UOKiK launches investigation into “All Risks” property insurance practices
The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), Tomasz Chróstny, has initiated an investigation into the sale and marketing of property insurance policies offered under the “all risks” model on the Polish non-life insurance market.
The purpose of the investigation is to assess whether insurers may be using practices that violate consumer rights, particularly regarding how these policies are presented and sold. UOKiK will focus on whether consumers are being adequately informed about the true scope of coverage and whether the term “all risks” could be misleading.
In an “all risks” insurance model, policies are generally designed to cover a wide range of unforeseen events, unless specific exclusions are clearly listed in the contract. However, UOKiK has raised concerns that the name itself may give consumers the impression of complete protection, even when numerous exclusions apply. The investigation will examine whether these exclusions are clearly communicated, properly defined, and understandable to consumers at the time the policy is offered.
“There must be clarity between what is promised and what is delivered. Consumers have a right to transparent terms and to know precisely what risks are covered and what are excluded from an ‘all risks’ policy,” said Tomasz Chróstny.
UOKiK has previously taken actions in the insurance sector, particularly in relation to products where the actual coverage may not match the consumer’s expectations due to vague or overly broad contract terms. According to the Office, the increasing popularity of “all risks” policies may create a risk that consumers are paying high premiums while remaining unaware of significant limitations in their coverage.
As part of the investigation, UOKiK will analyse the contract clauses used in these policies and assess whether insurers are complying with consumer protection standards, including in relation to potential cases of misselling. The aim is to determine whether the use of the “all risks” label is justified and whether policyholders are being properly informed about their rights and the limitations of their insurance coverage.
