Home Insurance in France: A Complete Guide for Residents and Expats

Home insurance in France is not just a protective financial tool—it's a legal obligation in many circumstances and a key part of French homeownership and tenancy. Whether you’re a local buying your first home, an expat relocating to the French countryside, or a tenant renting a Parisian apartment, understanding the home insurance system in France is essential.

This article will guide you through the legal requirements, types of home insurance, how policies work, costs, and important considerations for both homeowners and renters in France.

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1. Is Home Insurance Mandatory in France?

Yes—home insurance is mandatory for tenants and highly recommended for homeowners.

• Tenants (locataires): Must have "assurance habitation" covering at least third-party liability. Without it, a landlord can refuse to rent out the property.

• Homeowners:

  • Owner-occupiers are not legally required to insure their property, but doing so is strongly recommended.

  • Co-owners (in apartment buildings) are required to have minimum insurance coverage by law (since the ALUR law of 2014).

• Landlords: While not required by law, most landlords take out landlord-specific insurance to protect their investment property.

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2. Understanding “Assurance Habitation”

“Assurance habitation” is the French term for home insurance. It typically includes two main components:

• Civil liability (responsabilité civile): Covers damages or injury you, your family, or pets may cause to others.

• Property damage coverage (dommages aux biens): Protects the building and contents against various risks like fire, water damage, theft, and natural disasters.

Policies are customizable depending on the property type and whether you are a renter, homeowner, or landlord.

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3. Types of Home Insurance in France

A. Basic Third-Party Liability (Responsabilité Civile)

• This is the minimum required for tenants.

• It covers damage caused by the insured to third parties—for example, if a water leak from your apartment damages your neighbor’s ceiling.

B. Multi-Risk Home Insurance (Assurance Multirisque Habitation)

This is the most common and comprehensive form of coverage. It combines liability and property damage protection and usually includes:

• Fire and explosion

• Water damage (dégâts des eaux)

• Theft and vandalism

• Glass breakage (bris de glace)

• Storms, natural disasters (tempêtes, catastrophes naturelles)

• Electrical damage

• Legal assistance (protection juridique)

Optional add-ons may include:

• High-value items like art or jewelry

• Garden and outdoor structures

• Swimming pools

• Home office equipment

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4. How Does It Work in Practice?

When you take out a home insurance policy in France:

• You receive a certificate of insurance (attestation d’assurance), which is often required by landlords or co-owner syndicates.

• You declare the value of your possessions, property size, and type of residence.

• In the event of a claim (sinistre), you must notify your insurer promptly—typically within 5 days (2 days for theft).

• Insurers may send a loss adjuster (expert d’assurance) to assess damage before compensation is approved.

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5. How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in France?

The cost varies based on:

• Type and size of property

• Location (rural vs. urban, flood-prone vs. safe zones)

• Value of possessions

• Security features (alarm, security doors)

• Whether you’re a tenant, homeowner, or landlord

Average Annual Costs:

• Tenants: €100–€250

• Homeowners: €200–€600

• Landlords: €300–€800 (depending on rental and occupancy type)

Premiums are generally payable monthly or annually, and some insurers offer discounts for bundling with auto or life insurance.

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6. Insurance for Expats and Second Home Owners

France is a popular destination for expats and foreign homeowners. If you are:

• Buying a second home: You should take out an insurance policy that covers both periods of occupation and vacancy.

• Living abroad and owning French property: Ensure your insurer accepts non-residents, and consider bilingual support if your French is limited.

• Renting out your property short-term: You’ll need special coverage for holiday lets or seasonal rentals, such as assurance propriétaire non-occupant (PNO) or assurance location saisonnière.

Many international insurers or French insurers with English-speaking support cater to this market, including:

• AXA

• Allianz

• Generali

• Maif

• Luko (digital-first and English-friendly)

• Hiscox (for high-value properties)

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7. What’s Typically Covered vs. Not Covered

Commonly Covered Risks:

• Accidental fires or explosions

• Burglary and break-ins

• Flooding and storm damage

• Water leaks from pipes or washing machines

• Natural disasters (if recognized officially by the state)

• Civil liability for neighbors or visitors injured in your home

Not Typically Covered:

• Wear and tear

• Damage caused by negligence (e.g., open windows in a storm)

• Mold or long-term humidity

• High-value items not declared

• Damages during renovation unless covered by separate construction insurance (assurance dommage-ouvrage)

Always read the policy exclusions and conditions carefully.

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8. Making a Claim: Step-by-Step

1. Report the incident: Notify your insurer within the legal time frame (2 days for theft, 5 days for others).

2. File a police report: Required for theft or vandalism.

3. Gather documentation: Photos, receipts, and inventory lists can speed up the claim.

4. Assessment: The insurer may send an expert to assess the damage.

5. Settlement: If approved, you’ll receive compensation minus any deductibles (franchise).

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9. Tips for Choosing the Right Home Insurance in France

• Compare quotes: Use comparison tools like LeLynx.fr or Assurland.com.

• Check the “franchise”: This is the amount you must pay out of pocket per claim.

• Understand rebuild value vs. market value: Insure your home based on the cost to rebuild, not its real estate value.

• Declare possessions accurately: Underestimating the value may result in reduced compensation.

• Review annually: Update your policy if you’ve made renovations or purchases.

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10. Digital and Eco-Friendly Insurers

In recent years, digital-first insurers have emerged in France offering user-friendly mobile platforms and eco-responsible approaches.

Examples:

• Luko: 100% online, quick claims, English-speaking support

• Lovys: Subscription-based, easy-to-modify policies

• Otherwise: Offers cashback to clients who don’t make claims

These companies appeal especially to tech-savvy expats and younger renters.

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11. Legal and Tax Considerations

• Tax: Premiums are generally not tax-deductible unless the property is rented as part of a business.

• Co-ownership rules: If you live in a condominium (copropriété), your building may already be partially insured, but personal coverage is still needed.

• Renovation insurance: If you’re undertaking major works, French law requires “assurance dommages-ouvrage,” a separate construction insurance.

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Conclusion

Home insurance in France is a well-structured system designed to protect residents, property owners, and tenants from life’s uncertainties. With clear legal requirements, a range of customizable coverage options, and modern digital solutions available, insuring your French home is not only necessary—it’s easier than ever.

Whether you’re a tenant needing basic liability coverage, a homeowner protecting your dream chateau, or an expat navigating your first French policy, understanding the nuances of “assurance habitation” ensures peace of mind and financial security in the face of unexpected events.