makelaars are supportively involved in the structure of the TAU SA and sponsor amongst other events, the TAU SA National Congress and the National Young Farmer Congress.

Garrun Boere Makelaars, in collaboration with Versma Management Services are presently implementing a “one channel” service model for short-term insurance brokers in South Africa. This enables the independent broker to engage with a larger group and to be more competitive in the marketplace whilst still retaining its own identity and FSP license.

The model is aimed at brokers who want to expand their short-term insurance brokerage, but don’t have the volume of business to justify a wide variety of products and product service providers.

Through the mandates and market related competitive price structures already negotiated by the Garrun Group, the products and service providers are made available to the brokerages. Thus, freeing brokers to concentrate on more productive marketing. Versma Pretoria and Garrun Boere Makelaars are responsible for the administrative functions, consulting services, liaison between the broker and the insurer and for providing specialist advice and support.

Contracted brokers are provided with a quotation system incorporating competitive rates and proposed minimum rates. The broker can utilise this system for their own quotations, provisionally for good accounts which will enable them to place these accounts with product service providers of their choice.

The following product lines are available to agents: Agri, Commercial, Personal Lines, Contractors All Risk, Marine, Engineers Policies, Heavy Vehicle Fleet Policies, Earthmoving Equipment Policies, Tourism and Wildlife Policies, as well as a wide range of specialty products.

The Garrun Group offers a “one stop service” to short-term independent brokers in that the brokerage earns 100% insurers commission while the admin house completes all the relevant administrative functions.