Minor Damage **** - first experience like this after decades of car hire experiences

We hired a car in Nov 2021 - knocked bumper and reported damage - small dent on the bumper, needed to be pointed out as was barely visible and no impact on boot opening. Earlier, I had been convinced to take out minor damage cover and I though, if ever minor damage cover was helpful, this was the occasion - how wrong I was . Minor damage covers 2500 damage of which approx 1500 are fees (assessor/claim). The full R11000,00 excess was apparently needed to cover the repair and when I queried the cost of the damage I was told it was over R16000. Even a brand new bumper from the most expensive source - i.e. Toyota manufacturer without any discounted pricing is just over R4000. R1000 to repair the tiny dent would have been more reasonable. There seems to be no way to complain/dispute any of this - I called a couple of times and was sent from pillar to post. I was promised during one call that a cost breakdown would be sent to me by - nothing received. Called again, directed by operator to send email - still waiting after another week. Can't help feeling I've been ****med