Discovery claim rejection

“I am extremely disappointed in how Discovery Insure has handled my claim (Claim ***).

On 20 October 2024, I was involved in an accident while driving my 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC during rainy weather. I lost control of the vehicle due to the wet road conditions, and the vehicle was declared a total loss.

On 13 November 2024, Discovery repudiated my claim, stating that my vehicle was allegedly “unroadworthy” in terms of Regulation 212 of the National Road Traffic Act due to tyre tread depth.

This was a complete shock.

I appointed an independent tyre specialist to conduct a proper tread depth measurement using a calibrated gauge (not just a visual inspection). The results were:

Left rear tyre: 2mm (outer) and 1.5mm (inner) Right rear tyre: 3mm (outer) and 2mm (inner) The legal minimum is 1mm. Both tyres were above the required limit and therefore compliant with Regulation 212.

I submitted this independent report and asked Discovery to reconsider. Despite providing objective proof that the tyres met the legal requirement, they refused to change their decision, stating that the matter had been discussed internally and the rejection would stand.

What concerns me even more is that I am not in possession of the full insurance contract wording. I was only ever provided with a policy schedule, which does not define or explain what Discovery considers “roadworthy.” There is no detailed explanation in my documentation that states tread depth requirements beyond what is prescribed by law.

It feels unfair to reject a claim based on an interpretation of “roadworthiness” that is not clearly defined in the documentation provided to me as the insured.”