Hidden traps in policies. Poles lose money by 1 conviction in the contract

dailyblitz.de 3 weeks ago

More and more Poles are painfully convinced that insurance does not always mean real support. All it takes is 1 inconspicuous entry in the General Insurance Conditions for the company to refuse to pay the money. The problem is becoming more common and its scale is increasing – the financial marketplace experts warn.

When protection turns out to be a fiction

Although insurance is expected to give a sense of security, it is becoming increasingly a origin of frustration and disappointment. Many customers – despite regular contributions – stay with nothing at a crucial moment.

The reason is usually 1 inconspicuous passage hidden in the General Insurance Conditions (POU). It is there that companies contain detailed liability exemptions, which in practice can completely exclude compensation.

OWU – a paper nobody reads

Life insurance, communication and property insurance – all are based on OWU. This paper frequently has respective or respective twelve pages, and its content is formulated in a legal language that is incomprehensible to the average customer. According to marketplace observation, Most Poles sign a contract without reading the OWU thoroughlywithout realizing the consequences.

The consequences can be severe. 1 of the clients who suffered an injury while riding a bike in the woods found out that his policy did not cover ‘recreational driving in an undeveloped area’. Otherwise, payments were refused due to the fact that the harm occurred outside of policy hours – the entry in the OWU limited liability to the period 6:00–22:00.

In both cases, the insurer referred to the literal wording of the document, rejecting the claim.

Exemptions that surprise even lawyers

More and more provisions in the OPE exceptions and restrictionswhich may cover virtually any situation. The most common ones include:

  • non-responsibility for harm caused by the non-standard usage of equipment,
  • refusal to pay in the event of non-compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
  • failure to pay compensation for the installation of non-original parts,
  • exclusion of harm caused by test driving or amateur sports.

In practice, this means that even a insignificant deviation from the standard – e.g. the usage of cheaper spare parts in the car – may be the basis for refusing to pay.

Experts point out that any of the entries are intentionally incorrect, which increases the freedom of explanation on the part of the insurer. The client learns about the importance of these clauses only erstwhile he applies for compensation – that is, at the minute of top stress and need.

Lawyers: Do not accept a refusal without a fight

Although many customers accept the refusal to pay as a final decision, lawyers encourage action. In the first place, it is worth:

  1. Analyze the content of OWU with a specialist,
  2. Contact the Financial Ombudsmanwhich may initiate intervention proceedings,
  3. Make a formal complaint with the insurer,
  4. As a last resort, go to court.

In practice, many cases end after the complaint or intervention of the Ombudsman. The courts besides frequently consider certain clauses to be illegible, contrary to good manners or grossly detrimental to the interests of the consumer.

As the data suggests, Since 2021, the number of court cases involving clients and insurance companies has increased by more than 40%. This is simply a clear signal that the problem is systemic.

How do you defend yourself? Key principles before signing a contract

Before you sign the policy, apply any key principlesthat can defend you from future problems:

  • Read the OWU carefully, especially the exemption and regulation section,
  • Ask the agent questions and ask for an explanation in writing,
  • Avoid policies where conditions are unclear or besides restrictive,
  • Keep all documents, including correspondence with the insurer,
  • Consider consulting your lawyer before signing a contract with a advanced liability.

Insurance marketplace experts besides remind that legal awareness of customers is the best protection against unfair corporate practices.

A Future Perspective

The insurance marketplace in Poland is increasing rapidly, but There are no effective mechanisms for product quality control and client communication. In the coming years, an expanding number of intervention by the Financial Ombudsman and judicial proceedings may be expected to lead to greater transparency of the OWU.

But until things change, Consumer caution and vigilance are a key tool for defending against unfair clauses.

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Hidden traps in policies. Poles lose money by 1 conviction in the contract

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