Homeowner's insurance - worth it?

[Sleuth]

I've been learning that while homeowner's insurance exists, most Argentines with apartments do not have any coverage. Coming from the States, this seems very strange to me and I was looking for some opinions.

Is it worth it? Any ideas on cost or recommendations for companies?

Thanks.

 

[jez]

http://allianz.com.ar/ I pay about AR$650 for a one bedroom apartment in Bariloche with lots of specialist items listed on the policy (tents, mountaineering boots etc.) and about the same for a two bedroom apartment in Palermo that is rented as a commercial unit ie. I rent it to tourists.

Great service at the office here in Bariloche, but never had to make a claim...

 

[Davidglen77]

You should definitely have insurance whether you rent or own. Just try getting somebody to pay you for damage THEY caused whether it be directly or indirectly their fault. Not to offend anybody, but Argentines are NOTORIOUS for dodging responsibility in most cases. The insurance companies here are like most in any other place, will try to avoid paying but if you have your ducks in a row they will pay out. Keep receipts - originals if you can and have copies stored in a separate place. Also don´t tell people you have insurance because they will try to have an accident on purpose and say who cares your insurance is paying. I recommend using one of the larger companies, ALLIANZ, LACAJA, or through a bank. Don´t get caught with your pants down here.......

 

[esllou]

having insurance presumes that the insurance company will pay out when the time comes. Such a presumption is extremely unwise here. My gf's mother was involved in a crash where someone just drove into her when she was parked. That was two years ago, the insurance company simply refuses to pay, at one point sending an inspector to view the damage and from his report, even the insurance company voiced suspicions that he hadn't even visited the house to view the car parked on the driveway.

I think one of the reasons many here don't have insurance is that the system is basically broken and it would be money down the drain.

 

[Celia]

I would agree with taking out insurance. In fact I just had to make a claim, someone burnt a mattress outside our house and the granite wall was very badly damaged, the fire actually ate into the stone! Unfortunately this kind of stuff happens...

 

[syngirl]

Insurance does work in Argentina, if you go with a large, reputable company, and if you have the patience to go to court if necessary. My husband got rear-ended twice, and yes, both times the insurance companies were reluctant to pay out, but after taking them to court and being patient he ended up getting even more money than he had asked simply because the Judge lost patience with the insurance company and told them if they hadn't been jerks and delayed the process so long he would have had them pay the minimum that my husband had asked, but since they had wasted the court's time, he ordered them to pay 3x what we were asking.

It's worth having the insurance, if something happens, it is never as straight-forward as filing a claim and waiting for compensation, but if you go with a reputable company you will eventually get a pay out -- and usually it is best not to accept the first offer, you have to hold out.

 

[steveinbsas]

I have Mapfre and I am 100% satisfied with them. They have offices throughout the city and country and paid two claims without any problem. The cost is $69 pesos per month for $200,000/$50,000 fire coverage (building/contents), $10,000 robbery, $40,000 civil liability. Of course higher amounts of coverage are available. The policy does not cover loss from burglary.

 

[starlucia]

The cost is $69 pesos per month for $200,000/$50,000 fire coverage (building/contents), $10,000 robbery, $40,000 civil liability. Of course higher amounts of coverage are available. The policy does not cover loss from burglary.

What is the difference between "robbery" and "burglary," I wonder? I thought they were synonymous definitions of "thieves breaking into your place and stealing stuff."

 

[Davidglen77]

Robbery is "Robo" and for insurance terms is a robbery while the person is physically present.

Burglary is "Hurto" and for insurance terms is a robbery while the person is NOT physically present.

 

[steveinbsas]

What is the difference between "robbery" and "burglary," I wonder? I thought they were synonymous definitions of "thieves breaking into your place and stealing stuff."

A victim of a robbery is at the scene of the crime (face to face with the perp) when it happens: "I've been robbed."

If you aren't at home when someone breaks in and steals stuff its a burglary.

Robbery happens to a person. Burglary happens to a place.

My agent made it clear I am only covered for robbery (un robo).