Expat home insurance in France

The insurance itself follows French rules; the real challenge is understanding an unfamiliar system. French home insurance has its own terminology and structure, including assurance multirisque habitation, deductibles (franchise), the natural catastrophe (cat-nat) scheme and the role of the copropriété, concepts that often have no direct equivalent in other countries. Documents are generally issued in French, and what is considered standard cover may differ significantly from what you were used to at home. Many expatriates also purchase property remotely and need insurance in place before they even arrive in France. Expat home insurance makes this process much simpler by providing expert bilingual guidance from start to finish.

What expat home insurance should cover

Building and contents

Expat home insurance protects the structure of your property, where you own it, as well as your furniture, personal belongings and valuables. The insured values should reflect current rebuilding costs in France and the actual value of the possessions you have brought with you or purchased after moving.

Civil liability

Civil liability protects you if your property or a member of your household causes injury or damage to someone else or their belongings. This protection is legally required for tenants and apartment owners within a French copropriété and is one of the most important guarantees included in expat home insurance.

Water damage, fire, theft and natural catastrophes

A comprehensive expat home insurance policy includes protection against the most common household risks in France, including water damage, fire, burglary, storm damage and officially recognised natural catastrophes such as flooding or drought-related ground movement.

Cover tailored to how you use your property

Whether France is your permanent residence or a home you occupy only part of the year makes a significant difference to the type of insurance you need. Your policy should accurately reflect your occupancy pattern, particularly if the property remains empty for extended periods.

The expat journey: getting insured the right way

Buying a property from abroad

Many expatriates purchase French property before relocating. We arrange your expat home insurance so it begins on the completion date, ensuring your investment is protected from the moment ownership transfers.

Moving to France permanently

Becoming a permanent resident changes your insurance needs. We help you arrange expat home insurance suitable for full-time occupation and coordinate it with your other insurance policies as you settle into life in France.

Keeping a second home while living overseas

Many expatriates continue living abroad while owning property in France. Your insurance should reflect long periods of vacancy and the practicalities of managing the property remotely. Our bilingual advisors handle everything in English, wherever you live.

Coordinating with insurance from your home country

Relocating often means managing insurance in two different countries. We help you avoid duplicate cover and uninsured gaps, coordinating your French home insurance with any existing policies you still hold abroad.

Protecting belongings shipped from abroad

Moving to France usually involves transporting furniture and personal possessions internationally. These items can be particularly vulnerable while in transit or shortly after arrival. Expat home insurance ensures your contents are correctly declared and insured from the very beginning.

Personal liability beyond your home

One valuable feature of French expat home insurance is that personal liability protection often extends beyond your property itself. It can cover accidental damage or injury caused by members of your household in everyday life, providing reassurance that many newcomers are pleasantly surprised to discover.