Water damage (dégât des eaux) is one of the most common home insurance claims in France. Whether caused by a burst pipe, a leaking roof, faulty plumbing or an overflowing washing machine, water damage can quickly become expensive—especially if you own a property from abroad.
For expatriates and non-residents, knowing how to react can make the claims process much smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a water damage claim in France.
What is considered water damage ?
French home insurance generally defines dégât des eaux as accidental damage caused by water escaping unexpectedly.
Typical examples include :
- Burst or frozen pipes ;
- Leaking plumbing ;
- Overflowing baths, sinks or washing machines ;
- Roof leaks after heavy rain ;
- Water infiltration through walls or ceilings ;
- Leaking radiators or heating systems.
The exact definition depends on your insurance policy, so it is always worth checking the contract.
Step 1 : Prevent further damage
Your first priority is to limit the damage.
If possible :
- Turn off the water supply ;
- Switch off electricity if it is safe to do so ;
- Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area ;
- Take temporary measures to prevent additional damage.
Most insurance policies expect policyholders to take reasonable action to minimise losses.
Step 2 : Document the damage
Before starting repairs, gather as much evidence as possible.
Useful documentation includes :
- Photographs of the damage ;
- Videos showing the affected areas ;
- Invoices for damaged belongings ;
- Repair estimates ;
- Plumber or contractor reports.
The more evidence you provide, the easier it will be for the insurer to assess your claim.
Step 3 : Notify your insurer promptly
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after discovering the damage.
Many insurers allow claims to be submitted :
- Online ;
- By telephone ;
- Through a mobile application ;
- Via your insurance broker.
Reporting the claim quickly helps speed up the assessment and repair process.
Step 4 : Complete the claim declaration
Your insurer will usually ask for :
- Your policy number ;
- The date of the incident ;
- A description of what happened ;
- Photographs ;
- Supporting invoices or estimates ;
- Contact details for anyone else involved.
If the leak has affected neighbouring properties, additional documentation may be required.
Step 5 : If neighbours are involved
Water damage in apartment buildings often affects more than one property.
In these situations, insurers may ask the parties involved to complete a joint water damage report, known in France as a Constat Amiable Dégât des Eaux.
This document identifies :
- The origin of the leak ;
- The affected properties ;
- The parties involved ;
- The insurers responsible.
Completing this report accurately helps insurers determine liability more efficiently.
Step 6 : Assessment and repairs
Depending on the extent of the damage, the insurer may appoint a loss adjuster (expert) to inspect the property.
The expert evaluates :
- The cause of the damage ;
- The cost of repairs ;
- Whether the claim is covered ;
- The amount of compensation.
For smaller claims, photographs and repair quotations may be sufficient without an on-site inspection.
How long does the process take ?
The timeframe varies depending on :
- The complexity of the claim ;
- Whether several insurers are involved ;
- The value of the damage ;
- Whether an expert’s report is required.
Simple claims may be settled within a few weeks, while larger or more complex cases can take longer.
Tips for expatriates and non-residents
Managing a claim from another country can be challenging.
To simplify the process :
- Keep digital copies of your insurance documents ;
- Maintain an inventory of valuable belongings ;
- Nominate a trusted local contact if possible ;
- Choose an insurer offering remote claims management ;
- Work with a broker experienced in assisting international property owners.
These measures can save considerable time if a claim occurs while you are abroad.
Example
Emma lives in Dubai and owns an apartment in Paris that she rents out.
After the tenant reports a burst pipe, Emma immediately contacts her insurer, sends photographs and asks a local plumber to secure the property.
Because the neighbouring apartment is also affected, both occupants complete a Constat Amiable Dégât des Eaux.
The insurers coordinate the claim, an expert assesses the damage and the repairs are completed without Emma needing to travel to France.
Conclusion
Water damage is one of the most frequent home insurance claims in France, but acting quickly can significantly reduce both the cost and the disruption. Knowing how to document the damage, notify your insurer and complete the necessary paperwork will help ensure a smoother claims process.
For expatriates and non-residents, choosing an insurer with efficient claims handling and international support can make all the difference.
At France Protect Insurance, we help expatriates, non-residents and international property owners choose home insurance policies that provide comprehensive water damage protection and efficient claims support, wherever they are in the world.