Home insurance in France

Everything about home insurance in France

• Is home insurance compulsory in France?

  For tenants, yes: the law of 6 July 1989 requires the tenant to produce a certificate of multirisque habitation insurance when moving in and at every renewal of the lease. For owner-occupiers in a condominium, the Loi Alur of 2014 requires a minimum liability cover. For owner-occupiers of a detached house there is no legal obligation, but going without insurance leaves you carrying fire, water damage and liability claims in full, which is very rarely a sensible trade.

• What does a standard French home insurance policy cover?

  The standard cover includes: personal liability (you, your household, your pets), liability as occupier or as owner of the building, fire and related perils (lightning, explosion, smoke), water damage, weather events (storm, hail, snow), natural and technological disasters, theft and vandalism, glass breakage, and cover while on holiday. Available as options: valuables, electrical damage, garden, swimming pool, musical instruments, portable devices, school insurance, legal protection and 24/7 assistance.

• How do I value my contents for insurance?

  Go room by room and estimate the cost of replacing everything as new: furniture, appliances, electronics, clothes, tableware, books, decoration. List valuables separately (jewellery, art, musical instruments, high-end technology), as they are often capped or need to be declared individually. Most policyholders underestimate their contents and end up underinsured when a large claim happens. Helping you set that figure realistically is part of our job.

• What happens after water damage?

  You report the claim to your insurer within 5 working days. If the damage affects a neighbour (above, beside or below you), you fill in a constat amiable de dégât des eaux together. The IRSI convention then decides which insurer handles the claim, depending on its origin and its size. Most everyday water damage claims are settled quickly and without you having to pay the large items up front. As your broker, we also handle the claim with you.

• Can an insurer refuse to cover me?

  Yes, for several reasons: too many claims in your history (usually more than 3 in 36 months), cancellation by your previous insurer, a property considered risky (poor condition, professional activity on site, listed building, mobile home, yurt), a risky location, or a shop in the building. If one of those applies to you, insurers specialised in aggravated risks do exist. Finding a solution when the mainstream companies say no is precisely what we do.

• What is the difference between indemnity value and new-for-old?

  On an indemnity basis the insurer settles after deducting wear and tear: a sofa bought for 2,000 € ten years ago may be settled at only 500 € once the depreciation is applied. On a new-for-old basis (an option or a premium policy) the insurer settles at the price of an equivalent new item, with nothing deducted. That option raises the premium but gives markedly better protection on a large claim.

• When can I cancel my home insurance?

  Several routes exist: at the annual renewal date with two months' notice, at any time after the first year thanks to the Loi Hamon (no fee, no reason needed), when your situation changes (moving, marriage, divorce, retirement, change of profession), or after an unjustified premium increase. Our team handles the cancellation and the switch for you, with no gap in cover.

• How much does home insurance cost in France?

  The premium depends on several factors: type of property (flat or house, floor area), number of rooms, contents sum insured, location (urban areas with high burglary rates and weather-exposed areas cost more), the level of cover chosen and your claims history. For a standard rented flat the premium stays very affordable. For an owner-occupied house with substantial contents it is markedly higher. Comparing several companies easily saves 20 to 30 % for the same cover.