After an earthquake: how to notify and claim on your insurance without losing your rights

After an earthquake, people's safety comes first. Once that is taken care of, these are the steps the insurance sector recommended after the 10 August 2026 earthquake.

1. Notify your insurer, even if more than three days have passed

The Commercial Code generally requires notifying a loss within three days of learning of it. Fasecolda clarified that the earthquake was a well-known fact, so missing that window does not by itself mean losing the right to claim. Notify as soon as you can: notice starts the process, but it does not replace the claim.¹²

2. Claim within the deadline

In general, you have up to two years from the event to file a claim, under article 1081 of the Commercial Code. You will have to prove what damage the property suffered and its value, so it is best not to wait.¹²

3. Document the damage without putting yourself at risk

• Take photos and videos of the damage from several angles, only if it is safe to do so.
• Make a list of damaged or destroyed items.
• Do not make permanent repairs before the inspection, except urgent ones to protect life or prevent further damage; keep the receipts.
• Keep your policy number, the contract, proof of your last premium payment and any habitability reports.
• Write down the date, time, the name of the person who helped you and the claim reference number.¹

4. Watch out for fake intermediaries

Use only the official channels of your insurer, Fasecolda and the authorities. Do not hand over money or sensitive information to anyone you have not verified, and check with your insurer before opening a link sent by text message.¹

5. Know how long payment takes and where to turn

Once the value of the loss is settled, the insurer has up to 30 days to pay. If you disagree with the decision, you can use the insurer's complaint channels, the Financial Consumer Ombudsman and the Financial Superintendence.¹

If your policy is held by your building, your bank or your company, the process is different. At Jalal we help you work out which policy applies and stay with you through the claim.