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First published in May 2020
Updated in July 2025
When relocating to or investing in property in France, understanding your insurance obligations is crucial. Home insurance (assurance habitation) plays a major role in protecting your assets and shielding you from liability. But is it really necessary in all situations?
Technically, home insurance in France isn’t legally required if you own your property outright and live in a detached home. However, for most expats, homeowners, and landlords, skipping insurance is a costly risk. Whether you’re financing a new home with a French mortgage, living in an apartment, or simply want peace of mind, having the right home insurance policy can save you from devastating financial loss.
Here’s why getting home insurance in France is more than just a smart idea, it’s often essential.
1. Mortgage-Backed Properties Require Insurance
If you’ve secured a mortgage from a French bank, you’ll likely be required to take out home insurance as part of the loan agreement. While this isn’t a legal requirement under French law, it is a contractual obligation imposed by lenders.
Mortgage providers typically ask that your property is insured against major risks such as:
➡️ Fire
➡️ Flood
➡️ Storm damage
➡️ Natural disasters
➡️ Vandalism
Failing to maintain valid insurance on a mortgaged property could be considered a breach of contract. If the bank discovers that you’re no longer covered, they may invoke a clause requiring you to repay the entire mortgage balance within 30 days. Not a position any homeowner wants to be in.
If your concern is cost, keep in mind that home insurance in France is generally affordable. You can find competitive deals by comparing policies online or through an insurance broker, especially one who understands the needs of expats and second-home owners.
2. Insurance Protects You from Financial Disaster
Even if you own your home outright, you’re still vulnerable to major risks. Imagine your property is damaged or destroyed by a fire, flood, or landslide. Without home insurance, you’re entirely responsible for the costs of repair, or even rebuilding.
In effect, not having insurance means you're self-insuring. That might sound manageable until you consider that:
➡️ Rebuilding a modest home can easily cost 150,000 € or more
➡️ Temporary accommodation during repairs could cost thousands
➡️ Loss of personal possessions often isn’t recoverable without coverage
Few people can afford to absorb these costs without serious financial strain. Most expats move to France for a better quality of life, not to gamble their life savings on the chance that nothing bad will happen.
And it’s not just about catastrophic events. Even smaller incidents, like burst pipes or a kitchen fire, can leave you with unexpected bills that insurance would have covered.
3. Liability Coverage: Essential Protection in France
French home insurance policies often include civil liability insurance (responsabilité civile habitation). This coverage is crucial because it protects you financially if:
➡️ A tree from your garden falls onto your neighbour’s car
➡️ A leak from your apartment causes damage to the flat below
➡️ A guest is injured while visiting your home
In all of these cases, you could be held legally responsible. And under French law, compensation amounts can be significant. Even worse, if the claim involves a company or a public entity, the damages could run into hundreds of thousands or even millions of euros.
Civil liability cover extends beyond the walls of your home. Many policies also protect your actions (and those of your dependents) in everyday life, such as when cycling or walking a dog. For expats unfamiliar with French civil law, this type of coverage is a crucial safety net.
Optional Doesn’t Mean Unwise
If you rent an apartment in France, home insurance is mandatory by law. Landlords will often request proof of insurance before handing over the keys. However, if you're a property owner in France, you are not bound by this requirement, and it may be tempting to skip the added expense.
But ask yourself this: are you truly comfortable taking full responsibility for damages, loss, and liability out of pocket?
For a relatively modest annual fee (often under 200 € for standard coverage), you can protect:
➡️ The structure of your home
➡️ Your personal belongings
➡️ Your financial wellbeing in the event of a claim
This small investment can make all the difference when the unexpected happens.
Bonus Tip: Take Advantage of the Loi Hamon
Worried about being locked into a bad policy? Thanks to the Loi Hamon, a French consumer law passed in 2015, you can change your home insurance provider at any time after the first year of your contract. That means you’re free to compare offers and switch providers without penalty if you find a better deal or more suitable coverage elsewhere.
It’s worth reviewing your policy annually, especially if your circumstances change, such as converting a secondary home into a primary residence or starting renovations that increase your home’s value.
To wrap it all up
In France, home insurance might not always be required by law, but for most expats and property owners, it’s a non-negotiable safety net. From mortgage compliance and rebuilding costs to civil liability protection, the financial and legal risks of going uninsured far outweigh the cost of a policy.
Don’t let a lack of coverage put your dream home, or your financial future, at risk.
👉 Get started with Fab French Insurance today and find the right policy for your peace of mind in France.
