Exorbitant excess-double what is stated on policy

We have had a policy with Auto and General since 2013, which isn't cheap and costs us close to R650 a month. So after paying for this cover, you would expect the company to honour the policy itself... Basic excess is stated at R4600 on the policy. We got the car accessed due to some rear damage and got a quote of almost double the excess (+R8000)! What is the point of paying for insurance when they charge you an arm and a leg for excess? What is the point of paying almost R20000 in premiums when they try to get that back from you the first time you try to claim? This is ridiculous and we will cancel our policy soon. How can you not honour the terms of your own policy? Something needs to be done about these money-grabbing insurance companies. <br> Auto & General should really honour their side of the policy, especially as when customers are heavily penalised when they don't.