Standard Bank Insurance prescribes the use of Bruno Panelbeaters and appears to refuse to settle my repair claim directly with me.

I have banked with Standard Bank for over 40 years. So, a few years ago I insured my car and home with SBIB. On the 6th of December a car drove into me from behind and damaged the left hand tail and body. Ms Shameera Nizam from SBIB referred me to Bruno Panelbeaters here in Port Alfred to have the vehicle assessed by an assessor. Then I a day or so later I was contacted by her to say that Brunopanelbeaters would repair the car at a cost of R13,230.00 minus the excess of R2000 which I would have to pay upfront. Sadly, Bruno Panelbeaters could only repair my vehicle next year. I complained to SBIB, because I felt that the claim should be paid out to me minus the Excess. I am the registered owner of the car and it is not financed by any bank. Furthermore, I explained to SBIB that the vehicle is not roadworthy and so I have to postpone my holiday plans. I can have the vehicle fixed in one day as I have contacts in the panelbeating business in Port Alfred. I can then use the car to go on holiday. But I get no reply or acknowledgment from SBIB, even though I have escalated the matter to Mr Kyle September of SBIB. What makes the matter even more serious is that my husband has severe asthma and I have ordered Adrenalin based medication from the USA that is being hand-delivered to me in Johannesburg on the 31st December. The medication cannot be obtained locally and my husband needs it urgently. Now I cannot use my car to Joburg unless I have it repaired in Port Alfred before the 31st December. I cannot understand why SBIB is prescribing that I use Bruno Panelbeaters and why they have not paid the funds over to me so that I can get my car fixed?!!