Pre-contractual Information Duties of Insurers. A German and Polish Approach

Abstract

Information is the key element of consumers and customers protection in insurance. Implementation of Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) by EU member states in 2018 was yet another step – at least in theory – in expanding access to basic knowledge about insurance products. Nevertheless, despite certain new solutions included in IDD, pre-contractual duties of insurers still remain primary source of mentioned information for policyholders. EU member states have adopted various approaches to IDD implementation and – in particular – legal shape of pre-contractual obligations of insurance contract parties. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to introduce contemporary perspective on insurers pre-contractual information duties in German and Polish legal systems. First part includes a basic outline of insurance law in both countries in scope of IDD implementation. It is followed by comparative commentaries on “demands-and-needs test” as well as general information duties set out i.a. in German Insurance Contract Act (VVG) and Polish Insurance Distribution Act (UDU).The paper closes with certain conclusions and findings.