HOUSE INSURANCE IN FRANCE
HOUSE INSURANCE IN FRANCE
Whether you are the owner of a property, renting or a landlord, buildings insurance is vitally important. When buying a property in France, you will need to show to the Notaires on completion day that you have taken out insurance for the property you are buying as of that day.
Home Insurance In France
Home insurance in France is different from the standard insurance provided by British insurers in a number of ways.
Of course home insurance covers your house and belongings against life's unexpected events. It covers you against theft, vandalism, damage resulting from an extreme weather event, fire, water damage, burst pipes, and other losses. Note for storm damage to your roof the winds speeds must be 100kmph or more to claim.
However, unlike British insurance if you spill paint on your carpet, or knock over your television you will not be able to claim.
What is Usually Covered
French insurance covers a multitude of other garanties perhaps not normally covered by British home insurance such as :
- When you move house your old home can still be insured for a period of 3 months after you have moved out
- Finding temporary accomodation and assistance in case your home is uninhabitable, following an insured event, even taking care of your pets
- Organising and covering your repatriation in the event of a claim where you have to return home
- Freezer contents cover
- Private liability insurance for anyone living at home with you, including domestic pets
- A no interest monetary loan (an advance) in case of a claim where you do not have the necassary funds
- If you are hospitalised, organisation of childcare and/or pet care
- Assistance when you are travelling such as repatriation and medical assistance ; organising postage of medicines abroad ; an interest free loan (an advance) to help pay for medical costs
Many insurers offer a multitude of different options in addition to the standard cover so ensure you ask all the right questions, declare all your rooms, outbuildings and anything unusual or expensive that needs insuring.
New for old cover is not always automatic so if you need that level of cover make sure that it is included.
The Minimum
To summarise you should have, as a minimum, the following on your home insurance :
- Building insurance – for damage to the building caused by things such as fire, water damage or storm.
- Public liability insurance – compulsory for all residents to cover their own responsibility for damage to third parties and property. Tenants in rented accommodation will need this. It’s possible to purchase this as part of a separate third party liability insurance, but home insurance packages often include it.
- Contents insurance – optional coverage for personal belongings available for a lower premium when included as part of a multi-risk home insurance policy.
Key words
Franchise – your excess ; the amount you pay in the event of a claim
Conditions Particulières – your personalised contract
Conditions Générales – the policy conditions
Rééquipement à neuf – new for old
Vétusté – wear and tear deduction
Résponsabilité Civile – legal liability
Meubles – contents
Immeuble – building
For more information, contact Samantha ANCELL today at AVIVA Assurances, Agence BOURDIN, 3 place d'Armes, 16700 Ruffec, Tel: +33 (0)5 45 31 01 51, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
