Santam Insurance

We have been with Santam for many years but unfortunately apart from premiums increasing dramatically the service has deteriorated to non-existent. I won't elaborate on being pushed from pillar to post in terms of communication, only on the differentiation in the quotes from a panel beater they suggested.

The minor accident (one headlight and slight body work damage on the bonnet) happened in December and obviously with panel beaters closing we knew the repair would not happen until January.

We received an e-mail from Santam early January that it was not economical to repair the car because of the age of the vehicle. I queried that because it sounded ridiculous with the minor damage. I was then told that the vehicle could be repaired (same panel beater) and the quote dropped by R45 000. I contacted Santam again and told them I wasn't comfortable with this panel beater. They said I could go with an option of a cash settlement and a panel beater of our choice. I asked if this would affect our car hire which we pay extra for and was told no it wouldn't. We duly got our own quotes from reputable companies in our area and of course it was much cheaper than Santams panel beaters revised quote. The headlight was ordered, and we were given a date to take the car in. I contacted Santam again to arrange car hire to be told the small print says- no car hire once the cash settlement is made. SO... I could have had car hire for 30 days whilst we were back and forwards sorting out quotes and waiting for the payment but saw no reason to do so as we could still drive the car although it probably would not have been deemed road worthy with a broken head light. We only need car hire for 4 days and it has been declined. Now we know why premiums are what they are- either the panel beater is making one heck of a lot of money from a minor repair by inflating the price or....