Around Montmorillon

Insurance companies that is.

The French system seems to be worse than the UK.  They appear to base claims on the premise: "we ain't paying out on that matey."

We had several cracks appear in walls on one part of the building a year ago (June 2016) and I was told we couldn't claim against possible damage caused by heavy duty road mending outside because the bloke in hi-vis jackets were working on behalf of the local authority.  And they, apparently, are untouchable according to the  

I changed tack and said it was probably due to the hot weather and the house had decided to move.  I was told I can't claim on that one because the commune hadn't declared a Catastrophe Naturelle.

A year later the commune has now a declared a catastrophe naturelle for that summer, so I happily ring the inusrance company to be told I might have to wait a lot longer because; "Declaring a catastrophe naturelle after only a year is very unusual.  It usually takes longer than that."

Any clues anyone?  How do I circumvent the system and get these people to extract digit pronto or do I have to move back to Angleterre?

Rant over.

Good rant Admiral...it seems to be the same whatever country you are in, they will keep taking your money and increasing the premiums ......but pay out ... that's not what they are in business for ......

No good moving back here as it's just as bad if not worse  

#1 Change your insurance company as soon as possible. (You will probably need to send a registered letter three months in advance) your new insurance company will do it for you.

#2 You could try telling them you will involve an Advocat. (At least worth seeing one and getting a devis . *Advocate fees are free to low earners)

#3 Don't give up, go in the office and kick up a fuss just like the French do.(You will be surprised how much can get sorted if you stand your ground)

Just an update on my original rant.

The insurance company accepted that the commune had declared a Catastrophe Naturelle in June last year, for the summer of 2016, and promised to send an "expert".

A bloke in a natty suit finally arrived at the end of October and had a look round.  No measurements taken, no equipment used.  A few photographs taken.

At the end of January I receive a letter saying the cracks in the wall are NOT due to drought and therefore no payment.  I gave him the pictures of the heavy road mending kit outside the house which he pretended to be interested in.  Obviously not.

The insurance company and an advocat have told me I can't claim for damage caused by workmen who are working on behalf of the local authority unless I take out a private civil legal action.  I'm not that daft to waste money and changing insurance companies wouldn't make any difference.

I've asked the insurance company for a copy of the "experts" report and been refused.

These cracks didn't just appear by themselves.

Sooo....any good ideas on where to go from here?

I suppose you could enquire how much a private survey would cost.

But whatever happens I would change insurance company as they obviously don't give what you thought you were paying for. Surely you have the right to see the report.