An Introduction to Insurance in France

There are many types of insurance in France, some of which may be familiar but others not.

* Civil liability insurance: called responsabilité civile propriétaire it is a third party compulsory insurance that covers any accidental damage you, as a private person, cause to others or their property. Most often this is included in a home insurance policy but do check.

* House Insurance: for information on how to insure your house in France if it is your main place of residence see House Insurance in France

* Holiday Home: for information on ensuring your covered for long abscences and letting out see French holiday home insurance

* Car insurance: whether you own a car in France or bring your car over, what you need to know can be found in French car insurance

* School insurance: this is compulsory for children going to a French school. See School Insurance in France

* Private health insurance: it is now a must for many new arrivals to France. To find out if you need it see French Healthcare changes.

We also have information on private health insurance in France

* Life Insurance: if you want to take out a policy, make sure you are asking for the right one - French life insurance

* Credit Card insurance: It is advisable to insure your carte bleue – because not only will you have to pay for the replacement card if it is stolen, French banks DO NOT replace money stolen from your account by thieves, identity scams or any other criminal activity unless the card is insured.

You can insure your card at the bank where it is issued.

When something goes wrong:

With all policies, you must report a theft to the police within 24 hours of it occuring.

The police will give you a form called a déclaration de vol – which will detail what you have lost.

You must contact your insurer within two working days and send them the receipt of the police déclaration by registered post (recommandé) that will give you a receipt of delivery (avis de réception). It is also best to telephone the insurere direct and inform them of what has occurred.

Once you have drawn up a lost of stolen goods send it, again by registered post, to the insurer.

In the case of a credit card you must also report a theft to the bank.

Cancelling your insurance

The process of cancelling a policy in France is very formal. You cannot let it lapse or cancel at the last minute with a phone call. Instead you must send your insurance company a formal letter informing them that you are cancelling your policy. This must be done at least two months before the renewal date and you need to send the letter by registered post (recommandé). If you do not do this you are legally compelled to pay for the following year.