Photo via UnsplashIn brief:
- Home insurance is mandatory for tenants and co-owners in France, strongly recommended for single-family house owners.
- Average cost in France is 180 to 350 euros per year for an apartment, 300 to 600 euros for a house.
- Multi-risk home (MRH) policy covers fire, water damage, theft, civil liability and extended guarantees.
- Comparing at least 3 quotes can reduce annual premium by 20 to 40 percent at equivalent coverages.
Home insurance: the mandatory framework
In France, home insurance is mandatory for tenants (6 July 1989 law) and co-owners (2014 ALUR law). For owner-occupiers of single-family houses, it is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Minimum coverage
Minimum legal coverage for a tenant is the “rental risks” guarantee: fire, water damage and explosion. In practice, most insurers offer more complete multi-risk (MRH) policies.
Coverages to compare
| Coverage | Purpose | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Fire, explosion | Material damage | Yes (mandatory) |
| Water damage | Leaks, infiltrations | Yes (mandatory) |
| Theft | Break-ins, burglary | Highly recommended |
| Civil liability | Damage to third parties | Yes (mandatory for tenant) |
| Natural disasters | Floods, landslides | Automatic in MRH |
| Glass breakage | Windows, mirrors | Recommended |
| Electrical damage | Power surges, lightning | Useful |
| Legal assistance | Co-ownership, neighbor disputes | Comfort |
2026 average rates
“Home insurance pricing in France increases 3 to 5 percent per year, driven by climate claims and reconstruction costs.” — French Insurance Federation, 2024 report
Annual average rates 2026 in France:
- Studio / T1 tenant: 120 to 200 euros
- T3 apartment tenant: 180 to 300 euros
- T3 apartment owner: 250 to 400 euros
- 100 sqm house owner: 350 to 650 euros
Tips to pay less
- Increase deductible (150 to 300 euros instead of 75 to 150)
- Install security devices (alarm, A2P locks)
- Bundle with auto insurance (10 to 20 percent discount)
- Compare via at least 3 brokers
- Review contract every 2 years (Hamon law: free cancellation after 1 year)
Method to choose wisely
- Evaluate value of items to insure (movable capital)
- Identify specific risks (flood zone, valuables)
- Compare indemnification caps (often underestimated)
- Check exclusions (negligence, wear)
- Carefully read special conditions
To protect your mortgage, see our borrower insurance guide. For financing your property, see the home loan guide. And for pre-sale diagnostics, our mandatory diagnostics guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is home insurance mandatory?
It is mandatory for tenants (minimum rental risks) and co-owners (civil liability since 2014 ALUR law). For owners of single-family houses outside co-ownership, it is not mandatory but strongly recommended: without it, you bear all damage to your property and to third parties alone.
How much does home insurance cost on average?
In 2026, average rates in France are 180 to 300 euros per year for a tenant apartment, 250 to 400 euros for an owner apartment and 350 to 650 euros for a single-family house. Gaps can reach 40 percent between insurers at equivalent coverages: comparison is essential.
Can you cancel your home insurance at any time?
Since the Hamon law (2015), yes: after the first year of engagement, you can cancel your home insurance at any time, without fees or justification. The new insurer usually handles the cancellation with the previous one. Before the first year, cancellation is only possible at annual expiry (with 2-month notice).