Leaks, infiltrations, overflows … most damage caused by water damage is covered by comprehensive home insurance. This guarantee is compulsory for tenants as well as owners living in co-ownership. Optional for owners of single-family homes, it is nevertheless strongly recommended so as not to have to bear the full financial consequences of a disaster.
Quick declaration
In any case, inform your insurance company as soon as possible, and at the latest within five days. If the leak comes from your home and your home is the only one affected, your declaration is sufficient to initiate the procedure. But if the claim comes from another accommodation and / or it affects one or more neighboring apartments, you must draw up an amicable report together and send it to the insurance companies concerned.
Expertise sometimes necessary
If the estimated damage does not exceed € 5,000, a single insurer takes care of the entire procedure. From 1600 € of damage, he must have an expert report carried out. Beyond € 5,000, the various insurance companies must intervene. This can lead to one or more contradictory expertises. In all cases, bring together invoices, photos and any other document, as well as the damaged goods, in order to allow the damage to be assessed.
Repairs
If the leak is from your home, you can have repairs done, or ask the landlord to take care of it. Most guarantees do not cover this work, which will therefore remain your responsibility, or that of the owner. On the other hand, the damage caused must remain as is until the insurance estimate. If you have work done right away (painting, etc.), you risk not being reimbursed.
In case of disagreement
If you consider that the compensation offered by the insurance is insufficient, file a claim. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can proceed to a second opinion, at your expense. Without result and if the amounts involved justify it, you will have to initiate proceedings before the tribunal de grande instance, which may appoint a legal expert.
Emergency measures
Turn off the water supply, if the leak is from your home. Otherwise, tell your neighbors, the caretaker of the building and / or the property manager, the owner (social landlord, etc.). In the event of a major leak, cut off the electricity to reduce the risk of short circuits or even electrocution.
Read also :
⋙ Water damage: how to be properly compensated?
⋙ Car breakdown, water damage … How to react to an emergency?
⋙ Major claim: call an insured expert