Claims

Putting in a claim is usually when you realize whether your policy covered what you expected or not. It is also a time when you realize that your broker is there to assist you in the processing of your claim. Dealing with a claim can be difficult, let alone in a foreign language, and many people may not know how to discuss insurance issues in depth. This is why we, at The Eric Blair Network, consider claims management as our top priority. Our team is there to assist you to declare, process your claim and obtain compensation.

Generally, the procedure for making a claim is as follows:

IMPORTANT AND USEFUL INFORMATION

Auto

• Always be very careful when filling out a constat amiable for automobile accidents as the slightest error can make you 100% responsible. On the other hand, filling in this form will considerably speed up the processing of your claim as it becomes a contractual document between both parties involved.
• Try to complete the constat at the time of the accident as exchanging contact details with the other party may not be sufficient.
• If there are more than two cars involved, fill in a constat with each of the parties directly involved with you.
• If the insured vehicle is only covered for third party liability, insurers will need to obtain recovery of the costs from the other party’s insurer. This may take a while, especially if the other party is a foreigner, so be patient.

House

• Always keep copies of all invoices or at least minimum justification of your goods.
• If you do not have any invoices or justification, have your contents valued. This specially applies to items of value: i.e. jewellery, antiques, paintings, etc.
• Keep your windows closed during the day and your shutters at night, even if you are present in the premises.
• Most policies require a certain number of protections to be in place. Check your policy to determine what these are and make sure they are being used.
• When a leak occurs, don’t wait to have it repaired. Insurers always consider that you should take the necessary precautions to avoid the aggravation of any claim.

Medical

• Always check to see whether Insurers require a claim form to be completed by the treating Doctor.
• Send originals of any invoices, but keep copies for you
• Do not undergo surgery or other major treatment without first approval by Insurers and their medical advisors.

General

• Never start any repairs without written authorisation from Insurers.
• Always try to give as much information as possible about the circumstances of the claim.
• Please ensure that you have read your contract thoroughly so that you know what you are covered for, in order to avoid the eventual rejection of a claim.
• There is normally a time limit for declaring your claim, so the quicker it is declared the better. The time limit varies according to the type of insurance: 24 hours for theft, 5 days for others.
• Ensure that you have complied with the conditions of the contract that you have signed eg. tatooage has been done on the car, alarm fitted, etc.
• If your situation has changed since your contract was established, please inform us immediately eg. if a bedroom has been added to the house and, therefore, the contract needs amending.
• Insurers always consider that you should take necessary precautions to avoid any aggravation of a claim: i.e. stop a leak when you are aware of one, put up temporary measures if shutters are damaged so that a theft may not occur, etc. Failing to do so may lead to a claim being rejected.