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Holiday Home Insurance France

2K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  ccm47  
#1 ·
Hello All,

I am after some recommendations for a holiday home insurance in France (we use the house as a holiday home until we are moving there permanently - we are in the Languedoc region).
We had a UK based insurance company last year, but it was a total farce with a claim in December, as they did not come out in time to assess the damage before we had to repair it and then try to put it down to wear and tear!

Any help or recommendations would be most welcome. Many thanks!:)
 
#5 ·
I've had my house in Brittany insured with Allianz for over 10 years before I moved into it full-time. I think most insurance companies will cover holiday homes, after all, French people have holiday homes too.

It does help to actually visit the local Allianz (or other company's) agencies to see which ones you feel comfortable with. As well as price, it's better to have a local agent who you like, as you will be happier contacting them when you need to make a claim.

I know it's difficult to know whether you 'like' someone at first meeting, but in my experience it's fairly to know who you take an instant dislike to, and it's best to avoid beginning a relationship with those people, as you may be dealing with them later in a situation where you are already upset. And it's nice when the personnel recognise you when you come in.

You also need to read the description of the coverage carefully to make sure that there are no conditions you would have difficulty fulfilling, such as needing a certain type of lock (even on outbuildings) or needing to have the shutters closed even for short absences.

Once you find an agency, stick with them, as you can insure your health and cars with them too (and receive a discount).

janet