Got a call day before yesterday from guy from the UK who was visiting his Dad in SA.

Dad is retired, lives in a VERY secure complex in Blue Hills, and drives a 1997 BMW and 1999 Nissan Hardbody 2.0.

Son thought his dad was "paying a bit much". Monthly premium was R2,209.15 for cars, house buildings and contents.

I got 11 alternative quotes.

The most costly was R1,431.77.

The cheapest R1,044.78.

Both with wider - MUCH wider - covers than already in place.

Tell me again that Direct Insurers are cheaper .... ???