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Home insurance premiums in France are expected to rise in 2026, with early estimates forecasting an increase of around +5% to +8%, according to consultancy firm Facts & Figures. Auto insurance may also see moderate adjustments, projected at +4% to +6%.
These changes aren’t unusual in the insurance market, especially given recent weather trends and repair cost inflation. But they do offer a timely reminder to review your current policy and explore ways to optimise your coverage.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what’s driving the 2026 updates, what’s confirmed so far, and how to prepare smartly, including checking your policy at renewal with a broker like FAB French Insurance.
Why Are Home Insurance Prices Set to Go Up in 2026?
Insurers are pointing to a perfect storm of factors driving premiums up, literally and figuratively.
1. Rising Cost of Materials and Labour
France continues to experience inflation in construction costs, with materials like timber, concrete, and metals remaining expensive. Labour shortages in certain skilled trades have also pushed repair costs higher.
2. Natural Disasters: Frequency and Severity on the Rise
2024: A Record Year for Weather Damage
According to France Assureurs, 2024 was the 7th rainiest year since 1959, with nearly 50% of French départements affected by floods.
Key stats: 23 floods, 13 wind events, 6 hailstorms, 6 landslides
➡️ Estimated cost: 5 € billion in insured losses
2025: Worrying Start and Continued Trends
While full data for 2025 is not yet available, early 2025 already showed signs of continued climatic pressure:
➡️ January: Severe flooding in western France
➡️ February: Cyclone Garance impacted La Réunion
➡️ September: Major flooding in the Var region
These events, though still being evaluated in full, are contributing to a growing sense of volatility. Insurance providers are increasingly pricing in these risks, especially as natural disasters continue to put pressure on the national catastrophes naturelles compensation system.
3. Urban Violence and Riots Add Another Layer
In parallel, urban violence in 2025 added another layer of complexity. Reports indicate that over 1,000 businesses and public buildings were damaged during just a few weeks of major riots.
In response, insurers have begun to:
➡️ Adjust risk models to include riot-related events,
➡️ Communicate with policyholders that these incidents are no longer considered isolated,
➡️ Advocate for systemic solutions, including a proposed national reinsurance fund for riots, potentially financed through a 5% surcharge on all insurance contracts.
While these proposals are still under discussion, they signal a shift in how insurers approach large-scale, non-natural events, another potential factor in future pricing structures.
What Does This Mean for Expats in France?
If you own a home or rent property in France, you're almost certainly going to feel this price increase. And since habitation insurance is mandatory for tenants, this is not optional.
Many expats mistakenly assume their policy is “set and forget”, but with the changes expected in 2026, renewal time is the perfect moment to shop around.
Insider tip: Not all insurers are raising rates at the same speed or by the same margin. A policy that was competitive in 2023 might be overpriced by 2026.
What You Can Do to Prepare
While many of these factors are beyond your control, here are 3 things you can do to anticipate the price hike:
1. Don’t Auto-Renew Blindly
Review your policy before renewal and take note of:
➡️ New annual premium
➡️ Coverage levels
➡️ Deductibles (franchise amounts)
➡️ Included protections (e.g. natural disasters, riots)
2. Use an Insurance Broker to Compare Options
Instead of calling multiple insurance companies, let a broker do the legwork. A broker like FAB French Insurance compares offers from top providers and can:
➡️ Find better deals on your behalf
➡️ Explain the fine print in English
➡️ Make sure your policy suits your situation as an expat or remote worker
💬 Book a free consultation with FAB French Insurance to explore your options ahead of renewal.
3. Check for Riot and Flood Coverage
Not all home insurance policies automatically cover:
➡️ Riot damage (émeutes)
➡️ Natural disasters (catastrophes naturelles)
Given current trends, make sure your policy clearly includes these clauses. If not, consider upgrading your coverage or switching providers.
Will My Policy Include the 5% Riot Reinsurance Tax?
The French government is studying the creation of a national riot reinsurance scheme, which would be financed by a 5% surcharge on all insurance contracts. While it’s not yet enacted, it’s likely that any such levy would apply across the board, including home insurance, car insurance, professional liability coverage
It’s not yet official, but you should keep an eye on developments, and check your policy renewal notice to see if new line items appear.
Final Thoughts: Stay Proactive, Not Panicked
Yes, insurance costs in France are rising in 2026, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. A few smart moves now can help you avoid overpaying and ensure your property is properly protected in the event of floods, storms, or social unrest.
✅ Don't auto-renew without checking
✅ Compare policies via a broker
✅ Make sure you’re covered for real risks, not just the basics
📞 Book your personalised insurance review with FAB French Insurance today. We'll help you find the best deal before your premiums jump.
📘 Source: MRN Natural Disaster Report 2025 (PDF)
📘 CreditNews Report on Riot Coverage
📘 More on Riot Reinsurance Discussions
