ABSA Homeowner's Comprehensive Insurance Policy - please be cautioned of taking out this policy

I need to caution people against ABSA Homeowner's Comprehensive Insurance Policy. I believe I have been deceived, and the public needs to know about this.

I have a thatch building which was erected in the last 15 years, and served as a car port. The structure was built according to approved plans submitted to the local municipality, and was erected by one of the leading thatch construction firms in the area. It has been well maintained, and was covered with a second layer of thatch three years ago, based on advice received. (This is one of three thatch structures on the property, all of which have been well maintained.)

In Dec 2019, the structure suddenly collapsed. As it posed a health risk to both my property as well as that of my neighbour, it was photographed, demolished and removed.

A claim (3*****8) was lodged with the ABSA Insurance Company, and I received notification from ABSA, on 18 December 2019, informing me that the claim had been rejected (their reference: No***** ****ne).

It is interesting to note that I have had the structure specifically listed on my insurance for more than a decade, and ABSA have always been happy to take my payment. I would like to draw attention to the following details that ABSA have highlighted, as being reasons why the claim was rejected (with my response following in brackets):

* ABSA talk about the fact that the complete structure was removed when an onsite inspection was conducted. (My response - the structure was removed, as it was busy collapsing, and posed a safety risk to anyone moving on that side of the property. Furthermore, no inspection was conducted, despite ABSA stating this. I received a call from a bank representative, asking if I could send some photos through. The only person that came on site, was a youngster (20-something year old) from a private repair company, but he said the structure was well beyond his capabilities, and declined to quote or raise an opinion.)

* ABSA talk about an inadequate structure. (My response - the structure was built according to submitted municipal plans, by one of the most reputable thatch building firms in the region.)

* ABSA say the structure was built without any strapping, and by only using 6 inch nails. (My response - this is a false statement. The structure was built according to plan by a reputable thatching company, and stood for many years, before the sudden collapse. This company does not put thatch structures together, using 6-inch nails.)

* ABSA state that the thatch was very thin. (My response - This is false. Not only was the structure re-thatched with a second layer 3-4 years ago, but I have photographic evidence to prove this. The two layers of thatch can very distinctly be seen on the photographs, clearly discernible by colour variation. Any on-site inspection, or studying of photographic evidence would have proven this.)

ABSA state that the damages did not occur due to a sudden and unforeseeable insured event, but occurred gradually over time. (My response - this is a false statement. It suddenly occurred on a Sunday morning, with 2 x vehicles parked under the structure. I would not have parked any vehicles beneath the structure, if I knew that it was in a state of collapse.)

It is interesting that, since the event, ABSA have continued with the insurance, as if nothing has happened. I have since replaced the structure with a new one, at my own expense.

Based on my experience and personal perspective, I need to caution people against the ABSA Insurance Company. I am lead to believe that rejection of such claims is a common occurrence with them. I would like to draw this to the attention of any prospective clients. In the event that I am responded to, I shall be happy to update the post.