Since June 1, it is easier to terminate an insurance contract. A measure that should be good for the wallets of the French.
Since June 1, canceling a insurance contract becomes much simpler. “It will change the lives of the insured”estimated on franceinfo Maxime de la Raudière, deputy general manager of Selectra, an insurance comparator. Advice from Fanny Guinochet.
franceinfo: The law dates from last summer and has just come into force?
Fanny Guinochet: And the idea is to simplify the termination of an insurance contract in a few clicks. No more e-mails, registered letters, empty calls, to say that we want to stop the contract, and which for lack of response, finally always runs, or is renewed automatically, a little against your will. There, from the moment a contract can be concluded electronically, the law says that you can do the same: “terminate in 3 clicks”.
The provision applies to auto and home insurance contracts, but also to complementary health insurance. It also extends to so-called affinity insurance, that is to say those which are attached to the purchase of a good or a service, sometimes without realizing it.
But beware, if the breach of contract is simplified, that does not mean that you can leave before a commitment period for which you have committed. For example, if you are committed for one year, you must keep this duration. On the other hand, when the time comes, it will normally be much easier for you to say that you are quitting.
Does this apply to old contracts?
Yes, the measure concerns the contracts you have signed, but also those to come. The objective is to put pressure on the companies, because as a result, the consumer will be able to leave much more easily, and therefore bring competition into play.
So don’t deprive yourself, compare the offers and the prices, the services, especially if you are close to the deadline. And now is the time, because all companies know that they can lose customers much faster than before.
What happens if a company does not play the game?
If it does not want you to leave, when you have the right to do so, or slows down your termination process, it is liable to a fine of up to 75,000 euros. Normally, all companies must mention and provide, on their site, a tab “termination of the contract”, easy to find. You will have to give your name, your contract etc., but also the reason for your departure.
And your request must be processed very quickly. For the time being, telephone, Internet, video, gas or electricity platform contracts, or even sports and press subscriptions are not yet affected by this new provision, but there should soon be a decree so that they come within the scope of this law. This is what the government promises.