Explainer The process · 5 min by Krantz & Polak
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.
Underinsurance is a pitfall that can prove painful in large losses. It arises when the sum insured is lower than the actual value of your property.
The proportionality rule
If you are underinsured, the insurer reimburses the loss proportionately. Example: if your contents are worth EUR 100,000 but insured for EUR 60,000, you are in principle reimbursed 60% of every loss — even a small one.
Guarantee against underinsurance
Many policies offer a guarantee against underinsurance: if you had the sum insured determined correctly using a valuation or contents calculator, the insurer will not apply the proportionality rule. Check whether you have this guarantee.
The 115% margin
Under some conditions, the sum insured is automatically increased in the event of a loss, up to a maximum of 115% of the insured amount. Only above that does the proportionality rule come into play again.
Please note — Whether underinsurance applies and how it is calculated is a frequent point of dispute. Have this checked carefully; it can make a difference of thousands of euros.
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.
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How do we work?
Our step-by-step approach — from first inspection to final settlement.
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Why 100% independent?
Comparison with hybrid agencies + 3 verification questions you can ask.
Our independence
Also relevant
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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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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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Fraud by indemnity insurers
A critical opinion piece on the practices of indemnity insurers: unfair exclusions, unfounded suspicions of fraud and underinsurance claims.
Just had damage?
Call us or report your claim online. We usually respond within 24 hours.