Initially, it was a commercial argument invented by the MAAF in 2007. Taken over by other insurance companies and by mutual insurance companies, the 50 “for life” bonus is a commercial offer independent of the law.
The calculation of the bonus-malus is enshrined in the Insurance Code and is binding on insurers. In this Code, it is stipulated that the maximum reduction that an insured person can benefit from is 50%. Nowhere is it written that this bonus can be maintained for life.
The interest of an insurer is, of course, to attract the best drivers, those who are the most profitable.
Already an advantage for 50 bonuses over 3 years
The Insurance Code grants an advantage to policyholders who have had a 50% bonus for at least three years. Article 4 of the appendix to article A121-1 of the Code stipulates: “No increase is applied for the first claim occurring after an initial period of at least three years during which the reduction-increase coefficient was equal to 0.50. » Insurers who tout this benefit are simply following the law.
Other companies or mutuals have chosen to go further and offer, with the “lifetime” bonus, to keep the reduction for the life of the contract even in the event of multiple claims.
You are always responsible for your claims
It should be remembered that the financial proposal does not prevent your contract from registering at-fault claims. The insurer then includes them on the information statement in the event of termination of the contract, as well as the true reduction-increase coefficient. If you want to change insurer, it will take into account the real bonus-malus that it will apply to the new contract.
In addition, the 50 “lifetime” bonus does not prevent the insurer from terminating the contract if you are responsible for several claims in a short time, respecting the traditional grounds for termination, including the annual expiry date.
An illusory protection
The 50 “for life” bonus is a reward addressed to the best drivers. It keeps the amount of the insurance premium at its lowest level, but it is a short-term financial protection in the event of at-fault claims.
Insurers who promote the 50 for life bonus can be intransigent and terminate contracts in the event of an increase in risk (too many responsible accidents).
The “lifetime” bonus is not an unlimited accident package but a premium reduction which may prove to be very temporary.
