His & Hers...No, we're quite equal in our relationship, thank you.

Dear OUTsurance

I was informed today that in order for your representatives to update our debit order details on our Homeowners Insurance policy, permission from my husband is required, despite the fact that all debit orders and the associated bank accounts have always been in my name.

This company policy is not only outdated but also discriminatory, and it undermines the autonomy and rights of women in managing our own financial matters. In a modern and progressive society, such practices unnecessarily complicate the customer experience. And the relationship.

If this is your required procedure, please send us a form that my Husband can complete, authorizing his Wife to speak on his behalf as needed, which can then be kept on file.

We have ALL our other insurance policies with OUTsurance – contents of house and 5 vehicles. You have my details and I was able to give you all of my husband’s details too; that the Home Owners is in my husbands name, albeit the bond being registered in BOTH our names, should not be an issue here. All I wanted to do is change the debit order details to my Current Account (which you already have on file for the other policies), because OUTsurance and FNB have cancelled their contract between the 2 companies to allow the funds to be debited from our Bond Account.

And then, when my husband now calls, we cannot use my banking details because he is now not allowed to provide them to you over the phone….but neither can I because I ‘m not allowed to talk to you….he has to now use his banking details and so thank you, there goes our well organised budget.

Oh, and if we have an emergency at home and my husband is not available – travelling, ill, etc., does this mean that you will not be able to assist me, because you need his permission to speak to me first??

I hope that your company will take this feedback seriously and make the necessary changes to ensure that all customers are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. And please don’t try and sell me a funeral policy when I’m stressing about a debit order which needs to be moved and no one is able to assist me. Bad taste guys!