Unauthorised premium deduction

On 10 June 2019 I approached Santam for an insurance quote. A few details were required which were given through telephonically on 11 June 2019. I was told that the underwriter still needs to approve the quote, as per Santam's standard practices.

I did not receive a copy of the quote and had to request it on 18 June 2019. I sent an email specifically asking whether the underwriter had confirmed all in good standing. I received the quote from them on the 19th with no confirmation re my underwriter question.

I sent another email on 21 June 2019 asking if the underwriter had approved the insurance. I then also noticed that the quote included building insurance instead of household insurance and asked them to rectify it. I received no response.

On 27 June 2019 I sent another email: "I requested a quote for home and vehicle insurance. I did not receive it until querying it. Upon receipt it was noted that the incorrect insurance was quoted - I requested home contents insurance and was given building insurance. I have also not had confirmation if the underwriter had signed off on it.

Please note that I DO NOT wish for the cover to start on 1 July due to the above not being in place."

Again I received no response, just the generic we confirm receipt of your query.

I emailed again on 28 June 2019 to ask for confirmation that no policies had been activated against my name. No response.

Despite all the above, on 1 July 2019 Santam attempted to debit a premium R1 434,84. As this is not an interest bearing account, I keep no additional money in it and the debit order could not come off - costing me a further R61 in bank fees. I expect this to be rectified immediately - I will not be held liable for their incompetence, albeit only R61.