Disgusted client

Late last year I confirmed with old mutual that my laptop was only insured for theft out of my home or theft out of my car and that I had no other cover. Knowing that purchasing a new laptop would be an expensive ordeal if something were to happen to it I enquired about extra cover. I got a quote from old mutual R 95 per month and was told that this should cover the laptop completely.

I was not informed in writing what is excluded and what would not be covered, I was under the false impression that I would now have full cover on my laptop.

a Few weeks ago as I was working on my laptop one evening the screen went white all of a sudden making these weird stripes which prohibited me from seeing anything on the actual screen. I immediately re started the laptop and it was fine but as I carried on working it did the same again. This time after restarting it the screen stayed this way- it was white with stripes running across the screen.

I informed old mutual the next day and was advised to take it for an assessment - I took the laptop to computer mania in Centurion mall - Gauteng.

I was phoned two days later and the technician explained to me that the screen cable of the laptop had stopped working - thus as you open the laptop the cable that switches on the screen had broke - the technician said this would happen as it is wear and tear due to usage - as we all know this cable works every singe time a laptop is opened or closed.

Because of the model of my laptop the shop could not trace such a cable anywhere in SA nor in America thus the laptop could not be repaired. Note I can not use it as the screen is no longer working.

I forwarded the report received from computer mania to old mutual after which it was sent to nonmotorclaims department. a Day later I received feedback from a Winile Nkosi stating that they will not be paying out the laptop as the report stated it was wear and tear and this is not a insured peril but an exclusion.

This was never explained to me when I took out extra cover for the laptop, just like any other electrical appliance this is bound to happen its the same when a tv blows its back lights or its damaged in a thunder storm due to usage which is wear and tear but they straight out refuse to review the claim.

I feel they are misleading clients as they are not open and honest when insurance is taken out on these appliances, I have been with old mutual for more than 8 years but will be looking for another service provider as one can simply not in this day and age pay a monthly instalment for cover that is full of loopholes.

Truly disappointed in old mutual - please think twice before insuring hour household items with this insurance provider