About Diagonal Direct

Group History

The DIAGONAL Group of Companies originates from 1975 when it was established as Wescol Brokers. The Oosthuizen family purchased it in 1990, whereafter the group quickly became one of the largest independent intermediaries for motor, household and commercial insurance in South Africa.

Registered in 1990 as an independent underwriting manager, Wescol Brokers became a leading service provider and now specialises in the administration of short-term insurance products and services.

In 2003 the Diagonal ACADEMY was launched as one of the first independent accredited insurance academies in South Africa. More than 3000 students graduated here since then and received their credits and licenses from the Financial Services Board. This company still remains part of the Diagonal Group and now currently operates on an internal level.

DIAGONAL DIRECT, previously traded as Wescol Brokers, now re-branded, since 2008 to form as an independent company under our single Diagonal Group banner.

Company Overview

Diagonal Direct continues to grow as one of South Africa’s leading brokerages in the competitive short-term insurance industry. This radical streak continues with our guarantee of service excellence whilst holding on to our core values. This has positioned Diagonal Direct as a prominent player within the South African Insurance industry.

We provide insurance that is tailored to your unique needs and distinctive style rather than the typical traditional insurance products we are so often forced to purchase. Because your home and your car, not to mention the safety of your family, is your life, your soul, it’s who you are!

So why take the risk of not being properly insured. With us you will be making the smart decision, because with Diagonal Direct you’ll always get affordable premiums and great service.

Diagonal Milestones

• Diagonal Direct, formerly known as Wescol Brokers, was founded almost 35 years ago
• The Diagonal brand has been an influential player in the short-term insurance industry, demonstrating resounding growth since its foundation
• It has achieved consistent growth in all its years of existence, making it one of the most successful brokerages in South Africa
• Strong premium growth in an increasingly evolving and price-sensitive market
• Established a countrywide branch network and state of the art systems

Partnership Milestones

• The centralisation of our back office functions through our sister company Diagonal Insurance Solutions has given both significant value and support to allow our focus to be client-focused
• Diagonal Insurance Solutions is constantly being boosted with the addition of new insurance  products and offerings
• Diagonal continues to make steady progress in building partnerships and alliances throughout the short-term insurance industry
• Our continued relationships with leading short-term insurance companies throughout South Africa gives us the ability to provide tailored insurance geared at your unique needs and distinctive style
• Diagonal’s bargaining power ensures affordable premiums, fair and prompt claims settlement by our Insurers

Diagonal Strategy

Customer-focused Strategy - Our focus going forward is based on our customers, rather than a “hit and run” sales approach like most of our competitors. We have dedicated significant resources and man hours to the development and implementation of several focus areas within our business such as:

• Technology
• Human Resources
• Staff Training and Development
• Marketing
• Sales
• After Sales Service

Commitment to Transformation - we are strongly committed to South Africa’s ongoing transformation efforts and have embarked on several projects to enforce this:

• As part of our values, we actively employee previously disadvantaged individuals
• Training programmes for all staff allow for successful candidates who complete their training to be considered for permanent employment
• Management succession programmes to increase our ability to fill management positions with candidates of throughout the company

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives - Over the years, the CANSA foundation has become synonymous with the Diagonal brand as we have focused our social responsibility efforts on assisting them to sustain their essential contributions to the communities they serve.

• CANSA [Click here]

The Diagonal Philosophy

• We believe our first responsibility is to the customers who buy our products and services
• We will meet their needs and everything we do for them will be excellent
• Customers will receive their policy schedules promptly, accurately and 100% correct
• We will strive to reduce our costs so that we can maintain affordable rates and fees
• We take responsibility for our employees, brokers and insurers who work with us throughout South Africa
• We can be trusted

Service Excellence Declaration

• Reliability - We will keep our promise, whatever it might be
• Responsiveness - Our willingness and ability to act quickly and correctly when our customers need us
• Assurance - Our staff are knowledgeable, courteous and inspire trust and empathy when dealing with customers and  each other
• Quality - Our products, personnel, communication and marketing material which we use will be of the highest quality and efficiency

Core Values and Value Statement

Diagonal employees can be trusted in everything we do as we adhere to high professional standards and excellence. We treat each other and our stakeholders with trust and respect and we are prepared to take full accountability for everything we do. We operate as one team which always strives for excellence and we always put our policyholders and stakeholders interests above ourselves.

• Trust
• Respect
• Excellence
• Accountability
• Teamwork

	Diagonal Pledge [Click here]

 

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