For a villa, it is essential to cover buildings, which are generally insured for their full reconstruction value by French insurers, reflecting their original state at the time of a claim. Owners must also address their specific liabilities coverage, which differ from those of tenants.

In the case of condominium apartments, the Syndic typically secures a policy covering the structure. However, it is prudent to verify with the Syndic directly whether all potential risks are included, as fixtures and fittings installed by owners may be excluded or limited in value. We advise obtaining a separate policy to address any potential gaps in the condominium policy, which also encompasses specific liabilities as a co-owner.
In instances where there’s no Syndic for an apartment, each owner must insure their portion of the buildings and associated liabilities.

In all scenarios, coverage for contents is equally imperative. Please refer to the “Contents” section for further details.

Under French Law, contents are defined as moveable items.

Standard French Insurance policies, known as “Multirisques” mainly cover specific perils such as fire, theft, water damage, electrical risks, etc. This may be sufficient when contents are considered as standard. But if they are not, a more comprehensive level of cover is available known as “all risks”, which may include “new for old”. The latter extensions must be requested and will obviously implicate a higher level of premium.

Whilst items of value may be considered as part of contents, coverage provided is usually extremely limited, if covered at all, and a separate scheme should be considered where these items would be valued and scheduled, potentially covering them on a replacement value and thus avoiding disputes should a claim occur.

Certainly, as a tenant, you’re not responsible for insuring the structure of the property, as it’s not your ownership. However, it’s crucial to address liabilities associated with your tenant status within your policy. These liabilities encompass obligations towards the building, the property owner, other occupants, or even third parties.

Additionally, it’s imperative to ensure coverage for contents. Please refer to the “Contents” section for comprehensive details on securing appropriate coverage for your belongings.

At the beginning of each school year, you ask yourself ‘should the children have specific insurance?’. At school, on the way to/from, at home or during the holidays, your children could cause or be victims of an accident. Schooling insurance (Assurance scolaire) can be considered as a necessity.

Are school children obliged to have insurance?

• No, all free activities taking place within or outside of school grounds should be covered by the school’s own insurance. However “Assurance scolaire” is strongly recommended by the Department of Education.
• Obligatory “Assurance scolaire” has been imposed by the Department of Education to insure children for accidents occurring during participation in certain optional activities organised by the school. These include: school trips, over-night trips (classe de découverte…), their lunch break, any activity which exceeds normal school hours.

What are the advantages?

• “Assurance scolaire” like household insurance includes third party liability, and optional cover against accidents caused by the child.
• Provision of legal representation in case of a claim.
• Capital awarded upon death or incapacity plus medical cover in association with the social security system.
  

Contact us!
We offer a choice of quality products to suit your budget!

• Whilst in France policies will cover natural catastrophes (earthquake, etc.) by law and subject to, this is NOT the case in the Principality of Monaco but specific extensions to include can be obtained upon request.
• Your letterbox can inform potential thieves about you: only display your surname (your first name can indicate your sex, avoid displaying the apartment number and floor). Ensure that someone empties your box in your absence or divert/cancel your post and papers..
• When you go out, make sure your phone doesn’t ring for long periods of time. Use an answering machine and leave a vague message that avoids mentioning the duration of your absence.
• Don’t put your name and address on your keys. In case of loss, contact the police and change your locks.
• Please read the General Conditions of your insurance policy (at least once when you receive it!) and adhere to the conditions within. For instance, it may be necessary to have an extra lock fitted to your front door.
• Always lock your front door and windows, even for a few minutes. Never leave car keys in the ignition (a surprisingly common cause of theft!) when unattended.
• Keep all bills of all items, work carried out and especially valuable items (preferably at a close friend’s house in case of fire or scan and save on the net), and photograph the rooms in your residence, showing the main objects of value. Note down serial numbers where possible.
• Shut your doors and windows during the night (we have known burglars to climb 3 floors up the outside of a building to enter an open window at night).
• If your house is protected by a private surveillance system, make it obvious to outsiders.
• Use timers on your lights if you are out in the evening.
• If you haven’t got a dog, buy a big dog bowl and leave it outside your house. Buy a ‘Beware of the Dog’ sign.
• Install and use window locks.
• When you are on holiday, don’t leave your car keys in an obvious place in the house. This provides a burglar with an easy getaway and you could lose your car. If the car is to be left for several weeks, disconnect the battery.
• Consider hiring a house-sitter or invite family to stay in your residence in your absence.
• Should you decide to modify your house by adding more rooms, extensions, swimming-pools, don’t forget to include these in your policy accordingly.