Will the insurance company pay us compensation if we start a flooded vehicle? Can insurance companies reduce the amount of compensation if we receive flood benefits from the State? These and other questions were answered by experts from the Insurance and Pensions Market Customer Department of the Financial Ombudsman, who were on duty at RMF FM on Thursday morning.
Residents of southwestern Poland are struggling with the effects of flooding. Polish insurance companies have already received tens of thousands of reports of flood damage, and there could be many more in the coming days.
When the water receded in the worst-hit cities and the immediate threat to life had passed, many people focus on material issues, such as getting compensation.
People who suffered losses during the flood should contact their insurance company immediately after ensuring their safety. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can get compensation. Insurance companies have greatly simplified procedures.
Agnieszka Durska, a spokesperson for the Polish Insurance Chamber, stresses that companies waive some of the documents normally required, but evidence is still needed to confirm and assess losses. This could be photos, for example, that should be sent to the claims adjuster. Only then can you start cleaning up your home or neighborhood, as well as carrying out minor renovations.
To assist the doubtful flood victims, RMF FM hosted an expert call on Thursday morning. Specialists from the Insurance and Pension Market Customer Department of the Financial Ombudsman’s Office answered your questions: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
One of the most discussed topics was vehicle departure after a flood. This cannot be done under any circumstances.because if that happens, then the insurer will have the right to refuse compensation.
Starting the car after flooding, we can damage them even more. All the mud left by the falling water, can spread throughout the engine and make things worse. The specialist on our phone said that It’s not worth the risk.
Do not start or start your car after a flood. Even if we fall into the water, as sometimes happened, we will leave it and call roadside assistance. – said Marek Kurowski, from the Insurance and Pension Market Clients Department of the Financial Ombudsman’s Office, noting that “our duty is to minimize losses, (because) if we deepen them, we will have a problem”.
RMF FM listeners also frequently asked whether resorting to state aid would deprive us of our insurance policy money. The answer is clear – it will not deprive you.
State aid and insurance policies are two completely independent issues. If we have an insured house that will be flooded, then… the insurer must pay us the amount agreed upon at the time of purchasing the policy.
Insurance companies have no right to be interested in whether we receive additional support from the state or local government.
State aid does not affect the amount of compensation. We have a contract and the insurer has undertaken to provide protection under the contract up to the guaranteed amount. There is a Supreme Court ruling on this in 2016 and insurers are aware of this – said Marek Kurowski, adding that If the insurance agent, broker or appraiser is not aware of this, they should be reminded of it.
