Explainer Your rights · 3 min by Krantz & Polak
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.
After the inspection, the insurer’s expert sometimes puts a loss figure to you with the request that you sign your agreement. It is understandable that you want to close the matter quickly — but haste often works against you here.
Why be cautious?
- An agreement fixes the amount, in principle; going back on it afterwards is more difficult.
- Hidden damage (damp, soot, structural) sometimes only surfaces later.
- You need time to assess calmly whether everything has been included.
What can you do?
You may say that you still wish to look into it and possibly engage your own expert. That is your right. As long as you have not signed, all options remain open.
Tip — Unsure whether the figure is correct? Have it assessed free of charge and without obligation before you sign anything.
When is your own expert a wise choice?
Not for every minor claim — but in these situations your own counter-expert almost always achieves a better and fairer outcome:
- The damage is substantial (guideline: from around € 5,000).
- The insurer doubts your account or accuses you of intent, negligence or fraud.
- The cause or circumstances are unclear — often with fire or water damage.
- An exclusion or deduction is invoked that you do not understand.
- There is underinsurance, or discussion about current value and depreciation.
- There is business interruption loss on top of the damage to property or contents.
- Your claim has been (partly) rejected.
- Before you sign — or before the insurer's expert records the damage one-sidedly.
Not sure whether it makes sense in your case? A first check costs nothing.
What you can do next
Three pages with a concrete answer to common follow-up questions.
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What does a counter-expert cost?
Answer in 1 minute, with verbatim quotes from Kifid and the Dutch Consumer Association.
Read about costs -
How do we work?
Our step-by-step approach — from first inspection to final settlement.
See our approach -
Why 100% independent?
Comparison with hybrid agencies + 3 verification questions you can ask.
Our independence
Also relevant
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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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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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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?
Just had damage?
Call us or report your claim online. We usually respond within 24 hours.