THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Check the product name and document date.
- Record risk, cost and exit questions together.
- Ask specific questions before subscribing.
What to look for
For products within the PRIIPs regime, the document presents essential information for retail investors, including characteristics, risks, costs, performance and holding or exit conditions. It should generally be supplied before the investor is bound. Read the contract terms as well.
Check that the product and investment option match the proposal. A document for another product from the same insurer does not answer your questions.
Sources: ASF — Perguntas frequentes sobre o Documento de Informação Fundamental ↗ · EUR-Lex — Regulamento (UE) n.º 1286/2014, artigos 8.º e 13.º ↗
Make a three-column reading sheet
Our suggested columns are «When will I need the money?», «What loss could I afford?» and «What does holding or leaving cost?». Record a page reference and any unanswered questions. This is an editorial reading method, rather than a financial suitability assessment.
Fictional example: a family expects an expense in two years. If a product has a longer recommended holding period, ask about leaving at the two-year point. A table of example outcomes does not settle that liquidity question.
Keep the comparison consistent
When comparing examples in two documents, note the investment amount, duration and treatment of costs. Ask whether a difference reflects the product or different assumptions. Illustrative scenarios should not be read as a promise of returns.
If a charge is unclear, ask for its euro amount for your proposed investment and period. Keep the explanation with the document.
Sources: EUR-Lex — Regulamento (UE) n.º 1286/2014, artigos 8.º e 13.º ↗
Before proceeding
Highlight any feature you cannot explain in your own words: valuation, access dates or charges. Obtain explanations before giving a subscription instruction.
RMACHADO can help organise documents and explain an insurance proposal within its insurance mediation role. This general guide does not recommend a product or replace assessment of your demands, needs and, where applicable, suitability.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- Check product, option and document date.
- Compare the recommended period with your liquidity needs.
- Ask about total cost and exit in your own scenario.
- Keep the document, proposal, terms and explanations.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Content updated on .
Consultation dates are stated in individual references when available.
Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
- ASF — Perguntas frequentes sobre o Documento de Informação Fundamental ↗
- EUR-Lex — Regulamento (UE) n.º 1286/2014, artigos 8.º e 13.º ↗
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.