The multirisk home policy in France, explained

A multirisk home policy is defined by more than the list of guarantees it includes. Three key elements determine the quality of your cover. The first is the insured value, particularly the declared value of your contents, which should accurately reflect what you own. Underestimating this amount is one of the most common reasons for reduced claim settlements. The second is the excess (or deductible), which is the portion of each claim you pay yourself in exchange for a lower premium. The third is the policy’s exclusions and conditions, outlining what is not covered and the obligations you must meet. Understanding these three elements is essential when comparing one multirisk home policy with another.

How a claim works in practice

Understanding the claims process is just as important as understanding the guarantees themselves. Following an insured event, you must notify your insurer within the required timeframe, usually very quickly for theft and within a few days for most other claims. Keeping photographs, invoices and receipts can make the process much easier. For significant losses, the insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the damage before compensation is agreed.

The amount you receive depends on the basis of indemnity specified in your multirisk home policy. Some guarantees reimburse the depreciated value of damaged items, taking age and wear into account, while others provide replacement on a new-for-old basis up to specified limits. Understanding how deductibles, compensation limits and valuation methods apply helps you know exactly what to expect before you ever need to make a claim.

Where claims are most often reduced

Most disappointing claim settlements result from three avoidable issues. The first is under-declaring the value of your contents, which can lead to proportional reductions in compensation. The second is failing to comply with policy conditions, such as maintaining required security measures or carrying out essential maintenance. The third is not declaring changes in risk, for example leaving a property unoccupied for long periods or using part of the home for business purposes. Addressing these issues when arranging your multirisk home policy helps avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Cover beyond the four walls

A multirisk home policy often protects more than just the building itself. Depending on the contract, cover may extend to garages, sheds, garden equipment, outdoor furniture and even certain personal belongings temporarily taken away from the home. Civil liability protection may also follow members of your household beyond the property itself.

Choosing the right multirisk home policy

Tenants and homeowners have different needs

Although both tenants and homeowners benefit from a multirisk home policy, the level of protection required is different. Tenants mainly insure their personal belongings and civil liability, while homeowners also need to protect the building itself. The insured values and guarantees should always reflect your specific situation.

Value your contents accurately

The declared value of your personal belongings is one of the most important figures in your policy. Furniture, electronics, jewellery, artwork and other valuable possessions should all be included realistically. A properly valued multirisk home policy provides much better financial protection when you need to make a claim.

Understand deductibles and policy conditions

A lower premium may come with higher deductibles or stricter security requirements. We explain these conditions clearly in English, helping you compare policies and choose the home insurance that offers the level of protection you expect.

Review your cover as your home changes

Your insurance should evolve as your property does. Renovations, extensions, valuable purchases or changes in occupancy can all affect the level of protection you need. Reviewing your multirisk home policy regularly ensures your insured values and declared risks remain accurate.

Indexation and rising rebuilding costs

Most French multirisk home policy contracts automatically adjust insured values and premiums each year to reflect increases in rebuilding and replacement costs. While this indexation helps protect against inflation, it should not replace a full policy review from time to time to ensure your cover continues to reflect the true value of your home and possessions.

Is holiday home insurance compulsory in France?

If your holiday home is an apartment within a copropriété, French law requires you to hold at least civil liability insurance under the ALUR law, whether you occupy the property regularly or not. For a detached second home, holiday home insurance is not legally compulsory, but leaving an unoccupied property uninsured exposes you to significant financial risks.

Won’t my main home policy cover my second home?

In most cases, no. Standard home insurance is designed for your primary residence and usually assumes the property is occupied on a regular basis. A second home left empty for extended periods requires dedicated holiday home insurance to ensure claims remain valid.

What happens if the house is empty for months?

Your holiday home insurance can continue to provide protection while the property is unoccupied, provided you comply with the policy conditions. These may include maintaining the property, protecting it against frost and ensuring appropriate security measures are in place.

Can I insure a home I rent out occasionally?

Yes. Occasional holiday rentals should always be declared because they change the level of risk. We can adapt your holiday home insurance to include guest occupancy, helping ensure any claims arising during a rental period remain covered.

I live abroad. Can you still arrange the cover?

Absolutely. We regularly arrange holiday home insurance for homeowners living overseas. Our bilingual advisors manage the entire process in English, making it simple to insure your French property wherever you are based.

How do I get a quote?

Contact us by phone on 05 45 82 03 20, by email at cognac@agence.generali.fr, or request a quote through our website. You are also welcome to visit our office at 16 rue Plumejeau, 16100 Cognac, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 12pm. All quotations and advice are completely free and without obligation.

Why arrange your multirisk home policy through Best French Insurance

Best French Insurance is a genuine Generali agency located at 16 rue Plumejeau in Cognac, not a comparison website. Every client speaks directly with a bilingual advisor who can explain every guarantee, deductible and policy condition included in a French multirisk home policy in clear, straightforward English.

When arranging your multirisk home policy, we tailor the guarantees, insured values and deductibles to your home and your individual circumstances. Most importantly, we ensure you fully understand the policy conditions before you sign, not when you need to make a claim. We can also coordinate your cover with your vehicle insurance and any other insurance policies you hold, giving you consistent protection across all your insurance needs.