Drought Claims Expert (RGA, CATNAT) 06, 83, 13 – Compensation

Clay Shrink-Swell and CATNAT Expert Assessment 06, 83 and 13 – Drought Compensation

Clay shrink-swell is a natural phenomenon that affects many regions of France, notably the Alpes-Maritimes (06), the Var (83) and the Bouches-du-Rhône (13). When drought causes ground movement, house foundations can crack, leading to structural damage that is sometimes serious. In these cases, official recognition of a natural disaster (CATNAT) is a crucial step towards compensation from your insurer. Our independent expertise supports you through every stage, from recording the damage to negotiating your compensation.

Understanding clay shrink-swell and its consequences

Clay shrink-swell occurs when clay soils shrink during dry periods and then swell again with heavy rain. These changes in volume put pressure on foundations, causing cracks in walls and slabs and, at times, deformation of the structure. Detached houses are particularly vulnerable, especially those built on sensitive soils. Early warning signs include stair-step cracks near corners, joints coming away, and doors and windows that stick.

In the 06, 83 and 13 departments, the Mediterranean climate alternates long dry spells with intense rainfall, which increases the risk. Many municipalities are affected, and every year thousands of owners face this kind of damage. Without prompt action, the damage can worsen, leading to high repair costs.

The CATNAT procedure: how does it work?

To be compensated, your municipality must be recognised as being in a state of natural disaster by ministerial order. This recognition is published in the Journal Officiel (France’s official gazette) and sets the period of the loss. You then have 30 days to notify your insurer of your claim. However, recognition alone does not guarantee automatic compensation: the insurer’s expert must establish that the damage is genuinely linked to the drought and that it falls under clay shrink-swell.

Our role is to assist you from the outset. We carry out an independent expert assessment that documents precisely the damage, its link with the drought, and the extent of the repairs needed. This assessment is a key element in persuading the insurer and avoiding an undervaluation of your loss.

Our expert services in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var

Our firm works in both departments, with close knowledge of local soils and construction. We offer:

• Full diagnosis: site visit, survey of the cracks, analysis of the structure, and assessment of the building’s stability.
• Geotechnical study: where necessary, we call on dedicated laboratories to analyse the nature of the soil and confirm the shrink-swell phenomenon.
• Detailed expert report: a well-supported document with photographs, measurements and regulatory references, which can be used in connection with the CATNAT claim.
• Administrative support: help preparing the file, tracking deadlines, and communicating with your insurer.
• Negotiating the compensation: we defend your interests to obtain a fair assessment of the works, including rehousing costs where necessary.

Why use an independent expert?

The insurer’s expert is tasked with minimising costs for the company. As an independent expert, our only obligation is to you. We help you assert your rights, challenge an inadequate offer, and obtain compensation in line with your policy. Our assessment can also be used in legal proceedings if the dispute continues.

In the 06, 83 and 13 areas, drought-related claims are common, and insurers sometimes tend to refuse claims across the board. Our local experience allows us to anticipate their arguments and prepare a solid defence.

How does our intervention work?

As soon as you call, we arrange a visit promptly. During the visit, we listen to your account, examine the property, and take all the necessary measurements. We then write a preliminary report within the following days, and a final report after full analysis. We stay with you until the matter is resolved, even if that means several exchanges with the insurer.

Our pricing is transparent: a fixed fee for the visit and the report, with no hidden costs. In addition, if an expert assessment is already under way, we can step in with a second-opinion expert assessment to check its conclusions.

Act quickly to protect your rights

The legal deadlines are strict: 30 days after publication of the CATNAT order to notify the claim. After this period, you risk losing your right to compensation. Also, the longer you wait, the more the damage can worsen. Contact us now for a free initial opinion. We will tell you whether your situation falls under clay shrink-swell and what steps to take.

Our area of intervention covers all municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes (06) and the Var (83), including rural and mountain areas. We travel quickly and fit around your schedule.

Do not let drought undermine your property. Turn to experts who know the ground and who will fight your corner.