In this episode of "Know Your Ombud," host Maya Fisher-French engages with Edite Teixeira-Mckinon, the lead Ombud for non-life insurance, to understand the intricacies of short-term insurance and the common complaints consumers face. This episode aims to empower listeners with essential knowledge about their rights and the processes involved in lodging complaints against insurers.

Maya and Edite discuss the various types of insurance policies under the non-life umbrella, including motor vehicle, home contents, and pet insurance. They delve into the most frequent complaints, particularly those related to motor vehicle insurance, and the complexities of insured values and shortfall insurance. Edite explains how understanding policy details can be crucial in avoiding disputes and ensuring fair treatment.

Listeners will hear about real cases that highlight the importance of clarity in policy terms and the challenges consumers face when claims are rejected. Edite shares insights on the prevalence of complaints regarding mechanical warranties and the impact of recent events like COVID-19 on insurance trends.

The episode also addresses the concept of recklessness in driving and how it can affect insurance claims. Edite emphasises the importance of being honest and transparent when filing claims, as misrepresentation can lead to the denial of coverage. The discussion serves as a reminder that consumers must actively engage with their insurance policies to fully understand their rights and obligations.

Join Maya and Edite as they navigate the world of short-term insurance, providing listeners with valuable tips on how to protect themselves and ensure they receive the coverage they expect. Remember, the Ombud service is free and accessible, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you feel you've been treated unfairly!

If you feel let down by a financial service provider, you can contact the appropriate ombud scheme via the links below:

Ombud for Financial Services Providers (FAIS Ombud): Disputes related to financial advice

Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA): Disputes related to pension funds

JSE Ombud: Disputes related to the JSE

National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO): Disputes related to banking, credit, and insurance