-
‘It is my right to work beyond retirement age - but France says no’
Age discrimination in the workplace is real but hidden, says (soon to be forcibly retired) English teacher Nick Inman
-
‘Ponds in rural France are beautifully maintained but no longer used’
Columnist Peter Wyeth laments that these large, impressive sites, once the fresh-aired setting for family picnics, barbecues and fun, now fail to attract people
-
‘New French speeding rule encourages aggressive drivers’
The change has enabled reckless motorists to drive even more wildly without fear of losing points, argues columnist Samantha David
Claims claim
Further to your page on making an insurance claim (May), I would like to point out a little known fact on claiming against a workman’s 10-year guarantee backed by insurance.
Should you need to make a claim against this insurance you may find the clock does not stop ticking just because a claim has been made.
It seems to be the usual habit of the insurance company to spin out the negotiations until the time limit is passed.
To avoid this, you should write a letter with your claim stating that unless you receive
a positive reply in a certain time scale, you will put the matter on a judicial footing (plan judiciaire).
If nothing is received by the date given, write a registered letter (lettre recommandée avec avis de réception) pointing out you are preparing to instruct an avocat with a view to legal proceedings.
In an affair of this kind a few years ago, thanks to a chance meeting with a retired loss adjuster who wrote the necessary letters on my behalf, I received the sum claimed (€16,000) in double quick time.
Julian GUEST, by email
