A burglary in your French property can be stressful, especially if you live abroad and manage the situation remotely. Whether the property is a main residence, holiday home or rental investment, knowing the right steps can help secure the premises and support your insurance claim.
For expatriates and non-residents, preparation is key. French insurers usually require evidence, a police report and timely notification before compensation can be considered.
Step 1 : Secure the property
Your first priority is safety.
If you or someone on site discovers a burglary, avoid touching anything before the police arrive, unless urgent action is needed to prevent further damage.
Once authorised, you should arrange temporary repairs such as replacing locks, boarding up broken windows or securing damaged doors.
Step 2 : Contact the police
In France, a burglary must be reported to the police or gendarmerie.
You will need to file a formal complaint, known as a dépôt de plainte.
The police report is one of the key documents your insurer will request when processing your claim.
For non-resident owners, a trusted local representative, property manager or tenant may be able to assist with the process.
Step 3 : Notify your insurer quickly
After contacting the police, inform your insurer as soon as possible.
Most home insurance policies impose a strict deadline for declaring theft or burglary claims, often within a few working days.
Your insurer will ask for details such as :
- The date of discovery ;
- How the property was accessed ;
- Damaged doors or windows ;
- Stolen items ;
- Photographs ;
- The police report reference.
Step 4 : Prepare an inventory of stolen items
A clear inventory will help your insurer assess the claim.
Include as much detail as possible :
- Item descriptions ;
- Purchase dates ;
- Estimated values ;
- Invoices or receipts ;
- Photographs ;
- Serial numbers for electronics ;
- Valuation certificates for jewellery, art or antiques.
For furnished rentals and holiday homes, keeping an updated inventory before any incident is highly recommended.
Step 5 : Check your policy conditions
Burglary cover often depends on specific security requirements.
Your policy may require :
- Certified locks ;
- Shutters or reinforced doors ;
- An alarm system ;
- Regular occupancy ;
- No extended vacancy beyond a stated period.
If these conditions are not met, compensation may be reduced or refused.
This is particularly important for holiday homes that remain empty for long periods.
Step 6 : Wait for the insurer’s assessment
Depending on the value of the claim, the insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to inspect the property and verify the damage.
The adjuster may review :
- Signs of forced entry ;
- Stolen items ;
- Proof of ownership ;
- Repair estimates ;
- Compliance with security conditions.
Once the assessment is complete, the insurer will confirm the eligible compensation under the policy.
Example
James owns a holiday apartment in Cannes but lives in London.
After a neighbour notices a broken window, James contacts his property manager, who secures the premises and reports the burglary to the police.
James then sends photographs, the police report and an inventory of stolen items to his insurer.
Because his policy includes burglary cover for second homes and the required security measures were in place, the claim is processed efficiently from abroad.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is starting repairs or cleaning up before documenting the damage.
Another is failing to file a police complaint, which can prevent the insurer from processing the claim.
Owners should also avoid underestimating the importance of invoices and photographs. Without proof of ownership, reimbursement may be limited.
Finally, expatriates should check vacancy clauses carefully, as some policies restrict theft cover when a property is unoccupied for too long.
Conclusion
In the event of a burglary in France, acting quickly and methodically is essential. Securing the property, filing a police report, notifying the insurer and providing evidence will help support your claim.
For expatriates and non-residents, the best protection starts before the incident : suitable burglary cover, clear inventories and a policy adapted to second homes or rental properties.
At France Protect Insurance, we help expatriates, non-residents and international property owners compare French home insurance policies with burglary protection adapted to their property, occupancy pattern and life abroad.