Home Insurance in France: Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

When living in France—whether as a tenant, homeowner, or landlord—home insurance isn’t just a matter of security, it's often a legal obligation. With natural disasters, water damage, theft, or even a neighbor’s accident potentially causing thousands of euros in losses, a proper home insurance policy (assurance habitation) is essential.

This comprehensive guide explains the types of home insurance available in France, what's covered, what to look out for, and how to choose the right plan for your needs.

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1. Is Home Insurance Mandatory in France?

Yes, for tenants, home insurance is compulsory by law. At the very least, tenants are required to carry civil liability insurance (responsabilité civile locative) to cover damages they may cause to the property, such as fire, water leaks, or explosions.

For homeowners, insurance is technically optional but highly recommended. If you’re financing your home with a mortgage, your bank will typically demand proof of home insurance before releasing any funds.

If you live in a co-owned property (copropriété) such as an apartment building, you are also required to have insurance covering any damage to communal spaces and liability towards neighbors.

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2. The Main Types of Home Insurance in France

French home insurance is generally divided into two categories:

a. Basic Liability Insurance (Assurance Responsabilité Civile)

This is the minimum required for tenants. It covers you if you accidentally cause damage to the landlord’s property or to neighbors (e.g., leaking washing machine, fire spreading, etc.).

b. Comprehensive Home Insurance (Assurance Multirisque Habitation or MRH)

This is the standard and most recommended type of home insurance. It includes liability protection but also covers the home and its contents against a wide range of risks:

• Fire and explosion

• Water damage

• Theft and vandalism

• Natural disasters

• Broken glass (windows, mirrors)

• Electrical damage

• Personal liability

• Legal assistance

MRH policies are available for both tenants and owners, including those renting out property (landlords).

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3. What Does a Typical Home Insurance Policy Cover?

While details vary from one insurer to another, a typical French MRH policy includes:

🔥 Fire and Explosion

Protection against accidental fire damage or explosions caused by gas leaks or electrical faults.

💧 Water Damage

Covers leaks, pipe bursts, overflowing appliances, or water ingress due to storms.

🧱 Natural Disasters

Following a government-issued “natural disaster decree (arrêté de catastrophe naturelle),” the insurance will cover storm, earthquake, flood, and landslide damage.

🛠 Vandalism and Theft

Covers break-ins, burglaries, and malicious damage. Some policies require specific security measures like shutters or alarms.

⚡ Electrical and Appliance Damage

Damage due to power surges or electrical faults in household appliances.

🪟 Glass Breakage

Includes windows, skylights, shower doors, mirrors, and sometimes ceramic cooktops.

👨‍⚖️ Personal Civil Liability

Covers injury or damage caused to others, even outside your home (e.g., your child breaking a neighbor’s window, or your pet injuring someone).

🧳 Personal Belongings

Coverage for your furniture, clothing, electronics, and valuables—within defined limits. Expensive items like jewelry or artwork might require additional declarations or special coverage.

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4. Optional Add-ons and Special Clauses

Many insurers offer optional extensions to enhance your coverage:

• School Insurance for children (Assurance scolaire)

• Home assistance services in emergencies

• Temporary accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable

• Legal protection (Protection juridique) for home-related disputes

• Swimming pool or garden outbuildings coverage

• Vacation rental coverage if you let your home seasonally

Be sure to read the fine print—some risks may only be covered if specific conditions are met (like having security bars or alarms installed for theft protection).

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5. How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in France?

The cost of home insurance in France depends on several factors:

• Type of property (apartment vs. house)

• Location (urban vs. rural, high-risk flood or crime zones)

• Property size and value

• Declared contents and valuables

• Deductible (franchise) amounts

• Security features (alarm systems, reinforced doors)

On average:

• Tenants in a small apartment may pay €100–€250 per year.

• Homeowners may pay €300–€600 per year, depending on the size and coverage level.

• Luxury homes or homes in high-risk zones can see premiums rise to €1,000+ annually.

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6. How to Choose the Right Home Insurance Provider

When selecting an insurance company, consider the following:

🛡 Coverage and Exclusions

Make sure the policy covers your specific needs and read the exclusions carefully.

💬 Customer Service

Choose an insurer with strong customer support and claim response ratings.

📲 Digital Access

Many providers offer online claim filing, policy management, and mobile apps.

📄 Transparent Terms

Avoid providers with vague wording or unclear deductibles and limits.

💸 Competitive Pricing

Get quotes from multiple companies (e.g., AXA, MAIF, Allianz, Groupama, MAAF, Macif, Crédit Agricole) and compare coverage vs. cost.

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7. How to File a Claim (Déclaration de Sinistre)

If an incident occurs, here’s what to do:

1. Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible (typically within 5 days, or 2 days for theft).

2. Provide documentation: photos, police report (for theft or vandalism), proof of damage or ownership.

3. Assessment: The insurer may send an expert to assess the damages.

4. Reimbursement or repair: Once approved, you will either be compensated or repairs will be arranged.

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8. Key Tips for Expats and Foreign Residents

• Language barrier? Choose insurers that offer services in English or use a bilingual insurance broker.

• Second home or holiday property? Special policies are available, and they differ from primary residence coverage.

• Renting out your property? Make sure your policy covers furnished rentals (location meublée) or seasonal lets.

• Moving in France? Notify your insurer before your move to update or transfer the policy.

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Conclusion

Home insurance in France offers essential protection not only for your physical property but also for your legal and financial peace of mind. Whether you're renting a studio in Lyon, buying a villa in Nice, or letting a holiday home in the Alps, choosing the right policy ensures you're covered when life throws the unexpected your way.

Investing time in understanding your coverage, comparing quotes, and reviewing policy terms can help you save money and avoid complications when it matters most.