THE wood stove has become an essential element in many French homes, offering both heat and energy savings.
However, to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of sinister (fire or damage), it is essential to ensure that you comply with all bonds imposed by your home insurance.
This article details the steps and precautions to follow to ensure that your insurance covers you properly in the event of a problem with your wood stove.
Installation compliance: the key to effective insurance
A standard installation: a legal obligation
For your insurance to cover a loss linked to your wood stove, it is imperative that the installation is compliant with current standards. This means that the chimney flue, safety distances, and the choice of installer must respect strict criteria.
Installation must be carried out by a certified craftsman, registered in the list of professionals approved by your insurance. This professional guarantees that your stove is installed safely and that smoke evacuation is optimal. If the installation is not compliant, your insurance could refuse to compensate in the event of a disaster.
Evidence to keep
To prove the conformity of your installation in the event of a disaster, keep the invoices of the installation and certificates of conformity. These documents are essential to demonstrate that you have followed the rules imposed by your home insurance.
Regular maintenance: an essential condition
The importance of an annual maintenance
A poorly maintained wood stove can quickly become a danger. Insurance companies often require that you complete a regular maintenance of your device, usually once a year. This interview must be carried out by a professional, who will give you a certificate to keep.
A lack of maintenance can not only lead to breakdowns or a inefficiency from the stove, but also cancel coverage of your insurance in the event of a disaster.
Mandatory duct sweeping
THE chimney sweeping is another legal obligation. It must be carried out once or twice a year, depending on your place of residence, and carried out by a qualified professional. Poor duct maintenance can lead to fire risks, but also the invalidation of your insurance coverage in the event of a disaster. Be sure to keep the chimney sweep certificates.
What documents should you keep?
Proof to provide to your insurer
In the event of a claim, you will have to prove that you have complied with all your legal obligations and those imposed by your insurance contract. It is therefore essential to keep a certain number of documents:
- Purchase invoices and installation of your stove.
- Certificates of conformity of the installation.
- Maintenance certificates annuals.
- Chimney sweep certificates.
These documents will be requested by your insurer to verify that you have complied with the conditions necessary for compensation.
Your stove is obsolete: what impact will it have on your compensation?
Understanding the concept of obsolescence
There dilapidated corresponds to the depreciation in the value of your stove over the years. When you report a claim, your insurer will take this dilapidation into account to calculate the amount of compensation. The older your stove, the more its value decreases, and the lower the cost of repairs or replacement.
How to limit the impact of obsolescence?
To avoid an excessive reduction in compensation, some insurance companies offer an option “ replacement value », which allows you to be reimbursed based on the price of a new stove, even if yours is already old. Check your contract to see if this option is included or consider adding it.
Steps to follow in the event of a disaster
Report the incident quickly
In the event of a fire or disaster linked to your wood stove, it is imperative to notify your insurance within a period of 5 working days. This deadline is crucial for your file to be processed. If you exceed this deadline, the insurer may refuse to compensate the loss.
Gather the evidence
When making the declaration, you will need to provide tangible evidence:
- Photos of damage.
- Firefighters report (if applicable).
- Maintenance and chimney sweeping certificates to prove that the equipment was in good condition before the accident.
These documents will allow the expert appointed by your insurer to assess the claim and decide on compensation.
Choosing the right cover for your wood stove
Additional guarantees to consider
To be better protected, it is possible to add additional guarantees to your home insurance contract. For example, some insurance policies cover smoke damage or the damage to chimneys. This can be useful for covering a larger number of risks.
Consult an insurance broker
To be certain that your contract correctly covers all the risks linked to your wood stove, do not hesitate to consult a insurance broker. He or she will be able to help you choose the best options based on your specific situation and needs.
Conclusion
Use a wood stove offers you warmth and savings, but it is essential to respect certain bonds so that your home insurance takes care of any possible losses. Between the compliance of the installation, L’regular maintenance and the documents to keep, you must be vigilant to ensure optimal coverage. In the event of a claim, react quickly by providing all the necessary evidence to facilitate compensation.
