Home Insurance in France: A Complete Guide for Residents and Expats
Home insurance, or assurance habitation in French, is an essential part of property ownership and rental in France. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, understanding the structure, coverage, and legal requirements of home insurance in France is crucial to protecting your property, personal belongings, and financial wellbeing. France has a distinct insurance culture, with comprehensive policies tailored to a wide variety of living arrangements, property types, and risks.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of how home insurance works in France, the types of policies available, mandatory requirements, common exclusions, and how to choose the best plan for your needs—especially if you are an expatriate or a foreign investor.
1. What Is Home Insurance in France?
Home insurance in France is a legally binding contract between a policyholder and an insurance provider. The insurer agrees to provide financial compensation in the event of loss or damage to the property or its contents due to predefined risks, or "perils."
In French, the term "assurance habitation" applies to both renters and homeowners and may include liability protection (responsabilité civile), property coverage, and optional add-ons.
2. Who Needs Home Insurance in France?
A. Tenants (Locataires)
Home insurance is mandatory for tenants in France. They must at least be covered for third-party liability (responsabilité civile locative), which protects against damage caused to the property, neighbors, or others due to fire, water leaks, or explosions.
Landlords typically ask for proof of insurance before signing a lease, and tenants are expected to renew it annually.
B. Homeowners (Propriétaires occupants)
Homeowners are not legally required to take out home insurance if they live in the property themselves, but it is strongly recommended, especially for protection against fire, natural disasters, or theft.
C. Landlords (Propriétaires non-occupants)
Landlords renting out property are not legally obliged to have insurance but can opt for PNO insurance (Propriétaire Non Occupant) to protect against damage caused by tenants or external factors.
3. Types of Home Insurance Policies in France
There are two main components of home insurance:
A. Property Coverage (Bâtiment et Contenu)
This includes:
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Structure of the building (walls, roof, fixed installations)
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Personal belongings (furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics)
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Outdoor items like garden furniture or solar panels (if declared)
B. Liability Coverage (Responsabilité Civile)
Mandatory in most cases, this covers:
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Damage caused to others by you, your family, or pets
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Water damage or fire affecting neighboring properties
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Injury to third parties on your property
4. Common Risks Covered
French home insurance policies generally cover damage from the following events:
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Fire and explosion
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Water damage (leaks, flooding)
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Theft and vandalism
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Natural disasters (e.g., storm, hail, snow, mudslides)
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Broken glass and windows
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Electrical damage
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Terrorism (in some cases)
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Earthquakes (if declared a natural catastrophe by the state)
Note: Natural disasters must be officially declared by a government decree (arrêté interministériel) to trigger coverage under the “Cat Nat” guarantee.
5. What Is Not Covered?
While French home insurance policies are quite comprehensive, certain risks may be excluded unless specifically added:
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Damage caused by poor maintenance or negligence
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Damage from pests (rats, termites)
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Valuables like jewelry or artworks without a special clause
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War or nuclear incidents
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Commercial use of the home
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Uninhabited properties (unless declared as secondary homes with proper coverage)
Always read the terms and exclusions of your policy carefully, and ensure that your insurer is aware of any special circumstances related to your property.
6. How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in France?
Several factors influence home insurance premiums in France, including:
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Type of dwelling (apartment, house, secondary home)
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Location (urban vs. rural, flood-prone zones, crime rates)
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Size of the property and number of rooms
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Value of the contents insured
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Level of coverage and optional guarantees
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Deductible (franchise) level
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Claim history and insurance record
On average, tenants might pay between €100 and €250 per year, while homeowners may pay €200 to €500 or more annually, depending on the property and location.
7. How to Buy Home Insurance in France
A. Compare Providers
There are many well-known insurance companies in France, including:
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MAIF
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AXA
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Groupama
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Allianz
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MACIF
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Generali
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Crédit Agricole Assurances
B. Use Online Platforms
Comparison websites such as LesFurets.com or Assurland make it easy to compare multiple quotes and coverage options.
C. Provide Key Details
You’ll need to provide:
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Your name and address
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Type of residence (primary, secondary, rental)
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Surface area and number of rooms
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Security measures (alarm, locks)
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Estimated value of contents
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Type of construction
Policies can often be purchased online and activated within 24 hours.
8. Proof of Insurance: Attestation d’Assurance
Once you purchase a policy, your insurer will provide you with an "attestation d’assurance habitation"—a document that serves as proof of coverage. This is commonly required by:
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Landlords (for tenants)
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Banks (for mortgage approval)
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Condominium syndicates (for co-owners)
It’s important to keep this document and update it annually upon renewal.
9. Making a Claim (Déclaration de Sinistre)
Steps to Follow:
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Notify your insurer within 5 days (2 days for theft).
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File a police report if the damage involves theft or vandalism.
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Provide documentation: photos, invoices, repair estimates.
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An insurance adjuster (expert d'assurance) may inspect the damage.
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If approved, compensation will be issued according to your policy terms.
Important: The insurer may apply a franchise (deductible), which is the amount you must cover yourself.
10. Tips to Reduce Your Premium
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Install a security alarm or reinforced doors
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Bundle your home insurance with auto or health insurance
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Opt for a higher deductible to lower your annual cost
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Insure only what you need—avoid overestimating your contents
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Pay annually rather than monthly (to avoid service fees)
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Maintain a claims-free history
11. Special Cases: Secondary Homes and Expats
A. Second Homes (Résidences secondaires)
French citizens and foreigners often insure second homes for vacation or rental purposes. These policies usually cost more due to the home being unoccupied for long periods, increasing risks of theft or undetected damage.
B. Expats and Foreign Buyers
Expats can easily obtain home insurance in France, even from abroad. Many insurers offer English-language support or cater specifically to international residents. Coverage can often begin remotely before your move-in date.
Be sure to:
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Disclose any foreign address or overseas bank account
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Use a bilingual broker if language is a barrier
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Understand that direct debit from a French bank account is usually required
12. Home Insurance and Condominiums (Copropriétés)
If you live in an apartment in a co-owned building, there are typically two layers of insurance:
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Your own policy (for your apartment and liability)
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The building policy (held by the syndicat de copropriété, covering common areas and structural damage)
It's essential to ensure that there are no coverage gaps between the two.
13. Conclusion
Home insurance in France is a vital layer of financial and legal protection for residents, landlords, and tenants alike. From covering unexpected natural disasters to theft or liability claims, a well-chosen assurance habitation policy offers peace of mind and compliance with French law. Whether you’re a tenant looking for a basic policy or a foreign homeowner investing in a vacation home, understanding the types, requirements, and options available ensures that your home—and your future—is secure.