Relocating to France as an expat is an exciting journey, but protecting your home and belongings is essential. Understanding the different types of home insurance (assurance habitation) in France is crucial to safeguarding your property.
Types of home insurance in France
In France, home insurance primarily takes the form of multi-risk insurance (assurance multirisque), with standalone civil liability insurance being rare. Here's an overview with essential details:
Multi-risk insurance (Assurance multirisque)
This comprehensive policy includes civil liability coverage and protects against risks like fire, theft, water damage, and natural disasters. It ensures the property is insured for reconstruction costs (except bespoke or historic properties, which require special valuations). However, coverage applies only to identifiable “triggering events” (faits générateurs), excluding wear and tear or gradual damage.
Examples of Exclusions:
- Landslides or Land Slips: Unless declared a natural disaster by the Préfecture, these are classified as wear and tear and not covered.
- Structural Repairs: Issues like a leaning wall are typically the property owner's responsibility unless caused by an insured event.
- Accidental Damages: Self-inflicted damage (e.g., dropping your phone) is not covered.
Limited liability scenarios
Civil liability-only policies are typically specialised, such as for undeveloped land or unique cases. This option is uncommon for residential properties and mostly unavailable for tenants or homeowners.
Who should get home insurance?
In France, home insurance, or contrat d'assurance habitation is a legal requirement for all property owners, including both tenants and homeowners, as well as landlords. This insurance provides coverage for various risks, including fire, water damage, and natural disasters. It's essential to understand who needs this coverage and why.
Renters are obligated to obtain home insurance before signing a lease agreement. The landlord will typically ask for proof of insurance, and failure to provide it can result in the lease being terminated or the landlord taking out insurance on the tenant’s behalf. The tenant would then be responsible for reimbursing the landlord for this cost. This requirement ensures that renters are financially protected in case of any damage to the property during their stay.
Homeowners in France are not legally required to have multi-risk home insurance (often called “home & contents insurance”). However, public liability coverage is mandatory, which is typically included within a multi-risk policy. This type of insurance offers protection against various risks, including fire, flooding, and theft, safeguarding both the property and its contents. While not compulsory, securing comprehensive coverage helps prevent significant financial burdens from unexpected damage and is often required by mortgage lenders.
Landlords are also required to ensure that their property is properly insured before renting it out. While tenants are responsible for insuring the interior of the rented property, landlords must arrange coverage for the structure itself. This ensures that any potential damage is covered, particularly in cases where it affects the property’s integrity.
Tips for choosing home insurance
When choosing home insurance in France, it's essential to understand your specific needs and select the right coverage to suit your situation.
- Check policy details: Carefully read the policy terms to ensure it covers all aspects of your property, including personal belongings, structural damage, and any unique features such as swimming pools or outbuildings. This will help avoid any surprises in the event of a claim.
- Compare policies: It's crucial to compare different policies, considering factors such as premiums, exclusions, and payout limits. Ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage without unnecessary exclusions.
- Seek expert advice: If you're unsure, consult a broker who specialises in helping expats navigate the French insurance market, like Fab French Insurance. Our English speaking brokers can help you find the best policy tailored to your needs.
Why compare home insurance quotes with Fab French Insurance?
We do the hard work for you, comparing deals from the biggest providers in France so you can get the right cover and save hundreds of euros on your premiums. Not even considering the cost and stress that may add up should you choose an insurance agent that doesn't understand where you are coming from! Get a quote today.