Home Insurance in France: Everything You Need to Know

Home insurance in France is a must-have for any homeowner, and it's not just a matter of having a policy - it's about understanding what you're getting and what you need.

You'll need to purchase a home insurance policy that covers you for at least €50,000, which is the minimum amount required by French law.

The French government requires homeowners to have a minimum level of insurance to cover damages to the property, as well as third-party liability.

Home insurance premiums in France vary depending on the type of property, its location, and the level of coverage you choose.

Home insurance in France can be a bit complex, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.

You need to choose between two main types of home insurance: assurance habitation and assurance immobilière. The first one covers the contents of your home, while the second one covers the building itself.

The French government requires homeowners to have a minimum of €200,000 in liability insurance to cover damages to others. This is a must-have, not an option.

You can buy home insurance from a French insurer or an international one that operates in France. Some popular options include AXA, Allianz, and Generali.

The cost of home insurance in France depends on various factors, including the value of your home, location, and the level of coverage you choose.

In France, you'll need to have certain coverages to feel secure in your home. Fire is one of the essential coverages that Allianz France home insurance policies cover.

Allianz France home insurance policies also cover storm, snow, hail, water damage, acts of terrorism, natural and technological disasters, and legal defense and claims following an accident.

You'll also want to consider third-party liability insurance, which is a compulsory part of home and vehicle insurance in France. This type of insurance can cost around €160 a year if purchased separately.

Here are some examples of what third-party liability insurance can cover:

Under French law, civil liability insurance is mandatory for property owners, including landlords and tenants, to cover damage to another person or property.

This type of insurance is included in all home and contents policies, but notaries, mortgage providers, and rental agencies often require additional insurance coverage.

Problems will likely arise if you don't have house insurance, as these parties may refuse their services without it.

Civil liability insurance only covers damage to third parties, so it's essential to ensure your own losses are covered as well.

In France, it's mandatory to have civil liability insurance to cover damage to another person or property. This type of insurance is included in all home and contents policies.

Notaries, mortgage providers, and rental agencies often require house insurance, so it's essential to have it to avoid problems.

Civil liability insurance only covers damage to third parties, so you'll also want to ensure your own losses are covered with a separate policy if needed.

The cost of a separate liability insurance policy is usually around €160 a year.

Here's a breakdown of the legal requirements for house insurance in France:

Protecting your home and its contents is crucial, and Allianz France offers comprehensive coverage for your essential needs. Fire, storm, and water damage are all covered, as well as acts of terrorism, natural and technological disasters, and legal defense and claims following an accident.

The optional covers of their multi-risk home insurance policy include protection for unexpected glass breakages, such as broken windows and other glass products in the house. This can be a huge relief, especially if you have young children or pets.

If your home is broken into, Allianz France will cover your stolen or damaged items. This coverage extends to your belongings when outside your home, including your smartphone or laptop.

In the event of a claim, Allianz France provides temporary relocation while your home is repaired, and may even provide the intervention of a security guard to secure your home. This can be a huge weight off your shoulders, especially if you're dealing with a major disaster.

Here are some key features of Allianz France's home insurance policies:

Having the right insurance coverage can give you peace of mind, especially when it comes to protecting your home and its contents.

Optional coverage is available to enhance your home insurance policy in France. You can choose from various levels of protection to suit your needs.

If you have valuable items such as windows, mirrors, or ceramic hobs, you can opt for coverage against unexpected breakages. This will help you repair or replace them without incurring additional costs.

For added peace of mind, you can also choose to cover your belongings outside of your home, including smartphones and laptops. This way, you'll be protected against theft or damage even when you're not at home.

Temporary relocation assistance is also available in case your accommodation becomes uninhabitable due to a claim. This can provide a sense of security and help you get back on your feet.

Optional Forms are a way to add extra layers of protection to your insurance coverage. Some policies offer forms that can be added or removed as needed, such as earthquake coverage.

Earthquake coverage can be added to a standard homeowners policy for an additional premium. This type of coverage is usually required in areas prone to earthquakes, such as California.

You can also add flood insurance to your policy, which is often required by lenders for homes in flood-prone areas. This type of insurance covers damage to your home and belongings from rising water.

Rental property owners may want to consider adding liability insurance to their policy, which protects them in case a tenant is injured on the property. This type of insurance can also be added to a standard homeowners policy.

Some policies offer additional forms for specific types of coverage, such as personal articles floaters for high-value items like jewelry or art. These forms can be added to a standard homeowners policy for an additional premium.

If you're looking for comprehensive protection for your home, you'll want to consider multi-risk optional covers.

You can add extra protection for your belongings with Level 2, which covers stolen or damaged items outside your home, such as your smartphone or laptop.

The optional covers also provide financial assistance in case your home becomes uninhabitable due to a claim, such as a fire.

With Level 1, you'll receive temporary relocation and a security guard to secure your home while it's being repaired.

If you need help with DIY tasks, Level 3 provides access to a list of professionals in your area and can even help with diagnostic costs.

You can also get an advance to cover urgent expenses with Level 2, which can be a huge relief in stressful situations.

In case of theft or vandalism, Level 1 covers your stolen or damaged items at home and in outbuildings, giving you peace of mind.

The optional covers are designed to help you get back on your feet quickly and easily, with financial assistance and practical support.

Moving to a foreign country can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to navigating the insurance process. It's mandatory to have home and contents insurance coverage in place on completion day when buying a property in France.

You'll want to make sure you have the right policy in place to protect your new home and its contents. Our English speaking insurance providers in France can assist with this process.

The language barrier can be a significant obstacle when trying to find the right insurance policy. This is where having a trusted insurance provider can make all the difference.

We offer a range of insurance options to suit your needs and budget in France. Our multi-risk home insurance covers unexpected glass breakages, including windows, mirrors, and ceramic hobs.

You can choose from three levels of cover: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 covers damage to your property and stolen or damaged items at home and in outbuildings.

Level 2 adds extra protection for your belongings when they're outside your home, such as your smartphone or laptop. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a claim, we'll provide temporary relocation and a security guard to secure your property.

Level 3 includes all the benefits of Level 1 and Level 2, plus DIY assistance to help you with repairs and maintenance. We can put you in touch with local professionals and help with diagnostics and costs.

Here's a summary of our insurance options: