Pursuant to the Law of 16 August 2022 on an emergency measure for the protection of purchasing power, it is now possible for consumers to terminate online a contract they have concluded with a trader.

Online termination is possible if, on the day of termination, the contract can be concluded electronically. The purpose of the “3-click” termination is to simplify the terminations so that consumers can move towards contracts that are more advantageous for their purchasing power.

This provision has been mandatory since 1^er September 2023 for future and ongoing contracts. It concerns in particular insurance contracts covering natural persons outside their professional activities.

Termination “in 3 clicks” also extends to many other services (telephony, electricity...).

Obligation of the trader

In order for the online contract to be terminated, the trader must make available to the consumer a free, permanent, direct and easy to access functionality enabling it to notify such termination. This feature should be named “terminate your contract”, a similar formula can also be used.

Once the trader receives the notice of termination, he must inform the consumer. It shall then inform him, within a reasonable period of time, of the date on which the contract will end and the effects of the termination.

Online termination of insurance contracts and information to be provided by the insured

The possibility to terminate online also concerns insurance contracts covering natural persons outside their professional activities. This applies to contracts which can be concluded online with insurance companies, pension funds and mutual societies.

A decree of March 16, 2023 indicates the information that the insured will have to provide in the “terminate your contract” feature:

• surname and forename (for a natural person), name of company or name (for a legal person);
• means of contact (telephone number, email...) enabling the insurer to confirm receipt of the notification of the termination;
• reference of the contract concerned (e.g. contract number);
• reason for termination;
• the date of the event giving rise to termination.

After providing this information, a summary will be presented to the insured.

The insured will then confirm his request by clicking on the legible statement “confirm my request for termination”, a similar form may also be used.