Constantia homeowner takes on Outsurance

Cape Town - A Constantia homeowner whose house was partially destroyed in a fire in May last year publicly expressed his anger at the proposed settlement offered by his insurer, Outsurance.

The homeowner erected a banner on his property, which was visible from Bordeaux Avenue, detailing the proposed payout by Outsurance which was a fraction of the total value of the insured property.

According to Outsurance, the main house, the outbuildings and stables on the property are insured for a total of R6.9m.

The fire, which was caused by an electrical fault, damaged only the main house with no damage to the rest of the buildings on the property.

The main house is valued at R5.6m.

Only a part of the building was damaged and the repairs to that area were estimated by Outsurance to cost R2.57m.

The banner has since been removed. 

According to Natasha Kawulesar, head of client relations at Outsurance, the client was advised of the settlement amount in June, six weeks after the initial claim.

The homeowner, disputing the payout offer, appointed his own experts to assess the cost of the repairs.

“Outsurance is confident that R2.57m is an accurate repair amount,” said Kawulesar.

Engineers appointed by both the client and Outsurance met to discuss the varying assessments to which a final proposal was sent to the insurer by the client.

“Our client raised concerns on the final cost of the repairs and we are meeting with him next week to have this matter resolved amicably,” said Kawulesar.

Outsurance has dismissed reported claims that it is suing the homeowner for damages. “No legal action has been taken against the client,” said Kawulesar.