Hi Guys.
There was a leak on our common property of a complex of 6 units which was duly repaired by a registered plumber. .
He took all meter readings as he was unsure on whose meter it was leaking and ask us all to monitor the water account and to see who’s was in excess and report back to him.
There were delays with the Ethekwini accounts last year due to their system changeover and even the online portal was unavailable due to the website being hacked. This was widely reported in the media.
Thus many people got their accounts late.
When the account did finally arrive, I realized it was our unit that was affected by the leak and then I lodged the water loss claim to Westwood Insurance Brokers.
Allegedly the claim was sent just 5 days over their 60 day period to claim and they have rejected the claim due to this.
I appealed to the municipality but they rejected the processing of the claim. Westwood brokers referred me to the insurer New National Assurance company and they also rejected the claim using the 60 day rule as the reason.
No one is trying to understand the circumstances of why the claim was delayed.
But as you can see it was out of my control as it was impssible to have sent the claim earlier.
I also feel the 60 day period to claim is too short and unfair.
I have subsequently filed a complaint with the Ombudsman whose waiting period is around 3 months I believe.
In the interim I see the insurer offered an ex gratia payment of 50% (total claim around R3400)
What should I do?
Is the 60 day claim period CPA compliant?
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