dmu

There are several compulsory Insurances to take out when living in France (in addition to healthcare insurance dealt with in another thread).

- House insurance for owners, covering the usual fire, water damage, theft, etc..., and Responsabilité Civile (personal liability). The latter covers all damage caused by or to you and yours, wherever.
- Dwelling insurance for tenants, covering the same risks as owners living in their property.
- Owners who let their property must have landlord insurance covering damage and/or repairs to the structure of the house or the appartment building. (Normally they'll already have Responsabilité Civile insurance via their own house insurance). It's highly recommended to take out an insurance against non-payment of rents....
And, where applicable,
- Vehicle insurance
- School Insurance
- Professional insurance

These compulsory insurances add up and the annual premiums should be taken into account when calculating a budget.
Corrections and additions welcome!

babyposer

Hi

I would add the assurance scolaire which is mandatory for the school trips and when the kids go to the canteen or after-school club (activités périscolaires).

https://www.service-public.fr/partic...osdroits/F1871

EDIT : oops I didn't see it was already in your post!

Vehicle insurance : 2 options possible, either the 'responsabilité civile' public liability insurance or 'tous risques' fully comprehensive insurance.

InVinoVeritas

Perhaps also:-
Assurance Juridique
Assurance Obsèques
Assurance Décès

dmu

Not compulsory, which is why I didn't list these, but useful to know!
P.S. Assurance Décès?

Tweedpipe

*Death insurance is a savings scheme which provides monetary support to the family following the death of the policy holder.
I believe it may also provide cover for the repayment of a loan.

*Not to be confused with Life Insurance, which can be an extremely tax-efficient financial investment. I know as we took out two policies which provide regular tax-free monthly income.

InVinoVeritas

Can I suggest it should be essential insurance rather than compulsory since I don't think insuring your home is compulsory.

babyposer

BTW they are often called Assurance Vie.

dmu

OH agrees that house insurance isn't legally "obligatoire", but is, as you say, essential.

For more info:
https://www.service-public.fr/partic...osdroits/F2023

https://www.service-public.fr/partic...osdroits/F1349

La responsabilité civile du particulier et son assurance

Tweedpipe

Babyposer - careful! You are close to getting your collar-felt for contravening BE site rule 17.

dmu

That's what I thought, but I didn't mention it as it's not "obligatoire".

bigglesworth

Perhaps not obligatory, but insurance against third party damage for household pets/animals? Often bundled in with house insurance but not always.
Side issue but our car insurance with also automatically includes breakdown cover and health insurance abroad. Which was a pleasant surprise.

dmu

Good point - damage caused by and to domestic pets is covered by the House Insurance if their existence is mentioned in the Contract.
Pets' health insurance is optional.

dmu

Forgot to say that an LRAR (Lettre Recommandée avec Avis de Réception) is necessary to terminate any contract, Insurance or other, within the prior notice period stipulated in the contract. After the deadline, you're liable to pay the following year's premium unless the circumstances are acceptable to the Insurance Company (house move, transfer of car insurance, etc...)
An e-mail isn't sufficient, and the receipt card that the addressee signs gives you tangible proof that your cancellation letter has been received.

babyposer

The Chatel law allows you to end the contract even if the notice period is 'expired'.

As soon as your insurer sends you a letter with their new prices, you have 20 days to cancel your insurance (and pick a new one of course).

Your new insurer will usually take care of the LRAR.

So as soon as you get the letter you can make a few appointments with some insurers. Get quotes and then contact the insurer which is the best for you, they will take care of the admin stuff.

babyposer

Exactly!

There is a tax allowance (30500€).