INSURANCE NOT COVERING AS PER POLICY !!! Ridiculous cash offer

On the 12th of September 2021 I was involved in a stone throwing incident in Chatsworth, Morton onramp. I avoided the rocks and went over some metal rails. The bumper and front wheel was damaged with oil leaking from the bottom of engine.

I managed to drive to a spot to change the rim and pull of the bumper which was being dragged. A sling back tow truck driver assisted me and placed the broken parts in his vehicle as my vehicle had my bicycles inside, he had parts of a broken bumper and my damaged rim, in my grief stricken adrenalin flowing through my veins moment, escaping death, ******* and a fatal incident, I didn't take any details of the tow truck driver as he drove away as I was mobile and just wanted to get home. I managed to drive the vehicle home that night. Slept off the incident. With a fresh relaxed mindset I went to the SAPS to open a case, which I did AR 37/9/2021. Later that week another stone throwing incident at the same point where a young lady lost her life.

My vehicle was collected by the insurance company and was taken to Durban South Panel beaters, the vehicle was assessed and Found to have previous repair on the rear end after removing plastic undercover trays, as it is not visible, I had purchased the vehicle without having any knowledge of this and it went for a cor prior to taking ownership. I have had the vehicle 10 months, did touring of South Africa 30000kms and it went so well.

The insurance saga

I have been with brolink from 2006 when I had my first brand new car, Claim submitted with AR case number, rental car was collected from Avis.

The consultant from bro link was very proficient in arranging the claim, tow and rental vehicle. .......... 64 days later, I had the rental vehicle taken away in 44 days and Avis charged to my personal bank card R21500 , rental car abruptly taken back by avis as BROLINK /Santam refused to pay.

The claim went back and forth between SANTAM and BROLINK, with no outcome 64 days going on. I am without a vehicle, using Uber and bolt. This is the most unprofessional service I have ever received from a company, 64 days to make a decision.

1.Repair vehicle and it won't be roadworthy due to previous repair, no panel shop wants to take responsibility. Audi reported the oil leak will result in an engine replacement .

2. Write off vehicle as unecomical to repair and pay the vehicle cost and rental vehicle fees to the owner as per the insurance policy.

Option 2 is the only way forward due to the fact you won't be able to drive it without the fear knowing my children and family are at risk.

This is such a simple process yet Santam lacks the foresight to see the outcome due to the fact it was previously repaired which was unknown to myself. I paid over R360000 for the Audi Q5 in value, traded my 2016 bmw which was insured by Brolink SANTAM for R430000 without incident, I used the Q5 10 months, traveled 30000kms,regular services done at audi. It's valued far less on my insurance today than my value paid. Until the 12th of September stone throwing incident which could have resulted in my death.

Brolink needs to BARK LOUDER in this matter as if it was with another insurer, it would have been settled in the first month. Inspect, decide, repair or write off.

I'm a professional multiple degreed individual with over 17 years in the engineering industry, ask me about powerplants, switchgear, drives but I'm no expert on vehicles. I think Santam BROLINK should implement their own COR be compulsory for all insurance vehicle COVER to ensure both the client and the company are covered.

Update : 23rd November 2021 , 65 days have past, settlement amount R78000 offered only on R340000 cover.Vehicle is still at panel beaters ,unrepaired , rental vehicle not paid for.

This settlement is ridiculous and was a cash offer to get rid of the problem ,no panel beater wants to do the repairs and guarantee the work due to the nature of the front damage and existing rear damage , oil is leaking from the engine, front end damaged .

How many customers are driving previously repaired cars which they are unaware off ??? Do they know Brolink / Santam are just taking premiums knowing that they not going to get the cover they deserve . It's a sad reality.

I require a Full Settlement after 65 days of no action and 15 years of being a customer .

Thank you Kind regards Mr Sugen Govender MSc Engineering UKZN ***