(1) The advice to be given in accordance with section 6, and the reasons therefor, are communicated to the policyholder as follows:
1. on paper;
2. clearly and precisely, and in a manner that is understandable to the policyholder;
3. in an official language of the Member State in which the risk is located, or in which the commitment is entered into, or in any other language agreed by the parties, and
4. free of charge.
(2) In derogation from subsection (1) no. 1, the information may also be provided to the policyholder via one of the following media:
1. via a permanent data medium other than paper, if the use of the permanent data medium is appropriate in the context of the business transacted, and the policyholder had the choice between information being provided on paper and on a permanent data medium, and has opted for this data medium, or
2. via a website if access is personalised for the policyholder, or if the following conditions are met:
a) the provision of this information via a website is appropriate in the context of the business transacted;
b) the policyholder has consented to the provision of information via a website;
c) the address of the website, and the place where the information is stored there, have been communicated electronically to the policyholder;
d) it is ensured that this information remains available on the website for as long as it is reasonably necessary for the policyholder to be able to retrieve it.
(3) The provision of information by means of a permanent data medium other than paper, or via a website in the context of business that has been transacted, is deemed to be appropriate if it is proven that the policyholder has regular Internet access. The notification of an e-mail address on the part of the policyholder for the purposes of such business is deemed as constituting such proof.
(4) In the case of a contact by telephone, even if the policyholder has opted to receive the information referred to in subsection (2) on a permanent medium other than paper, the information referred to in subsection (1) or subsection (2) is provided to the policyholder directly after the conclusion of the insurance contract.