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Unreserved control, by
Droit Immobilier

Unreserved control, by

📅 Decision of 15 October 1991🔄 Updated on 6 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 23 views📖 2 min read

The insurer's unreserved control of the proceedings brought against the insured, in knowledge of circumstances that could exclude its cover, constitutes a waiver by it of the right to rely on the defence of non-coverage. Therefore, it is for the insurer who invokes such a defence after having controlled the proceedings brought against its insured to prove that it made reservations when it assumed such control.

Reference decision: Court of Cassation • No. 90-13.868 • 15 October 1991 • Consult the decision →

This decision provides important insight into your property law. Here is what it changes for you.

The situation

The insurer's unreserved control of the proceedings brought against the insured, in knowledge of circumstances that could exclude its cover, constitutes a waiver by it of the right to rely on the defence of non-coverage. Therefore, it is for the insurer who invokes such a defence after having controlled the proceedings brought against its insured to prove that it made reservations when it assumed such control.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key points

  • Strictly comply with the statutory time limits for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (title deeds, deeds, correspondence)
  • Plan ahead: preventive advice always costs less than litigation

For an analysis of your situation: 30-minute consultation at €45 with Maître Zakine.

📌 Does this apply to your situation? Maître Cécile Zakine, French real estate lawyer, practises throughout France.
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Legal information

  • Number: 90-13.868
  • Court: Cour de cassation
  • Decision of: 15 October 1991

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Practical use cases

1

Landlord faces tenant damage claim insurer defence

A landlord in Lyon rented a flat with a faulty boiler. A tenant sued for £7,500 water damage, and the landlord's property insurer appointed a solicitor and directed the defence for 18 months. The insurer later refused cover, citing a maintenance exclusion.

Practical application:

Because the insurer controlled the lawsuit without reserving its rights despite knowing of the boiler's poor condition, it has waived the non-coverage defence under this case law. The landlord should collect all correspondence showing the insurer's active management and absence of any reservation letter. They should write to the insurer demanding it proves it made reservations at the outset. If the insurer still refuses, the landlord can cite Court of Cassation No. 90-13.868 (15 October 1991) in a formal claim.

2

First-time buyer insurer handles structural defect lawsuit

A first-time buyer in Bordeaux bought a 1960s house and discovered hidden structural cracks six months later. They sued the seller for €45,000, and their legal protection insurer took over the claim and instructed lawyers for two years. The insurer then denied coverage, arguing the buyer should have spotted the cracks before purchase.

Practical application:

The insurer knew about the pre-existing condition when it assumed control, yet made no reservation of rights. Under this decision, that unreserved control waives any later non-coverage defence. The buyer should gather the insurer's initial acceptance letter and all case correspondence. They should request the insurer provide written evidence of any reservation made at the start. If none exists, the buyer can rely on this precedent to demand full coverage of legal costs and damages.

3

Co-owner balcony dispute insurer later denies cover

A co-owner in Nice carried out balcony renovations and was sued by a neighbour for €12,000 in water ingress damage. The building's block insurance policy instructed a solicitor and managed the defence for 14 months. The insurer then refused to pay, claiming the works were not authorised by the co-ownership association.

Practical application:

The insurer's continuous direction of the lawsuit, with full knowledge of the unauthorised works, constitutes a waiver of its right to deny cover. The co-owner should compile all emails and letters from the insurer's appointed lawyer showing they controlled the case. They should formally object to the denial, citing this 1991 Court of Cassation ruling. If the insurer cannot prove it reserved its position at the start, the co-owner can compel it to cover the judgment and defence costs.

Maître Cécile Zakine

About the author

Maître Cécile Zakine — Lawyer at the Alpes-Maritimes Bar, Doctor of Law. Every article in this magazine is based on the analysis of a real court decision, commented and put into perspective by Maître Zakine’s team.

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Disclaimer: The analysis presented on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified lawyer.

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