The Kifid Procedure for Residents of Rijswijk

The Kifid Procedure for Residents of Rijswijk

For residents of Rijswijk, the Kifid procedure provides an independent, cost-free route to resolve disputes with financial providers, such as insurers. In personal injury settlements, it serves as a straightforward alternative to the Rijswijk District Court. The Financial Services Complaints Institute (Kifid) handles complaints about banks, insurers, and advisors, issuing binding decisions up to €25,000.

What Does Kifid Mean for Rijswijk?

Kifid is an independent foundation established in 1993, offering fast and free resolution for consumers with unresolved issues against financial institutions. In Rijswijk, for personal injury cases, it often involves disputes over insurer claim payouts, such as inadequate pain and suffering compensation or delayed payments from the at-fault party.

Recognized by the AFM and affiliated with De Geschillencommissie, Kifid focuses on out-of-court solutions, avoiding the costs and delays of proceedings at the Rijswijk District Court. Each year, Kifid processes numerous cases, many related to insurance matters in areas like Rijswijk.

When Should You Choose Kifid in Rijswijk?

You can file with Kifid if:

• Your complaint has first been submitted in writing to the insurer and not satisfactorily resolved.
• No response is received within 8 weeks.
• It concerns a financial service, such as a personal injury claim with a liability insurer.

In Rijswijk personal injury cases, complaints often involve compensation amounts, wage penalties, or medical assessments. Kifid does not review policy terms but does address their implementation. For more information, see our article on Complaints about Personal Injury Settlements. Need free advice? Contact Het Juridisch Loket Rijswijk.

The Kifid Procedure Step by Step

The process is straightforward and typically takes 4 to 6 months. Steps for complainants from Rijswijk:

1. Complaint to the insurer: Send a clear letter with details. Keep copies.
2. Filing with Kifid: Download the form from kifid.nl. Include facts, evidence such as invoices and medical records, plus your demands. Submit digitally or by mail.
3. Admissibility review: Within 4 weeks, the secretary assesses if it qualifies. If approved, the insurer gains access.
4. Response from the institution: The insurer's defense within 4 weeks.
5. Hearing: Optional but common. Present your side to the panel (no lawyer required, though helpful).
6. Binding decision: A written ruling within 8 weeks of the hearing. Binding on the institution up to €25,000; otherwise, proceed to Rijswijk District Court.

Legal Basis

Based on the Financial Supervision Act (Wft), Article 4:95, institutions must join dispute resolution bodies like Kifid. The Consumer Disputes Committees Regulation and Kifid Rules also apply. For personal injury: Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Act (WAM) and Dutch Civil Code Book 6 (art. 6:95 DCC et seq.). Decisions are based on reasonableness and fairness (arts. 6:2 and 6:248 DCC).

Practical Cases from the Rijswijk Area

Case 1: Ms. Jansen from Rijswijk claims €15,000 in pain and suffering after a whiplash on Sir Winston Churchill-laan. Insurer offers €5,000; Kifid awards €12,500 plus interest.

Case 2: Mr. De Vries from Rijswijk receives insufficient wage penalty after work-related injury. Kifid notes disregard of medical reports and increases by €8,000.

This illustrates Kifid's consumer-friendly approach, with around 40% success rate for complainants.

Rights and Obligations

Rights:

• Completely free (unlike the Rijswijk District Court).
• Right to be heard and respond.
• Binding on the institution.
• Data anonymity.

Obligations:

• Provide complete and timely information.
• No repetition after hearing.
• No concurrent court proceedings.

Comparison with Rijswijk District Court:

Frequently Asked Questions for Rijswijk