The first reflexes after a claim
After an accident, a theft or a fire, the priority is people's safety. Next comes gathering evidence: photos of the damage, witnesses' contact details, and, for a road accident, the joint accident report filled in and signed on the spot with the other driver when possible. These elements accompany the report sent to the insurer or the partner broker.
The reporting deadline set by the contract
Every insurance contract sets a deadline for reporting a claim to the insurer, usually counted in working days from the event or its discovery. Missing this deadline can reduce the compensation, or even void it, depending on the contract's conditions. If in doubt about the applicable deadline, the safest approach is to notify the partner broker promptly, without waiting to gather every document.
Documents to gather depending on the claim
The documents expected depend on the type of claim. For a vehicle accident: the joint accident report, and a police report if needed. For a travel-related claim: medical documents, invoices and, in the event of a cancellation, proof of the event that caused it. For damage to a home: dated photos and invoices for the damaged property. The partner broker states the exact list for the relevant contract.
Paying the compensation
Once the file has been reviewed and approved by the insurer, the compensation is paid using the payment methods offered by the insurer. The payment time depends on the file and is not the same as the processing time shown on an offer at comparison time, which concerns the initial review of the quote request.
What can delay or jeopardise compensation
An incomplete file, a late report or inaccurate information delay the claim's review and can reduce the amount paid. A false statement, even a partial one, exposes you to a refusal of compensation and to other consequences set out in the contract. Rereading your contract's exclusions before reporting a claim helps avoid unpleasant surprises about what is actually covered.