Second Home Insurance in France: Why It Pays to Shop Around

A Guide for International Property Owners (2026)

Owning a second home in France—whether a holiday property, investment property, or future retirement home—is a dream for many international buyers. However, protecting that property with the right insurance is essential.

Many homeowners simply accept the insurance offered by their bank or the insurer recommended during the property purchase process. Yet French insurance law and market competition mean that shopping around for second home insurance can often lead to better coverage and lower premiums.

Understanding your rights and the key elements of a comprehensive policy can help you secure protection that truly fits your property and lifestyle.

Your Right to Switch Insurers: The Loi Hamon

One of the most important consumer protections in France is the Loi Hamon, which allows policyholders to change certain insurance policies more easily.

Under this law, homeowners can cancel and switch their home insurance (assurance habitation) at any time after the first year of the contract, without penalties.

Before the Loi Hamon reforms, many insurance contracts automatically renewed each year, making it difficult to change providers. Today, once the first 12 months of the policy have passed, homeowners are free to switch insurers whenever they find a better offer.

The process is generally straightforward. In most cases, the new insurer or broker can handle the cancellation of the existing policy, ensuring continuous coverage during the transition.

For second-home owners, this flexibility creates a strong opportunity to compare policies regularly and optimise both coverage and cost.

What a Comprehensive Second Home Policy Should Cover

In France, the most common type of home insurance is known as Multirisque Habitation (MRH). This is a comprehensive policy designed to protect both the property and the owner’s liability.

For a second home, several areas of coverage are particularly important.

Public Liability (Responsabilité Civile)

Public liability insurance is a core component of any French home insurance policy.

This protects the homeowner if someone is injured or suffers damage connected to the property. For example, if a visitor slips on a staircase or a falling roof tile damages a neighbour’s property, the liability coverage can help cover legal and compensation costs.

For second-home owners who rent occasionally or host guests, this coverage is particularly important.

Theft and Burglary Protection

Second homes are naturally more vulnerable to theft because they are often unoccupied for extended periods.

Most French insurance policies include protection against burglary and theft, but homeowners must pay attention to specific policy conditions.

A common requirement is the 90-day unoccupancy clause. This means that if the property is left empty for more than 90 consecutive days, the insurer may require additional security measures such as alarms, reinforced locks, or monitored systems.

If these conditions are not met, theft coverage could be reduced or excluded.

Water Damage and Extreme Weather

France has experienced increasingly severe weather events in recent years, making weather-related protection an essential part of second-home insurance.

A comprehensive policy should include coverage for:

  • Water damage from leaks or burst pipes

  • Storm and wind damage

  • Flooding and heavy rainfall

  • Natural disaster protection under the French catastrophe naturelle system

For homes located near coastal regions, rivers, or mountainous areas, this coverage becomes even more important.

Understanding Deductibles and Premiums

One of the most important financial mechanics in insurance is the relationship between deductibles (franchises) and annual premiums.

A deductible is the amount the homeowner must pay before the insurance coverage begins.

In general:

  • Higher deductible = lower annual premium

  • Lower deductible = higher annual premium

For a property that is rarely used, choosing a higher deductible can significantly reduce insurance costs.

This approach works particularly well for second homes because the likelihood of frequent claims is often lower than for primary residences.

However, homeowners should ensure that the deductible level remains financially manageable if a claim occurs.

Why Working with a Broker Makes a Difference

When purchasing property in France, many buyers are offered insurance through their bank or mortgage provider.

While convenient, these policies are often standardised group policies designed for large numbers of clients. As a result, they may not always provide the best coverage for non-resident owners or second homes.

An independent insurance broker works differently.

Rather than selling a single insurer’s product, brokers compare multiple insurers across the market to find the most suitable policy for each client.

This can offer several advantages:

Tailored policies
Brokers can find policies designed specifically for second homes and international owners.

Better pricing
By comparing multiple insurers, brokers often identify more competitive premiums.

Flexible coverage
Policies can be adapted to account for seasonal occupancy, holiday rentals, or extended vacancy periods.

Expert advice
A broker understands the nuances of French insurance law and can help homeowners avoid gaps in coverage.

Final Thoughts

Second homes in France require careful insurance planning, particularly when the property may remain empty for extended periods.

Thanks to the Loi Hamon, homeowners now have the freedom to review and switch insurance providers after the first year, making it easier to find better coverage and pricing.

By ensuring your policy includes strong liability protection, burglary coverage, and weather-related protection, and by carefully adjusting deductibles, it is possible to optimise both security and cost.

Working with an independent broker can further help ensure that your policy is tailored to the realities of owning a second home in France, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all insurance solution.

Blue Sky Finance helps international property owners navigate the financial aspects of owning real estate in France. Alongside mortgage advice, we assist clients in understanding the insurance and financial planning considerations that come with French property ownership.