Knowledge
Explainer
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Your duty to mitigate: limiting further damage
You are required to take reasonable measures to limit the damage. What does that involve, and who pays those costs?
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Firefighting water and consequential damage after a fire
The extinguishing, the clearance and the aftermath often cause more damage than the fire itself. What does this include?
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Your claim has been rejected — what now?
A rejection is not the end of the road. Here is how to establish the reason and decide on your next steps.
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Checklist: which documents belong in your file
A complete, well-organised file is your strongest asset. This checklist helps you forget nothing.
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The first 24 hours after fire or water damage
A clear step-by-step plan for the first, chaotic hours. What do you do first, and what can wait a little?
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A leak in your home: step-by-step plan and what is insured
From stopping the water to the claim: the right order of steps in the event of a leak, and which costs are generally covered.
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Do not be too quick to sign your agreement
A signature under the loss assessment often closes the door. Why it is better to pause for a moment.
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Replacement-as-new value, current value and depreciation
Why you sometimes receive less than the as-new price, and what the widely used 40% rule means.
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Underinsurance and the guarantee against underinsurance
If your sum insured is too low, you are only reimbursed part of your loss. This is how the proportionality rule works.
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Buildings or contents — what falls under which?
The distinction determines which insurance pays out. A simple rule of thumb gets you started.
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You are entitled to your own expert (counter-expertise)
The insurer's expert works for the insurer. You may put your own independent specialist opposite them.
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Soot and smoke damage: the invisible damage after a fire
After a fire, far from all the damage is visible. Soot and smoke creep into everything and are often underestimated.
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Documenting your loss: photographs, lists and receipts
Good evidence is worth its weight in gold. This is how to record your loss so that nothing is overlooked.
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Reporting damage to your insurer
How do you report the damage, what do you pass on, and what should you watch out for in that first contact?
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Mould and hidden moisture after water damage
Water drains away where you cannot see it. Hidden moisture and mould sometimes only surface weeks later.
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How long may the insurer take over your claim?
There is no hard statutory deadline for handling a claim, but there are limits. And watch the three-year limitation period.
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The declaration of agreement and the settlement agreement explained
What exactly are you signing when you agree to the loss figure? And can you still go back on it later?
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What exactly does the insurer's expert do?
Understand the role of the loss adjuster who comes to visit, so you know what to expect from that conversation.
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Which water damage is usually insured — and which is not?
The cause often determines everything. A clear overview of what is generally reimbursed — and what is not.
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Who pays for the counter-expert?
For private individuals, counter-expertise is in practice free of charge. The law places the reasonable costs with the insurer.
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What does a counter-expert do?
A counter-expert represents your interests after a loss, opposite your insurer's expert. A short explanation of the role, the costs and your rights.
Just had damage?
Call us or report your claim online. We usually respond within 24 hours.