F A Q

According to French law (“Loi Quillot”) a landlord can require to see proof of insurance before handing over the keys to a tenant. He can also ask to see proof of renewal every year. This is actually a protection of the tenant as he will be held liable in case of fire or water damage.

The joint owners of a block of flats (“la copropriété”) are required to insure all common areas, including internal and external walls, partitioning between floors, staircases, roof and facades. This insurance usually covers a number of events such as fire, lightning, explosion, water damages, climatic events and natural disasters. In addition, the insurance policy includes third party liability for damages caused by the building or by persons working for the joint owners, e.g. cleaning personnel. In this connection, the individual owners are considered as third parties and can be indemnified in case of damage or injury.

The most important elements are:

To the extent possible, try to limit the damage by cutting off gas and electricity on the main switch and by closing all windows.

In principle, you have five days to submit a claim to AXA. The damage report should include your name, address, contract no., date of the event, type and cause of damage, extent of damage, names of all persons affected by the damage, possible coverage from other insurance policies, estimate of monetary extent of damage and names of persons responsible for damage (if any).

Report the incident to police or “gendarmerie” within 24 hours and send us the original police report immediately. You should be prepared to send in a final claim report with all relevant documentation within five days.

Broken locks, shutters or windows should be replaced as soon as possible, but kept with a view to a possible visit from the loss adjuster.

The importance of proper documentation cannot be exaggerated, especially when it comes to valuables (jewellery, watches, precious metals, furs, paintings etc).

The list below gives an idea of the type of documentation that may be accepted. Some types, e.g. photos, are not sufficient without further supporting evidence.

• Invoices with your name on them;
• receipts from auction firms;
• testaments;
• valuation from approved expert (see below);
• guarantee certificates;
• manuals and instruction leaflets;
• original packaging;
• receipts for storage;
• account statements from banks or credit card companies, credit card receipts;
• photos and video footage;
• testimonies.

Bear in mind that good documentation serves three purposes: to establish existence, authenticity and value of objects lost or destroyed.

You can avoid discussion about the value of a stolen or destroyed object by agreeing on a value with AXA based on a written statement from an approved expert. AXA will provide you with names of experts in all categories upon request. There is no additional premium for this type of insurance but you should be prepared to pay the expert (around 0.5 to 0.6% of the value). The expert statement should be reviewed every three years, if not, standard rules and procedures apply.

If you have taken out “new for old” cover, there is no depreciation due to age or wear.

Finally, a piece of advice: Keep documentation in a separate place, e.g. in a bank safe or with neighbours, friends or family. There is no point in spending time and effort putting together documentation just to see it go up in smoke with the rest of the house.

Yes. By signing the insurance policy, you agree to undertake certain preventive measures related to burglary and frost damages.

Depending on location and insured amount, AXA - as any other French insurer - will insist on a certain number or type of locks on your entrance doors. Windows should in most cases be secured with shutters or bars. If you leave the house for more than 24 hours, all shutters should be closed. In some instances AXA may require installation of an alarm system linked to a surveillance service.

If your house is left uninhabited and unheated for more than three consecutive days during the period 15 November to 15 March, the central heating system should be emptied or secured with an anti-freeze liquid. In addition, the main water tap should always be turned off when the house is left for extended periods.

Failure to comply with the requirements of your contract will lead to reduction or forfeiture of the indemnity.

The standard home insurance (“assurance multirisque habitation”) only covers damages on third parties. However, AXA offers cheap accident coverage for children (around 15 euros per year) covering activities at home, at school and outside.