France in Focus

I've had this problem since mid-May and if I'd known I would still be in the same position now, then I'd have sought legal advice much earlier.........

In mid-May (15th or so), we had a stormy w/end. I was in the process of opening my gite for the summer season - I'm only open for July and August but there's a lot to do with the pool and general cleaning.

I found that there was no electricity, so I rang my electrician who restored the supply to my main house (both on the same property) but said that the wires contained in the fuse box in the gite were consistent with a lightning strike.

I reported this to Macif - my insurance company - who later contacted me from another office somewhere in NW France (I'm near Agen). I was given a Sinistre No. I waited and waited, exchanged emails - they wanted to have a report of events, exactly when the storm was and photos of any damage. I sent them the report from my electrician with his recommendations i.e. a completely new supply from my house to the gite whether above/below ground.

Again no contact from them, so I went into their local office where the lady took endless copies of my emails and theirs, then sat and typed a report to their "expert". This must have been about 3 weeks ago and still nothing from them.

I need to also say that, because I did not have any electricity, I could not use the pool pump, therefore it is not only green but full of mosquitoe larvae (what are we told to do to reduce mozzies in stale water?). As I am typing now, the pool is still in this state, but about 6" lower of water because of the heat. Every so often I use a handful of chlorine which seems to take care of the larvae for a limited period.

As I've also said, this is a gite, so I had to cancel the bookings I had for July, then book August out to myself as I could no longer advertise as being "available".

I am now looking for an Avocat in Agen who speaks English. I have found one but he's in a back street which is one-way and there is little parking. I have a little dog who is recoving from a major operation so I cannot leave her for long in a very hot car!

My question is, apart from any advice, do I need an Avocat who necessarily deals with insurance, or can I use one of the many others whose offices are much easier to find. I know this will be expensive but I've lost 8 weeks of gite income so I need to try to claim this back as well, so I need someone a bit heavyweight!

Thanks for reading but advice would be very welcome as I am a single lady, struggling!

Leyla wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 1:22 pmwhat are we told to do to reduce mozzies in stale water?

Washing up liquid - it breaks the surface tension in water so the larva sink and die.

I would try the CLCV which is an organisation for the protection of consumers. We used them years ago and they were very helpful when we had problem with an insurance company. They can give legal help and are well respected.
However, I'm not sure whether you will find anyone who speaks English .... If you have difficulties with the language, could you take someone with you to help ?

Blaze wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:14 pm
However, I'm not sure whether you will find anyone who speaks English .... If you have difficulties with the language, could you take someone with you to help ?

This is your best route. I wouldn't worry about the dog - take him with you, all the French do!

On the UK Gov site there is a list of english speaking lawyers in France - they keep sending me updates on it but unfortunately I haven't kept them to pass on to you but you could do a search.

All avocats speak English to a greater or lesser extent, some of them have even been interns in English-speaking countries. I wouldn't worry about that too much.

Given it sounds as though it could be an expensive claim and there might be some improvements which they will want you to pay for, the insurance company might have asked for an independent assessor to visit and review the damage. And now it is summer holidays so there could be a delay.
You don't say what you are expecting from an advocate? Going to court could take years.
There is the equivalent of a small claims court (less than 4000€) Search for CERFA 11764 (the declaration form) and you will find more information

niemeyjt wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:02 pm Washing up liquid - it breaks the surface tension in water so the larva sink and die

Oh - thanks for that - I'll give it a go.

Blaze wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:14 pm I would try the CLCV

Always my problem - I don't know anyone! I see they are based around the north coast. I may write to them - thanks.

MAD87 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 25, 2022 2:33 pm I wouldn't worry about the dog - take him with you, all the French do

Ha Ha! Will try then.