Fri, 12 March 2010
Text size
For new arrivals: the French like insurance; many different scenarios require policies you may or may not have carried back home. Here's how to make sure you are properly insured while living in France.The French insurance market offers a wide choice of companies and policies to choose from. All the major companies can offer an umbrella policy for all your needs although you can also pay for policies à la carte.
Insurance is a legal requirement for vehicles (assurance automobile), homes whether you rent or own (assurance pour la maison also called assurance d'habitation), for civil liability (assurance responsabilité civile), and for school-age children (assurance scolaire).
Participating in the state health coverage system is a requirement for residency; private insurance policies that will cover whatever Social Security does not are called mutuelle (see 'A guide to healthcare in France').
If you are an employee of a major firm or institution, it is well worth asking the HR department whether the company has agreement with a particular carrier to offer lower than usual tarifs.
Otherwise, the best plan is to visit the individual insurance company shops. It is worth noting that the major French hypermarket chains, such as Carrefour and Auchan, have also begun offering very competitive insurance rates.
Home
You are legally required to insure your home, whether you rent or own
You are legally required to insure your home, whether you rent or own, and must have your policy in hand before moving in; the policy will cover any damage to your home, such as fire or water damage, and any risks of damage that an accident at your home might cause to someone else's residence. (For example, if your apartment's bathtub leaks into the ceiling of the apartment downstairs.) 
Most policies are comprehensive, insuring you also against theft, assurance multirisques habitation.
Here's a short introduction to our Renting a house or an apartment section for France.
Here's a short introduction to our Where to Live section for France.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Flickr
General rating: Not rated yet
Rate article:
Add my rating