Budget insurance poor service

I have a business insurance policy with Budget which covers my business vehicle and liability. An accident occurred with the vehicle in March 2019. The vehicle was repaired, no problem, but I've had to pay R5500 excess. I've forwarded everything to budget to retrieve the excess from third party, who's fault it was. The third party is a transport company. There was just no valid reason for budget not to retrieve the excess. They have never kept in touch with me, as I was always the one who was following up. According to Budget, they have given up, and the case is closed. After I've spoken to them recently, their response is for me to sue the third party through the s small claims court. This we know is a waste of time. Why does Budget want me to do, what they are supposed to do? Budget insurance has shown no interest in retrieving the excess amount. A hopeless situation with this company. One always seems to be at the losing end with these companies. Just a load of excuses. That's insurance in general.