2004 Sees The Achievement Of Significant Milestones For The Office
The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance released his Annual Report for 2004 in Johannesburg today (Monday, 16 TH May 2005). 2004 saw the achievement of significant milestones for the office, including over R40 million being recovered on behalf of consumers who lodged a complaint against insurers with the office.
2004 also saw the highest number of complaints received from consumers in one year, namely 5,435. Motor claims continue to dominate complaints at 64% followed by complaints relating to householder contents (15 %) and house structure (13 %).
Whilst the office has received more complaints than ever before it has succeeded in finalising complaints more quickly. The average time taken for resolving the record number of complaints is 85 days.
Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance, Helm van Zijl says, "In the coming year, our Board and Council will merge, which will result in the insurance industry not having a majority on the Board. This clearly demonstrates the phenomenal support and confidence that our office receives from the industry."
Consumer education continues to remain a top priority for the Ombudsman's office where articles are regularly published and interviews conducted with the Ombudsman, providing consumers with practical advice and assistance.
Chairman of the Council, Isabel Jones says, "2004 was another successful year from the efforts of the Ombudsman and his team in helping to give the South African consumer an effective and speedy alternative dispute resolution channel which can be easily accessed."
Visit the website of the Ombusman for the Short Term Insurance Industry