Unauthorised relocation of my vehicle by ABSA, threatening me with Storage Costs & pressuring me to sell the car to them.

I am writing this review on ABSA Insurance regarding the mishandling of my insured vehicle following an accident that occurred on 8 July 2025 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. My Policy Number is ***).

Following the accident, I immediately contacted ABSA Insurance who arranged for my vehicle to be towed to S & K Panel Beaters in Mthatha, which I accepted and found reasonable, as the vehicle was not drivable.

ABSA Insurance subsequently assessed the vehicle and informed me that it was uneconomical to repair, quoting R127,967.08 as the repair cost, while stating the salvage value of the vehicle is R70,800. I found these figures questionable, especially as R70,800 is close to the vehicle’s market value, making the total loss declaration appear inflated.

What deeply concerns and frustrates me is the discovery, via my vehicle tracker, that within five days after the accident, my vehicle was moved from Mthatha to East London – a distance of approximately 300 kilometres – without any notice or authorisation from me. At no point was I informed by ABSA Insurance about this relocation or the reasons for it. This unauthorised move has caused me considerable distress, as I was under the impression that the vehicle remained at S & K Panel Beaters in Mthatha.

Now that I have opted for the buy-back option, ABSA Insurance is requiring me to collect the vehicle from East London at my own expense, despite the fact that they moved the vehicle without informing or consulting me. I find this entirely unfair, unreasonable, and unacceptable. I did not consent to the transportation of the vehicle to another town, and therefore, it should be the responsibility of ABSA Insurance to return it to Mthatha at their own cost.

This conduct amounts to poor service, a lack of transparency, and a disregard for my rights as a policyholder. It is my view that the insurance company’s actions have not only inconvenienced me but have also added unnecessary financial and emotional burden, which could have been avoided through proper communication and consent.

Now they are threatening me with storage costs

I want ABSA Insurance to return my vehicle to Mthatha at their cost;

Ensuring that the insurer upholds its duty of care and proper communication with policyholders.