Car received in a worse state than sent for repairs

It’s not always about cheap insurance. For some, customer service weighs heavier. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been with Budget for 12years. However, in recent times, it's seems I am paying for insurance that does not provide the service nor the quality. During the floods in April, my car was damaged. The claim was logged on the same day of the incident, 13 Apr 2022 but my car was only fetched for assessment a week later on the 20th Apr. I only received my car today (9 Jun), more than 7 weeks only to replace a control arm and subframe. To make matters worse, while it was with Budget and the repairers, they damaged the electronics disabling my windows, indicators and hazards, central locking and headlights. When my car went in for repairs, the windows were closed, hazard lights worked and even doors locked. When I fetched it, none of that was working. It was either damaged by the Budget assessors or the panel shop, and both parties are claiming ignorance. When I initially submitted the claim, Daveshni Chetty said Keith’s Panel Shop is the repairer and they will do a full diagnostic (Budget will have a recording of the conversation) but they didn’t. When I found out about the electronics on the car, Keith Panel Shop said they’ll put a claim for that but Raj Jewnarain (the assessor) declined the claim. My car was not in that state when budget picked it up and I have the evidence for it. Even the assessor agreed the windows were closed when they sent it to Keith’s Panel Shop but Luke from the repairers claim it was open when they received it. Why am I being penalised for Budget’s choice in assessors and repairers.

After 12 years with Budget, with an insured portfolio of 6 assets as well as personal and business legal cover, I would expect my patronage deserves a better quality of service and consideration. I just hope my expectations are not unfounded. In these trying times, not many can afford a new car. I need my car sorted, please!

Disappointed but hopeful.