Insurer requests mayor's confirmation
A British expatriate whose property sustained catastrophic damage during violent storms in late June has raised concerns after her insurer delayed processing the claim pending verification that neighbouring properties were also affected by the severe weather.
Sue Pover and her husband, both in their 60s, watched as the June 27 storm completely destroyed their hangar with their car trapped inside, demolished a newly built shed, damaged their roof, and scattered at least 30 metal sheets across surrounding fields. The storm was part of a severe weather system that swept across western France on June 27-28, bringing heavy rain, hail, and strong winds as it ended a historic heatwave.
The couple contacted their insurer, MAAF Assurances, through its emergency helpline on June 28, meeting the legal requirement under French law that policyholders report storm damage within five days of discovery under the garantie tempête provision. While MAAF opened a claim file and assigned a reference number, the company stated it would not send an assessor until the couple provided a letter from their mayor confirming that other properties in the area had sustained damage.
Despite the urgency of the situation, with fuel leaking from their damaged vehicle and holes in the roof requiring immediate weatherproofing, the insurer maintained its position. The couple submitted detailed descriptions, multiple photographs, and an initial letter from the mayor of Meigné-le-Vicomte confirming the occurrence of a violent storm with strong winds and hail.
However, MAAF responded that it required a letter specifically outlining damage to other buildings to establish that storm conditions had occurred. The mayor subsequently agreed to provide additional confirmation, as other residents had indeed been affected.
Questions over standard procedure
The request has sparked questions about typical claims procedures in France. Insurers can verify storm conditions through alternative methods, including obtaining a certificat d'intempéries from Météo-France for approximately €62.50-€66.50. Meteorological data from KERAUNOS, a specialized weather observatory, confirms that active storm cells with risk of supercells developed in the region between Maine-et-Loire and Charente during this period.
Insurance broker Fabien Pélissier noted that while mayors play a role in the separate catastrophe naturelle regime by requesting recognition from the prefecture, such involvement is not standard practice for storm warranty claims. The catastrophe naturelle system requires an official government decree published in the Journal Officiel and allows 30 days for claims, compared to just five days for regular storm damage.
Coverage considerations for outbuildings
The Povers' case highlights an important aspect of French storm insurance: outbuildings such as hangars, sheds, and garden structures may not be automatically covered under the garantie tempête unless specifically mentioned in the policy or included through additional coverage options like a pack jardin.
After enquiries were made, MAAF arranged an assessment appointment on July 9, though the company did not clarify whether requesting mayor's letters confirming widespread damage represents standard practice. MAAF, part of the Covéa Group and established in 1950, is one of France's leading providers of home and auto insurance.
The couple, who relocated from north-west England to France in 2012 with their four children, had recently completed extensive renovations to their property near Meigné-le-Vicomte and installed a swimming pool last year. For storm damage to be covered under garantie tempête, wind speeds typically must exceed 100 kilometres per hour, though this threshold can vary by individual insurance contract.
