Course on the IRSI Convention: Everything You Need to Know for the BTS Insurance

In Summary

📄 Section	Description
🏢 What is the IRSI Convention?	The IRSI convention simplifies claims management in co-ownership, with clear rules and a ceiling of €5,000 excluding tax.
🛠️ A response to CIDRE limitations	IRSI replaces CIDRE to cover fires, include leak detection, and increase compensation ceilings.
🎯 Application Criteria	Applies to claims ≤ €5,000 excluding tax, related to water damage or fires involving at least 2 insurers.
🚫 Main Exclusions	Excludes infiltrations through facades, natural phenomena, and moisture without direct link to a claim.
⚙️ Operation	A managing insurer coordinates leak detection, damage assessment, and compensation of parties.
🔍 Leak detection	The search can be non-destructive or destructive, with responsibilities shared among tenant, owner, and co-ownership.
🔄 Differences with CIDRE/CIDE-COP	IRSI broadens coverage to fires, increases ceilings to €5,000 excluding tax, and includes leak detection.
🛠️ Prevention of claims	Close taps, monitor seals, and use water detectors to prevent leaks.
📘 Additional documentation	Refer to the official IRSI text and insurer guides for more practical information.
🔑 Key points	IRSI clarifies responsibilities, reduces disputes, and speeds up compensation.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions	Answers regarding repair costs, application refusals, and exclusions of claims covered by IRSI.
🏢 Personalized Assistance	Contact your insurer or an expert for tailored advice to your situation.

Since 2018, the IRSI Convention (Indemnification and Recourse for Building Claims) simplifies the management of co-ownership claims, especially water damage and fires. It aims to clarify insurers’ responsibilities and accelerate procedures for victims.

🏢 What is the IRSI Convention?

The IRSI Convention (Indemnification and Recourse for Building Claims) is an agreement established by the French Insurance Federation. It aims to simplify and improve the management of routine claims, such as water damages and fires, in co-owned buildings or some individual dwellings.

A response to CIDRE convention limitations

Before June 2018, the CIDRE convention managed water damage claims. However, it was deemed unsuitable for new issues, especially in co-ownership. Its indemnification ceilings were too low, and it did not include key elements like leak detection. The IRSI convention was designed to modernize these rules, considering the current needs of owners, tenants, and insurers.

Precise rules for residential claims

The IRSI convention sets a clear framework for handling claims in buildings. Its main features are:

Characteristics	Details
Effective date	June 2018
Claims concerned	Water damages and fires
Compensation ceiling	€5,000 excluding tax
Leak detection included	Yes

Practical example: If a water leak damages several apartments in a building, the IRSI convention determines which insurer will handle the compensation, avoiding disputes between insurance companies.

Introduction of the managing insurer

A major innovation of the IRSI convention is the appointment of a managing insurer, who becomes the main coordinator of the procedures related to the claim. This insurer’s role includes:

• Organizing leak detection to identify the cause of the claim.
• Assessing damages via an appraisal if necessary.
• Compensating the concerned parties, within the established ceilings.

This system simplifies the process by designating a single point of contact, which helps to save time and prevent costly disputes between the insurers involved.

Goal of the IRSI Convention

In summary, the IRSI convention aims to:

1. Accelerate claim compensation.
2. Distribute responsibilities fairly among insurers.
3. Reduce disputes and improve customer experience for claimants.

🎯 When does the IRSI Convention apply?

The IRSI convention applies in specific situations, with clear criteria to determine claim eligibility. This framework simplifies the management of routine claims in buildings and ensures quick, fair coverage.

Application criteria

For a claim to be covered by the IRSI convention, it must meet the following conditions:

1. Type of claim: The claim must be water damage or a fire.
2. Damage amount: Damage must be less than or equal to €5,000 excluding tax per affected unit.
3. Origin of the claim: The claim must originate from a building or neighboring building.
4. Number of involved insurers: At least two insurers party to the convention must be involved.

Concrete example:

A water leak in an apartment causes damage to the neighboring unit. If repair costs are estimated at €3,500 excluding tax, the IRSI convention applies to designate the managing insurer and organize compensation for both parties.

Main exclusions

Despite its broad scope, the IRSI convention excludes certain types of claims, notably those related to non-covered or externally caused phenomena. The main exclusions are:

• Infiltrations through facades or buried walls.
• Damages caused by natural phenomena (storms, hail, lightning).
• Damages caused by sewer backflows or floods.
• Moisture or condensation without direct link to water damage.

Type of claim	Included	Excluded
Water damages	Yes	Infiltrations through facades
Fires	Yes	Natural phenomena
Moisture or condensation	No	Not applicable

Illustration of exclusions:

A water infiltration from the external facade caused by heavy rain will not be covered by the IRSI convention. In this case, the claim will be handled according to ordinary law or other applicable conventions, such as CIDE-COP.

Type of claim	Included	Excluded
Water damages	Yes	Infiltrations through facades
Fires	Yes	Natural phenomena
Moisture or condensation	No	Not applicable

⚙️ How does the IRSI Convention work?

The IRSI convention establishes a clear process for effectively managing routine claims in buildings, such as water damages or fires. Its operation is based on appointing a managing insurer, who plays a key role in coordination and compensation.

Main steps

Handling a claim under the IRSI convention includes several key phases:

1. Coordination of leak detection: The managing insurer is responsible for identifying the cause of the claim to allocate responsibilities.
2. Damage assessment: An appraisal may be mandated to estimate repair costs.
3. Compensation of concerned parties: The managing insurer takes charge of compensating according to established rules.

Example: A water leak in an apartment damages the neighbor’s ceiling. The managing insurer organizes leak detection to determine the origin, assesses necessary repairs, and compensates both parties.

Compensation ranges

The IRSI convention divides claims into two ranges, based on the damage amount. This classification allows tailoring coverage to each case’s specific needs:

Range	Damage amount	Coverage
Range 1	≤ €1,600 excluding tax	No mandatory expertise
Range 2	€1,601 to €5,000 excluding tax	Expertise required for all parties

Range 1:

• For minor claims, an expert appraisal is not necessary.
• The managing insurer directly compensates the concerned parties without recourse against other insurers.

Range 2:

• An appraisal is mandatory to assess damages.
• The managing insurer can seek reimbursement from other insurers to share costs, based on responsibilities.

The role of the managing insurer

The managing insurer is designated based on the origin of the claim. They become the main point of contact and coordinate all procedures.

Origin of the claim	Managing insurer
Non-destructive leak	Tenant’s insurer
Destructive leak or vacant dwelling	Owner’s non-occupant insurer
Shared areas	Co-ownership insurer

Responsibility illustration:

1. Leak in a rented unit: If a non-destructive leak originates from a tenant’s unit, their home insurance manages the claim.
2. Destructive leak: If walls or partitions must be opened to locate the leak, the owner’s non-occupant insurance takes over the costs of detection and repairs.
3. Shared areas claim: When a leak comes from common spaces (corridors, technical shafts, etc.), the co-ownership insurance coordinates procedures and covers repair costs.

🔍 Leak detection and coverage

Leak detection plays a key role in water damage management. It helps identify the origin, limit material damage, and define responsibilities. Depending on the situation, leak detection can be non-destructive or require temporary destruction.

Types of leak detection

1. Non-destructive detection :

   • Involves non-invasive methods like thermal cameras, humidity sensors, or ultrasound tools.
   • These techniques locate the leak without damaging building structures.

2. Destructive detection :

   • Necessary when work must be done to access the leak area, such as demolishing partitions, drilling walls, or removing coverings.
   • This type of detection involves additional costs for restoration.

Responsibility sharing and coverage

The IRSI convention determines which insurer is responsible for leak detection, based on the origin and nature of the claim:

Responsibility	Coverage
Non-destructive detection	Tenant’s insurer
Destructive detection	Owner’s non-occupant insurer
Detection in shared areas	Co-ownership insurer

Responsibility illustration :

• Rented unit case: If a leak occurs in a rented apartment and does not require destruction, the tenant’s home insurance handles the detection.
• Destructive leak case: If walls or partitions must be opened to locate the leak, the owner’s non-occupant insurance covers detection and repair costs.
• Shared areas case: When a leak originates from shared spaces (corridors, technical shafts, etc.), the co-ownership insurance bears the costs for detection and restoration.

Why is leak detection crucial?

Quick and effective detection helps:

• Control repair costs.
• Prevent damage escalation, such as mold growth.
• Reduce disputes by clearly identifying the cause of the claim.

🔄 Differences with previous conventions

The implementation of the IRSI convention in June 2018 marked a turning point in managing claims related to water damage and fires. It replaced two main conventions: CIDRE and CIDE-COP, modernizing rules and expanding the scope. Here are key differences.

The CIDRE convention: a limited framework

The CIDRE (Direct Indemnification and Waiver of Recourse Convention) was exclusively dedicated to water damage. It had several limitations:

• Low indemnification ceilings: €1,600 excluding tax for material damages and €800 excluding tax for intangible damages.
• Exclusion of leak detection, which led to uncovered costs.
• Managed only minor claims, with little flexibility for complex cases.

The CIDE-COP convention: specific to co-ownerships

The CIDE-COP, signed in 1983, complemented CIDRE for claims in co-ownerships. It applied to water damages exceeding CIDRE ceilings but did not cover fires or more complex claims.

Improvements introduced by the IRSI convention

The IRSI convention unified and replaced these two older conventions with more comprehensive rules suited to current needs:

Feature	CIDRE	IRSI
Covered claims	Water damages only	Water damages and fires
Indemnification ceiling	€1,600 excluding tax	€5,000 excluding tax
Leak detection	Not included	Included

Main advantages of the IRSI convention

1. Expanded scope: The IRSI convention covers both water damages and fires, unlike CIDRE and CIDE-COP.
2. Increased indemnification ceilings: With a ceiling of €5,000 excluding tax, it manages larger claims.
3. Leak detection included: IRSI incorporates leak detection costs, destructive or not, reducing disputes between insurers and policyholders.
4. Designation of a managing insurer: This improves coordination and speeds up compensation delays.

Practical example

• Under the CIDRE convention: If a water leak causes damages of €2,000 excluding tax in an apartment and requires leak detection, the detection costs are not covered, and the ceiling is €1,600 excluding tax.
• Under the IRSI convention: For the same claim, leak detection is included, and the €5,000 ceiling allows full compensation.

🛠️ Claim Prevention: Good Practices

Preventing claims, especially water damages, relies on simple actions and innovative technologies. By adopting these practices, you reduce the risk of leaks and potential damages.

Simple steps to prevent damages

Practicing daily habits can effectively prevent water leaks and their consequences. Here are some essential reflexes:

1. Properly close your taps: A simple oversight can lead to a constant drip, responsible for excessive water consumption and potential infiltrations.
2. Regularly check seals: Faucet and pipe seals wear over time. inspecting and replacing them at the first sign of wear helps prevent unexpected leaks.
3. Monitor your water consumption: A sudden increase in your bill may indicate a leak. Paying attention to abnormal consumption helps detect issues quickly.

Innovations in detection

Technological advancements now offer effective tools for preventing major damages by detecting leaks early:

1. Wireless water detectors:

   • Place these devices near high-risk installations, such as water heaters, washing machines, or pipes.
   • In case of a leak, they emit an alert immediately, allowing quick intervention.

2. Real-time monitoring systems :

   • Continuously measure your water consumption.
   • An alert is sent in case of abnormal variation, helping identify invisible problems before they cause significant damage.

Solution	Advantages
Wireless water detectors	Localized detection, simple installation
Real-time monitoring	Constant tracking, early detection

Why adopt these practices?

• Preventing water damage limits costly material damages and protects your installations.
• Increased vigilance avoids health risks, such as mold growth.
• Modern tools help reduce water loss, leading to savings on your bills.

📘 Additional Documentation

To better understand the specifics of the IRSI convention, several resources are available. Here are some suggestions to deepen your knowledge:

1. Official IRSI text :

   • You can access the full document on the website of the French Insurance Federation (FFA). This text details insurer obligations, application criteria, and procedures for each claim.
   • It also includes concrete examples and explanatory diagrams for better visualization of the rules.

2. Practical insurer guides :

   • Many insurance companies publish simplified guides explaining how the IRSI convention works for their clients. These documents focus on declaration steps, leak detection, and types of claims covered.
   • They are often accompanied by video tutorials or infographics, facilitating understanding.

3. Feedback from experience :

   • Blogs or specialized forums share testimonials from policyholders who have used the IRSI convention. These stories offer practical insights into its advantages and limitations.

🔑 Key points to remember

To summarize, the IRSI convention is based on three fundamental axes that simplify claims management:

1. Adopt good practices :

   • An effective prevention reduces the risk of claims. Simple actions, like checking seals or monitoring water consumption, can prevent significant damages.
   • The use of modern technologies, such as leak detectors, also helps identify anomalies quickly.

2. Understand your responsibilities :

   • Each involved party (tenant, owner, co-ownership) has a role to play. Knowing your responsibilities helps avoid conflicts and facilitates procedures with insurers.
   • For example, a tenant must promptly report a claim to their insurer, while a non-occupant owner must organize leak detection if destructive damages occur.

3. Collaborate with your insurer :

   • Rapid and transparent communication with your insurer is essential to ensure timely compensation. Providing clear and accurate information about the claim speeds up the process.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions about the IRSI Convention

1. Who pays for repairs in case of water damage?
The responsibility for repairs depends on the origin of the claim:

• If the claim comes from a rented unit, the tenant’s home insurance manages the process.
• For a destructive leak, the non-occupant owner’s insurance covers the costs.
• In case of damages in shared areas, the co-ownership insurance intervenes.

2. Can I refuse the application of the IRSI convention?
Yes, a policyholder can refuse to have their claim processed under the IRSI convention. To do so:

• Inform your insurer that you do not want the claim to be handled under this convention.
• Your case will then be managed according to ordinary law, where you must initiate direct recourse against the responsible insurer.

3. What claims are never covered by the IRSI convention?
Some situations are not governed by the IRSI convention, such as:

• Infiltrations through facades or buried walls.
• Natural phenomena, such as storms, hail, or floods.
• Claims related to moisture or condensation without direct link to water damage.

🏢 Need personalized assistance?

If you encounter difficulties or have specific questions about a claim, here are some options for assistance:

1. Contact your insurer:

   • Explain your situation and ask any necessary questions. Most companies offer personalized advice to guide policyholders.

2. Consult an insurance expert:

   • In cases of dispute or disagreement, an independent expert can analyze your case and help you obtain fair compensation.

3. Co-ownership syndic :

   • If the claim concerns shared parts, your syndic can intervene as a mediator between the involved insurers.

📄 Download the IRSI Convention

You can view and download the IRSI convention in PDF format for more detailed information on its rules and procedures. Click here to access the document