Most often, when buying a vehicle, one thinks either about the economy by choosing the legal minimum (one third), or about the safety by taking out an all-risk insurance, in which the theft and fire guarantees are included.
If you’ve opted for third-party coverage, you can add options including theft and fire, often bundled into the same warranty.
Finally, there is a third way, the extended third or maxi third, cheaper than “all risks” but which includes theft and fire. Check with your insurance company.
What is the fire theft warranty?
This allows you to receive compensation up to the car’s value on the day of the theft or fire or up to an amount stipulated in the contract. Covered: theft of the car if the vehicle is not found within 30 days, damage to the vehicle if the vehicle is found within 30 days, vandalism (depending on the contracts), lightning, explosion and spontaneous combustion.
You cannot be covered if the car has not been locked, if you have left keys in the car or on the door, if your car burned down due to an at-fault accident while you were in good health Intoxication if the damage is due to bad maintenance of the vehicle, flammable products in the trunk of the car or a poorly extinguished cigarette.
Vandalism may be covered by the fire guarantee. You should check with your insurance company that this coverage exists. Photo Ornikar
The steps to follow in case of theft
You have 48 hours to file a claim and notify your insurance company after discovering the theft. If your vehicle is found, you will be notified and have 15 days to reclaim your car and have it repaired if necessary.
Otherwise, you will receive a compensation offer within 30 days. Please note that valuables in the vehicle are not covered by the theft guarantee, unless they have been declared to the insurance company in advance.
As with all claims, an expert will note the damage to the vehicle and make a proposal for compensation. You will have to wait for the conclusions from your insurance company before you get a firm and final answer.
If you have a “new value” warranty, the insurer will be required to refund your vehicle at the price you bought it for.