Home Insurance in France: Guide for International Students

Introduction

Why is home insurance essential during your stay in France? Not only is it legally required, but it also protects your home (and your wallet) in case of incidents.

Here’s everything you need to know, along with our top recommendations for international students.

Let’s dive in! 😊

Home Insurance: Why Do You Need It, and How Much Does It Cost?

Why do I need it?

Getting home insurance isn’t just an administrative step; it’s vital for a secure life in France. Here’s why you should get it as soon as you find your housing:

• Legal protection: French law requires tenants to have home insurance to cover potential property damage. Without it, you might have to pay out of pocket for any issues.
• Peace of mind: It covers incidents like fires, water damage, theft, or vandalism. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but if something happens, your insurance will handle most of the costs.
• Essential for renting: Landlords require proof of insurance before signing a lease. Without it, you won’t be able to finalize your rental agreement.
• Building trust with your landlord: Showing that you’re insured reassures your landlord and helps avoid conflicts in case of damages.

What does it cover?

Home insurance comes with various levels of coverage. Here’s a breakdown:

• Liability insurance: Mandatory and covers damages you may cause to others. For instance, if a leak from your apartment damages your downstairs neighbor’s ceiling, your insurance handles the repair costs.
• Comprehensive home insurance: Offers extended coverage, including:
  
  • Protection for your belongings: Furniture, clothing, electronics, and personal items.
  • Common incidents: Fires, water damage, theft, severe weather (hail, storms), natural or technological disasters.
  • Assistance services: Temporary housing or expense coverage if a major incident renders your home uninhabitable.

💡 Tip: Providers like Luko or Lovys let you add specific options such as coverage for valuables or legal protection. Tailor your plan to meet all your needs.

How much does it cost?

Prices depend on the type of coverage and your housing situation:

• Liability insurance only: Starts at around €5/month.
• Comprehensive home insurance: For full protection, expect to pay €10–€20/month.

What influences the price?

• The size and location of your home.
• The value of the items you’re insuring.
• Optional extras like theft coverage or expanded guarantees.

The Best Home Insurance Options for International Students

Finding a home insurance provider that’s simple, affordable, and tailored to your lifestyle is key. Here are four excellent digital options to suit students and roommates alike:

Luko: Simple, affordable, and fast

Luko is ideal for international students, offering an English-friendly platform and easy solutions for shared apartments.

• Ease of use: Sign up online in just two minutes and get your insurance certificate instantly. Everything is fully digital.
• Flexibility: Cancel anytime with no fees or penalties.
• Competitive pricing: Plans start at €5.33/month.

What it covers: Luko provides comprehensive coverage for fire, water damage, and severe weather. It also offers temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable and additional options for theft or vandalism coverage.

Lemonade: Modern and affordable

Lemonade combines intuitive design with budget-friendly rates, making it a great choice for students.

• Affordable pricing: Coverage starts at just €4/month.
• Customizable plans: Easily add theft protection or legal coverage.
• Digital-first: Manage everything through their user-friendly mobile app.

What it covers: Comprehensive insurance for water damage, fires, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism. Optional add-ons protect your belongings against theft or vandalism, even outside your home.

Lovys: Flexible and customizable

Lovys stands out for its transparency and fully digital approach, perfect for young renters seeking simple solutions.

• Attractive rates: Starting at €3.99/month.
• Tailored coverage: Adjust your plan to include options like valuables or legal protection.
• Responsive service: Reach out via chat, email, or phone.

What it covers: Basic protection for common incidents like water damage, fires, and severe weather, as well as liability coverage. Optional extras include theft, vandalism, and extended legal protection.

How to Choose the Right One?

Even though these insurance providers offer similar coverage, each one has its own strengths:

• Luko and Lemonade are known for their speed and flexibility — a great fit if you’re looking for something easy and hassle-free.
• Lovys is ideal if you want a plan that adapts to your specific needs and budget.

It’s really up to you to see which option works best — it depends on your budget, the type of place you’re renting, and what you need.

Don’t hesitate to ask other students what insurance they picked.

And if you’ve already tried one of these 4 options, feel free to share your feedback — it helps us keep our recommendations sharp 😉

How to Manage Your Home Insurance Contract

Managing your home insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s everything you need to know to set up, handle claims, or cancel your contract seamlessly 😉

Setting up your contract

• Choose your provider: Compare plans to find one that fits your needs (e.g., shared apartments, optional extras).
• Sign up online or contact an agent: Most insurers, like Luko or Lovys, offer quick online signup. Prefer human interaction? Reach out to an advisor.
• Prepare your documents:
  
  • ID (passport or national ID).
  • Lease agreement or landlord certification.
  • Bank details for automatic payments.
• Receive your certificate: Once approved, download your insurance certificate online and provide it to your landlord.

Filing a claim

• Report the incident quickly:
  
  • Standard claims (e.g., water damage): Report within five business days.
  • Theft or vandalism: Report within two business days.
• Gather required evidence:
  
  • Photos or videos of the damage.
  • Police report (for theft/vandalism).
  • Receipts for damaged or stolen items.
• Follow your insurer’s instructions:
  
  • They may request an assessment before approving your claim.
  • Once validated, reimbursement or cost coverage will follow.

💡 Tip: Always take photos of your place during the check-in inspection. They can be super helpful if there’s ever a dispute or you need to make a claim.

Cancelling or switching providers

Switching home insurance is easy, especially after the first year of your contract thanks to the Hamon Law. Here’s how to do it:

• When to cancel:
  
  • After the first year: Cancel anytime with 30 days’ notice.
  • Before the first year: Cancellation is only possible for valid reasons (like moving out or leaving the country), unless you’re with a provider like Luko — their contracts are commitment-free.
• How to cancel:
  
  • Send a cancellation request by registered mail or through the insurer’s online portal.
  • Provide 30 days’ notice.

Switching providers? New insurers can often handle the cancellation process for you.

Useful Info

• Some European insurance plans can be transferred to France — just make sure to check the conditions.
• Certain contracts include coverage abroad or for temporary housing.
• If you ever need to make a complaint, you can contact the Insurance Mediation Service.

Conclusion

Digital solutions have revolutionized home insurance, making it more accessible, especially for international students. With affordable options starting from just €4/month and 100% online services, finding the right insurance has never been easier.

Still looking for a place to live? Fingers crossed you’ll find your dream home soon! 🤞