ABSA is fast asleep or just disinterested.

My house is insured with ABSA and was damaged badly during the storm in Durban last October. I note with interest that there are several reviews on this site regarding ABSA's tardiness in sorting out house repair claims. Other houses in the neighborhood around me that were damaged at the same time all seem to have been repaired. From talking with neighbors, none appear to be insured with ABSA. Since the claim was submitted the day after the storm I have never once had an email or phone call in reply to my calls. Their call centre is as slow and complicated as any in SA.

The damage was as follows: 1. A tree was blown over on to the roof of the house damaging tiles and gutters. 2. Tiles and barge boards were blown off the south side of the house. 3. Water entered the roof and damaged ceiling boards (whenever the ceiling boards become wet a strong toxic smell fills the rooms). 4. A window was damaged on the south side. 5. An aluminium awning over the kitchen door was blown off. 6. Waterproofing (malthoid) was blown off the veranda roof and water destroyed the boards under it. Gutters and facings were blown off the front of the veranda roof. 7. Electrical wiring in the veranda roof and south corner of the house was damaged by water entry. 8. Carpets were damaged by water in various rooms.

After a wet summer further extensive damaged has been caused by rain water. Pieces of veranda roof continue to collapse at regular intervals.

I have been paying my premiums for this insurance since 1982 and have never claimed before. Apart from being unfair, ABSA are in breach of the contract. Is this ******** negligence or maybe *****? Assessors and contractors have visited the house but I have not been allowed to see any documentation of theirs. Contractors have been appointed to fix the electrical and carpet damage and they phone me regularly to find out what is going on. They have to wait until the roof and ceilings have been repaired.

It seems ABSA are happy to take your money but are not interested in fulfilling their side of the bargain.

Robert