Employer medical boarding doesn’t guarantee a disability insurance payout
Even when an employer’s doctor declares an employee unfit, group policy definitions such as ‘Own Occupation’ vs ‘Any Occupation’ can lead to claim denials.
#NFO
Grace period doesn’t prevent insurers from rejecting a claim
Some insurers send SMS or email reminders, but it is the policyholder’s responsibility to ensure that an overdue premium is paid.
Ombud Council to focus on making financial consumers more aware of their right to redress
The Council will use complaints data to spot systemic risks and harmonise complaint-handling across all financial ombuds, its five-year strategic plan shows.
FSCA wants to know number of personal lines claims in 2024
The information will help the Authority to monitor the extent to which insurers are delivering fair outcomes for consumers.
Expired driving permit was not material to the loss, non-life ombud rules
The insurer argued the hijacked vehicle should not have been on the road because the driver’s PrDP had expired.
The risks of tap-and-go cards: how to safeguard your money
The Banking Ombud urges consumers to be proactive in protecting their funds, especially as complaints rise about unauthorised tap-and-go activity with lost or stolen cards.
Digital scams surge during the festive season – are you prepared?
Scammers are using fear, urgency, and authority to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Discover how to keep your finances safe amid the surge in holiday fraud.
Does ‘sitting on the mattress’ matter? Ombud rules on insurance policy dispute
The NFO decided that failing to follow customary mourning rituals did not prevent the recognition of a customary marriage, awarding the claim based on fairness.
Ombud Council’s first formally tabled report highlights reforms in financial dispute resolution
Key achievements include the creation of the National Financial Ombud Scheme and the new FAIS Ombud Rules.
Express kidnapping: when disclosing banking details leads to financial loss
When a customer compromises their confidential banking details, they are usually held liable, but once the breach is reported, the bank becomes responsible for mitigating any further losses.
Navigating insurance exclusions: key lessons from the NFO’s rulings
Thoroughly reading and understanding insurance policies and exclusion clauses benefits both parties, leading to fairer and more equitable outcomes for everyone involved.
How bank errors and unseen fees impacted customers
The OBS’s 2023 annual report unveils chargeback disputes, hidden fees, and administrative failures.
OBS reports record high complaints in 2023 as it transitions to NFO
The Ombudsman for Banking Services was kept busy with complaints about current accounts, loans, savings accounts, credit cards, and home loans.
Ombudsman’s report unveils banking blunders and customer missteps
The cases dealt with by the banking ombudsman last year included a home auctioned for far below its value and fraud linked to a stolen phone.
Reana Steyn appointed to lead new National Financial Ombud scheme
The role of the NFO is to aid financial customers to obtain redress for alleged unfair treatment by financial product or service providers.
New National Financial Ombud scheme launches
The previously separate credit, banking, and long-term and short-term insurance ombud schemes are now under one roof.
