Owner insurance in France: cover for homeowners

Whether owner insurance is compulsory depends on the type of property you own. If you own and live in a detached house, French law does not strictly require you to insure it, although doing so is strongly recommended given the financial risks involved. If you own an apartment within a co-owned building (copropriété), you must legally hold at least civil liability insurance under the ALUR law, which has applied since 2015. The building’s management company may ask you each year to provide proof of this cover. In practice, almost every homeowner chooses a comprehensive owner insurance policy because the cost of a major claim can far exceed the annual premium.

Owner insurance for English-speaking homeowners: specific situations

Houses and apartments are not insured in the same way

A detached house requires insurance for the entire structure, while an apartment usually benefits from a building policy arranged by the copropriété. Your own owner insurance then focuses on your private unit, your belongings and your personal liability. We ensure both policies work together without unnecessary overlaps or gaps in cover.

Renovations and building works

Many English-speaking buyers purchase French properties to renovate. During renovation work, an empty or partially completed property faces additional risks that standard home insurance may not cover. Your policy should reflect building works, unoccupied periods and the changing value of the property throughout the project.

Rural and high-value homes

Country houses, character properties, outbuildings, swimming pools and valuable contents require higher insured values and more comprehensive guarantees than a standard apartment policy. Historic features, wine cellars, stone barns and bespoke woodwork can be particularly expensive to restore after a fire or storm, making accurate valuation an essential part of owner insurance.

Working from home

If you operate a business or regularly welcome clients into your home, a standard home insurance policy will not usually cover those professional activities. Business use should be declared separately to ensure claims remain valid.

From holiday home to primary residence

Many people initially purchase a property as a second home before relocating permanently to France. Once the property becomes your main residence, your insurance should be updated accordingly, as cover designed for an occasionally occupied property may no longer be appropriate.

Insuring a newly purchased property

Your owner insurance should begin on the day ownership is officially transferred. We arrange cover to start on completion day, ensuring your property is protected from the very first moment without leaving any uninsured gap.

Solar panels, heat pumps and modern installations

Many homes in France now include solar panels, heat pumps and other energy-efficient installations that significantly increase the property’s value. These improvements should be declared and included in the insured value so they are fully covered following a fire, storm or other insured event.

Why arrange your owner insurance 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 understands both the French home insurance system and the specific concerns of English-speaking homeowners.

When arranging owner insurance, we assess your property, whether it is a house or an apartment, its rebuilding value, the value of your contents and how you use it. We then tailor the insured amounts and guarantees accordingly. We can also coordinate your cover with your vehicle insurance and any other policies you hold to provide consistent protection across all your insurance needs.