Disappointing performance by Santam insurance Westville

I have been disappointed by the treatment given me by Santam insurance since my home was burgled. My wife and I called Santam insurance s consultant on Sunday abt the burglary. She took the the details but forgot to register the claim hence no claim number was recorded.

Monday morning, Victoria the consultant evades the Sunday query completely and doesn't seem to empathize with what had transpired at the earlier call and the claim was registered. Three contractors/assessors were despatched only 2 days later in June 2024 to attend to my matter. It took another 3 days for the field assessor to come to my premises to assess and provide Emergency Electricity and Water. To say the least there seem to have been a cozy relationship between the field assessor and the so called appointed contractor for both Electrical and Plumbing by Opicom whilst the assessment was being done. Further to this, I was irate with the fact that the Field Assessor indicated that there was a recording to state that I agreed that the contractors could start the work. To add injury to insult, he further stated that the roof wherein the burglars got through was not in a good condition and the extra roof cappings replastered and placed will cost R4000 should there be a dispute and I would have to foot this bill. I was really taken aback when he stated that he will record this conversation. The less said the better. The recording he has in his possession will expose the Field Assessor.

Subsequently the work to restore electricity and water in only the main building was restored by Opicom but mostly to my dissatisfaction. Main Issues: 1. No gas hob was replaced cos the microwave was ****** 2. The geyser was installed upside down resulting in 3 minutes of hot water coming through 3. Where they replaced copper piping the tiling was not finished up in both bathrooms 4. An undersized basin was installed in the bathroom area 5. The shower rose fitted was very small and a short cut through breaking a wall tile to get to a pipe to the shower is seen clearly and looks ugly as it was not repaired. 6. The ceilings in the kitchen and passage was not replaced 7. As for the DB boxes in the hasn't been finished of well and no COC has been issued and how can it be issued if shoddiness is to be tolerated?

With a further delay of any 3 days of not showing up nor notifying me to rectify these matters I asked Santam to stop the contractor from coming to my premises.

Subsequently, Santam despatched another 2 contractors to my place to assess and address my complaints on this week of the 17 June 2024. I raised the issue of delays with Ms Sharmaine Theron and Ms Adari and that I was not pleased. I also presented the great inconvenience my family has experience with the geyser issue and the absence of the 4 plate gas hob is further excerbated in terms of cooking on a two plate gas stove. This was not on.

The last straw was when I tried contacting Ms Theron on Friday, this morning but was in vain. Subsequently I received a call after midday from the Field Assessor that they will meet with me on Monday. At the time I accepted and then realized I have an appointment with the hospital on Monday. Also note that Santam expects me to be at their beck and call after many a days delay. I have engaged my own contractor to to do the work. Santams choice and work ethic really has tested my patience the past month.... yes this is how long they are taking to settle this claim!

I have omitted much but this will suffice for now!