What is 'Decennalé Assurance'?
Why is 'Decennalé Assurance' so important?
How do I know if an artisan has insurance?
What should I be looking for in the artisan's insurance policy document?
Is my own property insurance affected?
What if the business I want to use is insured in the UK?
What should I do if I think that I need to make a claim?
What is 'Decennalé Assurance'?
'Responsabilité civile décennale assurance' is an obligatory insurance which artisans must offer on all work undertaken for their clients. This insurance offers the client a guarantee of 10 years upon the work element provided by the artisan in addition to the 2 year guarantee on the materials and equipment provided.
Why is 'Decennalé Assurance' so important?
In addition to the peace of mind it offers you as the property owner it is also a benefit should you wish to sell the property. Any prospective purchaser of your property is likely to ask for the insurance guarantees offered by 'décennale assurance'. Where this is not available your purchaser may expect you to make a significant financial adjustment to the cost of your sale.
How do I know if an artisan has insurance?
Before you accept the Devis (quotation) which the artisan offers to you then you should ask to see an original copy of their insurance cover. The document should show exactly what type of work the artisan is covered to undertake and should also indicate if there are any specific exclusions on the policy. Never be frightened to ask questions. If the artisan is not covered then neither are you.
What should I be looking for in the artisan's insurance policy document?
The policy must offer 'responsabilité civile décennale assurance' as a minimum. You should also check that the artisan is covered to undertake the work which you propose, regardless of what the artisan may claim. If the policy does not clearly state that the work element is insured then assume that it isn't. It would also be advisable to check that the artisan is covered for any damage that they might occasion to your property whilst the work is being undertaken and also any consequential damage that may occur after the work is complete.
Is my own property insurance affected?
Your own insurance should not be affected by work which an artisan undertakes on your property. If an artisan suggests that they do not need to be covered as your own property insurance is satisfactory, then they are trading illegally.
What if the business I want to use is insured in the UK?
As with business registration, this is not acceptable. For a business to trade legally it must offer, as a minimum, 'responsabilité civile décennale assurance' for all the work it undertakes.
What should I do if I think that I need to make a claim?
Initially you should speak with the artisan concerned and make them aware of the problem. At this stage the artisan should agree with you what they propose as a course of remedial action and also agree a timescale for this to be undertaken. Alternatively the artisan may agree that you have a legitimate claim to pursue under the terms of their insurance policy and offer this as the most appropriate course of remedial action. If you are unhappy with the proposal of the artisan then it may be appropriate for you to consider a direct approach to their insurer to make a formal claim.