1 reviews | Active since Nov 2023
Poor service/quality/dishonesty/delaying on car claim
I was involved in a car accident on 10 April 2025 and received great roadside service from Outsurance. My vehicle was taken to a yard in Kempton Park. Outsurance sent an assessor, and I was informed on 15 April that Starline Body Shop was recommended for the repairs. On 15 April, Starling confirmed that they would make arrangements to collect the vehicle from the yard. On Thursday 17 April Starline confirmed that the car was booked in with them. On 22 April Starline confirmed that they stripped the car and provided a quote to Outsurance for approval. [1)12 DAY DELAY] I sent a mail to Outsurance on the 23 April requesting a copy and also informing them that I would be on leave from 1 May. I informed them that I hope to have the car back before then, but if not finished, I can only collect after 12 May. On 29 April, I reminded Outsurance that I was still waiting for a copy of the quote and reminded them about my leave situation. On 2 May, Starline confirmed via email that the repairs on the car were complete and ready for polish, assembly, QC inspection, and final clean - estimated collection on 7 May. On 12 May, Outsurance forwarded a mail from Starline indicating that the car is currently in assembly, but would be finished later the same day, as I, the client, indicated I could only collect after 12 May. [2) CONFLICT IN MESSAGES]. On 12 May I request an assessor to assess the vehicle post repairs. Outsurance refused this, as the inspectors are too busy inspecting prior maintenance. Starline agreed to deliver the vehicle to my house on 14 May. I rejected the vehicle as the panels did not align, there were cracks on the repaired surfaces, and the bonnet was not closing. They made minor adjustments and delivered the vehicle the following day. After a thorough inspection of the car, we found the 3 main issues and communicated with Outsurance and Starline on 19 May that a) the bonnet lever was extremely tight and difficult to pull. The bonnet brackets did not align properly with the mechanism, and the bonnet had to be slammed before closing on the third attempt. The hydraulic arms also failed to keep the bonnet in place once opened. All this was working 100% prior to the accident. b) We also pointed out the poor installation of the off-market headlight, and c) the wheel alignment was not as per the certificate issued. [3) ACCIDENT DATE EXCEEDING A MONTH] On 26 May, I inspected the vehicle at Starline's and found the bonnet functionality improved, but was told it was due to the radiator cradle that moved, probably due to a previous accident from the front??? The vehicle was not involved in a previous accident. [4) POOR WORKMANSHIP]. The off-market headlight was still of poor quality and did not fit properly in the cavity. On 28 May, Starline indicated they ordered a 2nd off-market headlight and acknowledged that the mould of the first light was problematic. [5) POOR QUALITY PRODUCT + FURTHER 9 DAY DELAY]. I informed Outsurance I want a OEM headlight sourced instead. On 28 May Outsurance escalated the matter to an assessing manager. On 4 June I enquire about the progress on the vehicle and indicated that the assessing manager failed to make contact. No assessor sent to inspect the vehicle, and no word from Starline. On 6 June I inform Starline that I'm coming out to inspect the vehicle. The second off-market headlight was still not fitting properly in the cavity, and I contacted the Outsurance again. On 7 June I communicate the pictures in an email to the Assessing manager, who reached out via email. On 9 June she indicated that a request was send to approve a OEM headlight, but did not respond again. On 13 June I followed up, adn was informed that a second-hand headlight was approved and sourced for fitting. A second-hand fitting as the vehicle was out of warranty and my contract does not provide for new OEM parts. I requested expert technical information why a second-hand part and not a new one. [6) CLAIM EXCEEDS 2 MONTHS] Today 18 Jun Outsurance can only explain contractually and not technically why they will source a second-hand part. Today 18 Jun Outsurance also indicates that Starline was not able to program the previous off-market light fitting due to compatibility issues. This was never disclosed by either party involved [7) DISHONESTY CREATING SAFETY RISKS]. Outsurance insists that I give the go-ahead to fit the second-hand fitting, passing their responsibility to the client. I still have not ETA. Outsurance refuses to provide a courtesy car as it is not in my contract. I need assistance and I need my voice heard as these two are unprofessional, unreliable, and think that because I'm a woman, they can get away with this treatment.
Further to our initial private reply and mentioned concerns, we can confirm that our client liaison team have been in contact with you.
The Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance has given approval for all insurers to use 2nd hand or alternative parts for vehicles out of their factory warranty period. This will only be for parts such as fenders, panels, lights etc. and not for safety parts. The vehicle must be repaired to manufacturers specifications
In your instance the 2nd hand part did not fit and therefore an OEM part was approved.
After careful review of your complaint, we agree that your claim and the explanations provided could have been handled better.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Regards,
The OUTsurance Team
Further to our initial private reply and mentioned concerns, we can confirm that our client liaison team have been in contact with you.
The Ombudsman for Short Term Insurance has given approval for all insurers to use 2nd hand or alternative parts for vehicles out of their factory warranty period. This will only be for parts such as fenders, panels, lights etc. and not for safety parts. The vehicle must be repaired to manufacturers specifications
In your instance the 2nd hand part did not fit and therefore an OEM part was approved.
After careful review of your complaint, we agree that your claim and the explanations provided could have been handled better.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Regards,
The OUTsurance Team
