Sometimes people although they have insured their homes, are not compensated, especially in cases of burglary. The reason usually being that the insured person has not fulfilled his contractual obligations.
The terms of insurance policies require some actions that the insured must take in case of damage. Reading the terms of most companies’ insurance policies we find that they are more or less common to all companies.
We’ll split them into actions before the event, during the event, and after the event.
General (before the event)
A basic principle that must govern the conduct of each insured person is that of the “diligent person”. What does that mean? Do not neglect your property because it is insured. Take the appropriate protective measures you would take if you were uninsured. For example, do not leave the keys at the door, windows open when absent, etc.
The insurance company should also be informed immediately if there are changes in the status of the insured object (residence, content). This is required as such changes may also affect the insurance policy.
What do we do in case of damage?
If damage is caused e.g. fire, flood, break-in, etc. you must call the proper authorities for assistance I.e. the Fire Department in case of fire, or report the incident to the police authorities in case of robbery, burglary or attempt of it. In the event of non-compliance with this, the insurance company is not obliged to pay compensation.
Again, as the insured person, you are obliged to behave as a “diligent person”. You must make every effort to prevent, rescue or limit the damage to insured items as if you were not insured.
Expenses related to the avoidance or limitation of damage is covered. Always, of course, provided that they do not exceed the actual value of the insured items rescued.
What to do after the damage
You must notify the company immediately, 8 days at the latest after you learned of the damaging incident.
Provide the company or the evaluators with any evidence and information they will request to determine the causes and amount of the damage. Any legal or other documents relating to the incident must also be given to the insurance company.
Inform the company in writing (claims statement):
- Describing the cause, facts and all information related to the damage.
- A detailed description of the damage or losses suffered;
- An indication of the amount of damage or loss, taking into account the value of the items at the time of the damage or loss.
Do not arrange repairs without the company’s agreement.
Keep intact – as long as the task of preventing or containing damage is not prevented – the objects that have been saved and their remains until you contact the company, and then follow their instructions.
If there is a of civil liability cover
You must not take any action that will affect the interests of the insurance company. In other words, do not admit to any claim, make any promise or payment and do not refuse any claim without the company’s agreement. The company has the right, at its cost but in your name, to take legal proceedings for its own benefit to recover its costs in relation to your claim, or take over and conduct the defense or settlement of any claim.
It shall have full discretion in the conduct of any legal proceedings and in the defense or settlement of any claim.