Water Damage, Fire, Burglary: Bailiff Insurance Inspection in Tunisia

Direct Answer: Why is a bailiff material damage inspection report vital in Tunisia?

In Tunisia, after water damage, a fire, cracking, a break-in or any material damage, a judicial bailiff's (huissier de justice) inspection report lets the victim freeze the evidence before traces disappear or the insurer or the party responsible disputes the facts. The bailiff describes the damaged property neutrally and objectively, with photographs: where leaks are located, damage to ceilings and floors, IT equipment or stocks of goods. This authentic deed is conclusive evidence in court until challenged for forgery (Code of Obligations and Contracts, Article 421 et seq.) and is relied on by insurance experts to speed up the assessment of losses. Avoid any repairs before the bailiff's visit: they would destroy evidence of the initial extent of the damage. Bailiffs draw up such reports under Organic Law No. 2018-9 of 30 January 2018 (Article 13); registered with the tax revenue office (recette des finances), the report then supports compensation claims.

The steps at a glance