1 reviews | Active since May 2024
SMD
My vehicle was involved with an accident and transported to SMD DURBAN(Cator ridge) on 2024/04/08.
My insurance (Naked Insurance) Informed me that i need to fetch my vehicle from SMD with the provided address.
Upon my arrival at SMD on 2024/05/14, i noticed my vehicle front wheels removed and the complete vehicle laying on the floor, damaging the under frame, Engine sump and disc brakes from what i could see shattered my heart, Thats just the "tip of the iceberg" note My vehicle is a 2016 Golf 7 GTi performance pack, Not a Ferrari but my pride and joy which i work hard for.
Upon opening the vehicle i find my 2x19 inch front rims thrown on my leather seats, Tyres ripped all round and Rims cracked, From the pictures provided by the towing company which SMD authorized, All 4 wheels intact on the vehicle before upliftment,im already furious.lets go on to the next issue.
When my vehicle was purchased i upgraded my sound system which landed me just over 15k and added it on to my insurance extras,Again...complete sound system removed and my question was why are things being removed.Lets go to the next issue.
Close the door and do a walk around, i noticed the entire rear diffuser ********** and my exhaust system completely destroyed "To a extent that i cant see it anymore". I then proceeded to the main office and questioned a gentleman who provided my release papers,Questioned Him about my concerns which he had no answers for.. He then showed my pictures as to the vehicle arriving at SMD as is,which raised eyebrows.. Remember i retrieved pictures of the vehicle from the towing company authorized by SMD and i see before upliftment, 4x19 inch Rims intact, Sound system intact, rear diffuser being dragging in the picture provided."My vehicle was towed for +-90kms with a Sling back, Instead of a rollback".
I did not take my vehicle back and informed my insurance company of the situation, they advised me to leave the vehicle as SMD will do an investigation,I informed the gentleman"Edward" and he assured me that there will be no storage costs for the vehicle until the investigation is completed. Fair enough.
I then managed to contact the towing company and they informed me that they cant answer as to why the rims were removed thats 1...2 the driver that towed the vehicle to SMD has left the job,The manager(Freedom) from CNINE TOWING informed me that he will do a full investigation and visit the vehicle at SMD as well which made me feel at ease knowing that someone is showing some interest in this matter.. Upon calling him the next day he inform me that he does not want to get involved in the issue and i should not call him ever again and i should deal directly with SMD.
Long story short,Till date(2024/05/01)i have not received proper feedback from the lady who was conducting my investigation(Dimpho), who does not respond to my emails, No one from SMD takes my calls and my vehicle still sits with them, with no factual answers, No proper investigation update.. Nothing at all..Another installment just went out today for a vehicle that sits in a salvage yard getting more damaged.
I need help with this, Its now affecting my health with the amount of stress i have to endure, I need answers, accountability and responsibility for my damages and theft from my vehicle.
Thank you for using this channel to bring this to our attention.
We are conducting an internal investigation and will revert back to you with an update on the action taken to assist with this matter.
Best Regards
SMD
Thank you for using this channel to bring this to our attention.
We are conducting an internal investigation and will revert back to you with an update on the action taken to assist with this matter.
Best Regards
SMD
I trust this message finds you well.
As previously communicated, the internal investigation has been successfully concluded. The thoroughness of the investigation and the comprehensive report with findings regarding the vehicle receiving and towing have been promptly sent to you and the supplier (insurance) for review. At SMD, we pride ourselves on maintaining exceptional standards and professionalism in our client-supplier relationships, and we trust that you will recognize this in our report.
One notable finding in the report is based on the standard procedure of capturing pictures prior to vehicle collection, revealing that the items being claimed as missing were not present in the vehicle images. Furthermore, a detailed checklist of all items in possession during the collection has been annexed to the report for your perusal.
It is important for us to convey our understanding and empathy towards your situation as you review the emailed report.
Best regards,
SMD
I trust this message finds you well.
As previously communicated, the internal investigation has been successfully concluded. The thoroughness of the investigation and the comprehensive report with findings regarding the vehicle receiving and towing have been promptly sent to you and the supplier (insurance) for review. At SMD, we pride ourselves on maintaining exceptional standards and professionalism in our client-supplier relationships, and we trust that you will recognize this in our report.
One notable finding in the report is based on the standard procedure of capturing pictures prior to vehicle collection, revealing that the items being claimed as missing were not present in the vehicle images. Furthermore, a detailed checklist of all items in possession during the collection has been annexed to the report for your perusal.
It is important for us to convey our understanding and empathy towards your situation as you review the emailed report.
Best regards,
SMD
I appreciate your "thorough" investigation, even though it was essentially a copy and paste job from"*******.". I won't mention names because you are already well aware of them. I don't know if youvknow,but while your company was uplifting my car,my insurance forwarded me pictures. They showed my four wheels fixed to the car, the sound system clearly visible and in regards to the inventory,I showed you that your towing company had ****d signatures between parties. SMD is such a large company, but it still amazes me how lies and dishonesty are being tried to be covered up.I did remind you in my previous email to assign this matter to a senior person. Additionally, please remember to account for my vehicles towing and any additional damages while it is being stored at your facility.I regret not being able to upload exposure images.
Sincerely
Mr Naidoo
I appreciate your "thorough" investigation, even though it was essentially a copy and paste job from"*******.". I won't mention names because you are already well aware of them. I don't know if youvknow,but while your company was uplifting my car,my insurance forwarded me pictures. They showed my four wheels fixed to the car, the sound system clearly visible and in regards to the inventory,I showed you that your towing company had ****d signatures between parties. SMD is such a large company, but it still amazes me how lies and dishonesty are being tried to be covered up.I did remind you in my previous email to assign this matter to a senior person. Additionally, please remember to account for my vehicles towing and any additional damages while it is being stored at your facility.I regret not being able to upload exposure images.
Sincerely
Mr Naidoo