Buying home insurance in France is essential for protecting your property, but many homeowners only discover the limits of their cover after making a claim. Like any insurance contract, French home insurance policies contain exclusions—situations where the insurer will not provide compensation.
Understanding these exclusions is just as important as knowing what your policy covers. For expatriates and non-residents managing a property from abroad, this knowledge can help avoid costly surprises.
What are policy exclusions ?
An exclusion is a situation, event or type of damage that is not covered by your insurance contract.
Some exclusions are common to almost all insurers, while others vary depending on the policy you choose.
Before signing a contract, it is important to read both the guarantees and the exclusions carefully.
Damage caused by poor maintenance
Home insurance is designed to protect against sudden and unexpected events—not problems resulting from poor maintenance.
For example, insurers may refuse to cover damage caused by :
- Neglected roofs ;
- Unrepaired leaks ;
- Deteriorated plumbing ;
- Faulty electrical installations ;
- Structural defects that were already known.
Regular maintenance remains the homeowner’s responsibility.
Wear and tear
Insurance does not cover the natural ageing of a property.
Items that gradually deteriorate over time due to normal use generally fall outside the scope of a home insurance policy.
Examples include :
- Ageing paintwork ;
- Worn flooring ;
- Old boilers reaching the end of their lifespan ;
- Corrosion or rust developing over many years.
These costs are considered part of normal property ownership.
Vacant property restrictions
For expatriates and holiday home owners, one of the most important exclusions concerns vacancy.
Many insurers reduce or suspend certain guarantees if the property remains unoccupied for longer than the period specified in the contract.
This particularly affects :
- Theft ;
- Vandalism ;
- Water damage discovered late ;
- Malicious damage.
If you live abroad or only visit your French property occasionally, choosing a policy designed for second homes is essential.
Undeclared rental activity
If you rent out your property, your insurer must be informed.
A policy designed for owner occupation may not cover :
- Furnished rentals ;
- Holiday lets ;
- Airbnb-style short-term rentals ;
- Seasonal occupancy.
Failure to declare rental activity could lead to the insurer refusing a claim.
Valuable items above policy limits
Most home insurance contracts include compensation limits for valuables.
These may include :
- Jeellery ;
- Watches ;
- Works of art ;
- Antiques ;
- Luxury handbags ;
- Collectible items.
If the total value exceeds the limits stated in your contract, additional cover may be required.
Keeping purchase invoices and updated valuations can also simplify the claims process.
Intentional damage and illegal acts
French home insurance does not cover intentional acts committed by the insured.
Similarly, losses resulting from illegal activities or fraudulent behaviour are excluded.
Insurance is designed to protect against accidental events, not deliberate damage.
Damage excluded under specific guarantees
Some guarantees contain their own exclusions.
For example :
- Swimming pools may require optional cover ;
- Garden furniture may only be insured up to certain limits ;
- Solar panels may need specific declarations ;
- Home offices may require professional insurance if used for business purposes.
Reading the detailed conditions is therefore essential.
Example
David lives in Hong Kong and owns a holiday home in Normandy.
The property remains empty for six months every year.
Following a burglary, he discovers that his standard home insurance excludes theft after 90 consecutive days of vacancy.
Had he chosen a policy specifically designed for second homes, the claim could have been covered.
This illustrates why understanding exclusions is just as important as comparing premiums.
How can you avoid unpleasant surprises ?
Before purchasing a policy, make sure you :
- Declare how the property is actually used ;
- Inform the insurer if you rent the property ;
- Check vacancy clauses carefully ;
- Verify cover limits for valuable belongings ;
- Review optional guarantees relevant to your property ;
- Update your contract whenever your situation changes.
For expatriates, working with a broker familiar with international property ownership can help identify hidden exclusions before they become a problem.
Conclusion
French home insurance provides valuable protection, but no policy covers every possible situation. Understanding exclusions is essential to ensure your property, belongings and investment are adequately protected.
Rather than choosing insurance based solely on price, it is worth comparing guarantees, exclusions and policy conditions to find cover that truly matches your needs.
At France Protect Insurance, we help expatriates, non-residents and international property owners understand exactly what their French home insurance covers—and, just as importantly, what it does not. Our independent advisors compare policies from leading insurers to ensure you receive protection tailored to your property and your lifestyle abroad.