CM
Corne M

1 reviews | Active since Sept 2016

27 Sept 2016, 19:07

********* Practice - Policy ECH***9

<p>Quattro Sure is my broker, Echelon is the underwriting managers and Santam is the main insure – what a process!</p> <p>My vehicle was broken into on 5 September 2016 in Durban CBD. Unknown suspects smashed the right back (side) window, stole various items that were in the centre console and my laptop back that was behind the driver’s seat (excluding the laptop) and my jacket that was left on the back seat.</p> <p> </p> <p>Now my broker that has been excellent from day one has informed me that Echelon is refusing to pay the claim for the jacket and laptop bag due to the items not being concealed and out of the public eye. My answer was as follows.</p> <p>1. I drive a double cab bakkie, I don’t have a boot, I cannot place items under the seat as it does not fit, the best possible way to conceal items is to leave it behind the seat. They should be aware of this as they know the type of vehicle I drive<br />2. I was further informed that I am not supposed to leave valuable items in the vehicle, again the vehicle was locked and items were well concealed, the vehicle was then broken into, again I am not going to walk in CBD with valuable items, as I will open myself up to either theft, injury, worst case death. That is the main reason why I pay for “All Risk Cover”<br />3. My broker has written several emails to Echelon justifying the claim about not having a boot, there argument was indeed that it is impractical and creates a whole different risk for a client to be expected to remove anything of value from their bakkie, again the policy wording does not make provision for people driving bakkies and where to leave valuable items as one does not have a boot<br />4. Echelon kept me on a string for weeks now, they make promises to reply and I still don’t have a clear indication what is going on. They are quick to take my money (+-R3,100 per month) and when it comes to paying out claims, you are treated badly. I wonder if Santam knows how underwriters deal with customers<br /> </p> <p> </p>

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Replies (3)
Echelon Private Client Insurance
Echelon Private Client Insurance's reply28 Sept 2016, 08:53
Official

Dear Corne,

Thank you for your complaint. We will look into this matter urgently and get all of the relevant details in order to respond to you.

Take care,

Echelon Private Client Insurance

Echelon Private Client Insurance
Echelon Private Client Insurance's reply28 Sept 2016, 11:30
Official

Dear Corne,

We have looked at the details of your claim with us, and note that items ****** were not concealed at the time of the loss.

Your policy contract with us states;

We will not be liable for:

iv. loss of items from an unoccupied motor vehicle unless such items are concealed and there is forcible and violent entry to the locked vehicle;

We are bound to consider all claims in terms of the policy contract. As far as we can ascertain, there were no delays on our side and we have kept your broker advised of progress at all times. This claim was sent to our Claims Review Committee, who ruled that the decision to reject settlement of the items, is correct.

Your broker can request an ex-gratia payment for consideration by our Ex-Gratia Committee on your behalf.

Alternatively, you may contact The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance who assists clients that believe they have been unfairly treated during the consideration of a potential claim. His contact details are:

The Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance
PO Box 32334
BRAAMFONTEIN, 2017
Tel: *** Fax: ***
***

Take care,

Echelon Private Client Insurance

CM
Corne M's update28 Sept 2016, 18:09
Reviewer Update

Echelon Private Client Insurance,

You are still not answering my content. I have a bakkie, i dont have boot, so where does one leave items...?

You know and I know your policy wording nor contract does not make provisions for people driving bakkies.

Suggest you rethink tis carefully.