Absa supports victims of fire

Absa, South Africa’s largest retail bank by customer numbers, says it is working around the clock to assist victims of a fire that has ravaged St. Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape. The fire damaged close to 100 homes in the Kouga Municipality over the past

Absa Insurance Company (AIC) has set up support services in the area to provide additional support to customers and has representatives close on the ground to assist with speeding up the claims process.

“Absa Insurance Company has phoned each and every one of our customers in the St Francis area to see where we can assist in this trying time. We will also physically drive to customers’ homes to provide assistance where needed and check on their safety,” says Andries van Staden, Managing Executive for Absa Insurance.

Van Staden has re-assured customers that Absa will be there to provide insurance cover and any other related assistance throughout the festive season and beyond. . “It is at claims stage that our customers need us the most and we will remain resolute in treating our customers fairly and making sure that we do our utmost to make their lives that much easier,” Van Staden added.

He says AIC staff will be working extra hours to assist customers in every way possible. This was also the case last month when heavy floods ravaged the Eastern Cape and a severe hail storm hit the Gauteng Province.

“The claims department received close to 11 800 calls during the severe storm period but our staff demonstrated the necessary dedication to make customers’ lives easier. We experienced 28% more registered claims in October and our staff remained resolute in providing excellent service to our customers. I am sure we will once again do our utmost to support the people of St. Francis,” says Van Staden.

Arrie Rautenbach, Absa Head of Retail Markets said: “Making sure we are there to assist our banking and financial services customers in times of need and distress is at the heart of our business. Our branch staff in and around St Francis Bay are there to assist Absa customers who have been affected by the fire that engulfed their properties, and they are able to link customers with Absa Insurance.”