What information am I required to disclose when making an insurance policy in Israel?
The Law of Insurance Contracts 1981 requires you to answer all questions that you are asked truthfully, completely, and with good intent. In addition, it requires that you not conceal any information that is regared as "substantive" even if you are not specifically asked. Substantive matters (ענין מהותי in Hebrew) are any matters which may increase the insurance company’s risks or influence the willingness of the insurance company to insure or not, and if so, at what terms. The law requires you to notify the insurance company immediately of any changes that occur in any substantive matters.
Not fulfilling these requirements may affect your insurance benefits in a claim.
I’m having a hard time with an my insurance agent or my insurance company. What should I do?
Speak your insurance agent directly - not one of his staff memebers - and tell him that you are disappointed and that you expect him to correct the situation in a timely manner. If his response does not satisfy you, you should ask another insurance agent for advice. Tell the other insurance agent up front that all you need from him is advice. It is not necessary to give the other insurance agent the name of your insurance agent, even if he asks. You may find out that your insurance agent is actually following the right steps to solve your problem but the nature of the matter requires patience. Insurance companies are complex institutions with many departments and differing levels of managment. Certain issues, therefore, could take some time until they are resolved. If it turns out that your insurance agent is in fact not handling your matter properly, ask the other insurance agent for his advice on how you should proceed.
How much time do I have to make a claim?
You need to notify the insurance company - through your insurance agent - as soon as you become aware of any event that could require the insurance company to pay damages. Once a claim is opened, the insurance company will require you to send them the information they deem necessary to determine their obligations according to the policy conditions. Not providing the insurance company with the information that they request will cause your claim to be delayed. You have a period of three years from the date of the event to fully resolve your claim in the case where your claim was made against your own insurance company, and seven years to fully resolve it in the case where your claim was made against another insurance company. After this time elapses, the insurance company no longer has any obligations to pay your claim
