Finally - A commendation for service!

I recently sent an email of commendation to my insurance brokers.

That, alone, is not something we see or hear of often.

We all take the time to lodge complaints or moan when things don't meet our expectations, but I felt perhaps I should make an effort to improve the frequency at which I commend good service.

After all, commending people for good service - telling them what we like - will motivate them to do the same in future for other clients.

And, in turn, by confirming that good service is not actually a myth will result in you, the reader, receiving good service at some point.

From ordering a burger at McDonald's to applying for a financial facility, let's face it - we all have to deal with the service industry at some point.

In fact, many of us are responsible for providing a service of some sort and we know all too well that it can often be a thankless job.

Although my last blog post was a tongue-in-cheek view on public service (or lack of),

this one is honestly aimed at commending my insurance brokers on awesome service.

There are numerous larger companies that sell the concept of having no "middle man" as a good idea.

In my particular case, dealing with my broker proved very efficient and actually a pleasure.

To be honest, I was dreading calling my insurance company to report an accident and lodge a claim.

Since it was a 3rd party claim, I was still liable for a refundable excess payment, and, after the stories I've heard, I feared a huge battle trying to get my excess payment refunded.

The refund took place within 1 month. Not only on a single occasion, but twice.

My claims were settled painlessly and without me having to follow up and chase people.

From car hire (which I can highly recommend) through to liaising with panel beaters was arranged or initiated by my brokers.

All I had to do was pick up the phone when it rang and give a few details.

I didn't need to spend hours on the phone trying to sort my life out.

Follow-ups were frequent and timeous.

To quantify my case: how many times do we call a company for service, and the person dealing with our "important" call has about as much professionalism as someone working for the fish & chips corner cafe down the road? And display so much interest, you'd be better off talking to the dial-tone?

All of the people I dealt with within this company are competent, professional and efficient.

Furthermore, there was none of the typical "please hold while I transfer you for fourteenth time" frustration.

What really impressed me was the fact that after sending a simple email to my brokers to arrange insurance cover for a recent purchase, I was contacted within a very short time frame since I had not provided much detail about the vehicle itself.

The lady that phoned me didn't ask me for the details...

No, instead, she simply asked for a name and number at the dealership so that she could liaise with the relevant parties and acquire the relevant details.
Still the same morning, I was copied on an email containing the insurance certificate.

I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I was bowled over!

If you're living in South Africa, and you're looking for awesome service and competent professionals, take a look at CLJA Financial Services: http://www.clja.co.za or email them: insurance@clja.co.za.