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A broker is not a policeman

25 October 2016

Balancing the scales of justice is often a tricky job. Often, when we read the reports and cases coming out of the offices of the ombudsmen, we see insurers and brokers getting dragged over the coals for what the relevant ombudsman deems poor advice on the part of the broker, or negligent activities on the part of insurers.

Driving under the influence, dishonest information and leaving the scene of the accident

24 March 2016

The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance comments on the implications of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leaving the scene of the accident unlawfully and providing the insurer with incorrect information.

One man’s loss is another man’s gain

10 March 2016

The simple act of taking a car without permission could leave a client liable if his or her child gets into an accident and injures someone or causes damage to another vehicle.

The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance comments on the implications of taking out a driver behaviour monitoring policy

24 November 2015

To encourage improved behaviour behind the wheel, some short-term motor insurers will offer clients a discount on the premium if a record of responsible driving is maintained. By installing a driver monitoring device, it will analyse driving behaviour such as harsh accelerating, braking, cornering, excess idling and driving too quickly over speed humps etcetera. It will also record good driving behaviour. Many companies and consumers have opted to install one of these devices in order to monitor and/or improve the way they or their employees drive and to reduce the costs of wear and tear on the vehicle, fuel expenditure and insurance. “However insurers have taken the use of the driver monitoring device a step further”, says Dennis Jooste, Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance. “As the information is recorded and open to scrutiny, the data can be used to validate or repudiate an insurance claim. However some insurers claim that they will not use the information to repudiate a claim. Consumers are urged to get clarity from the insurer about its policy in this regard”.

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