******* Personel

I had my car insured with ABSA iDirect. Unfortunately, just under 1 year, I found myself in the position where I needed assistance. I drove over a stone, that went straight under my bumper, but hit the sump, causing the oil to leak out. I immediately stop, switched engine off and requested a tow truck. Please note, there was no physical damage to the bumper at this time. The insurance sent a tow truck and also an Uber to take me home. That service was excellent. However, thereafter, the "*******ion" started. My car was taken to a panel beater in Maraisburg, Jhb. When I enquired from the insurance, why a panel beater and not a workshop, I was told, that was the assessment centre. A quote of just over R19000.00 was given. Surprised that a sump would cost so much, I asked why. I was told, the stone also damaged the bumper. Unbelievable, I asked for pictures of this damage. At this time, my bumper was scratched and pictures taken. Anyone seeing this picture can see that there was no way a stone would make that kinda scratch. The assessor from ABSA iDirect agreed with the panel beater and agreed to authorise the repair of bumper also. This gave me the impression, that the panel beater and assessor was working together to ****** the insurance. Please note, I offered to accept R13000.00 and I would fix the sump by myself. The assessor refused. My car was sent to Ford, where the sump was replaced. Went back to panel beater, where the bumper was repaired and resprayed. Total cost to insurance, R36000.00.

Since then, I sold the said vehicle and purchased another. When I attempted to get my other vehicle insured at iDirect, I was told, my premium will be much higher now, due to the amount claimed. I was very unhappy that due to internal *******ion, I had to be penalised.

I cancelled the insurance with ABSA iDirect and was forced to use an alternate insurance company.

Just thought I'd share my story, so that everyone out there should watch out for this. Even if you think, let's ***** the insurance, in the long run, you end up *****ing yourself.