A price tells only part of the story. Start with a realistic event from your daily life and ask how each policy would handle it. This checklist helps organise your questions; the full policy documents determine your cover.
1. Describe the need first
Write down what you want to protect, who uses it and how. Distinguish private journeys from business use, or your main home from a property you rent out. Compare the policy with the circumstances you actually declare.
2. Read cover and exclusions together
Where applicable, read the insurance product information document as an overview, then the full policy terms and your individual schedule. Look for exclusions, geographical limits and duties you must meet. Similar names do not necessarily mean identical cover.
3. Compare excesses and limits
An excess may leave an amount for you to pay; a limit caps the insurer’s payment under the terms. Check whether a figure applies per event, person or year. Ask how the age and value of an item affect payment. Put event, cover, excess, limit and important exclusion in one comparison table.
4. Understand the claims process
Find the contact details, evidence required and assistance conditions. Ask when prior agreement is necessary. Keep policy documents and written answers somewhere you can find them quickly.
5. Clarify uncertain points before signing
Request a written explanation for any situation you cannot resolve from the documents. Check insured people, dates and declared information. Products and rules vary between countries.
Your checklist
- Does the policy match my actual use?
- Are the events I worry about covered?
- What could I need to pay myself?
- How do I request assistance?
- Have I received all the policy documents?
Further reading
Your Europe: insurance products in the EU explains the standardised product information document. Euro Assura provides information; insurance purchase is not currently available.