The three most common claim types

DÉGÂT DES EAUX
Water damage

Leaks, infiltrations, overflows. 30% of all home claims. Constat amiable + 5-day deadline.

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INCENDIE
Fire damage

Fire, explosion, smoke, lightning. Call 18 first. Firefighter report + 5-day deadline.

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CAMBRIOLAGE
Burglary / theft

Break-in required for cover. Police plainte within 24h + 2-day insurer deadline.

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Declaration deadlines summary

Home insurance claim deadlines summary
Event Police report ? Insurer deadline
Water damageNo5 working days
Fire / explosion / lightningFirefighter report5 working days
Burglary / theftYes, mandatory (24h)2 working days
VandalismYes, recommended5 working days
Glass breakageNo5 working days
Natural disaster (declared)No10 days from decree
Storm / hailNo5 working days
Electrical damageNo5 working days

Source : article L113-2 of the Code des assurances. Working days = jours ouvrés (Mon-Sat excluding bank holidays).

General tips for any home insurance claim

  1. Photograph EVERYTHING immediately. Before any cleanup, drying or repair attempt. Wide shots, close-ups, multiple angles. Time-stamped if possible.
  2. Notify your insurer on day 1, even briefly. A quick app message or email starts the clock and prevents disputes about late declaration.
  3. Keep receipts for emergency measures. Plumber call-out, security replacement, drying machine rental, hotel for the night : all reimbursable with proof.
  4. Don't throw away damaged items until the expert has visited. They may want to inspect or appraise items individually.
  5. Make an inventory with proof of value. Original purchase receipts where possible, photos, serial numbers, warranty cards. Without proof, the insurer pays standard valuations : usually less.
  6. Read your conditions générales for the specific franchise and exclusions on this guarantee. Common exclusions catch people off-guard.
  7. Cooperate with the expert. Provide access, documents, witnesses. Antagonising the expert delays the indemnification.
  8. If the offer is too low, contest it. You can request a counter-expertise (your expert vs theirs) at your expense. For major claims, the cost is worth it.
  9. If the insurer refuses, escalate to the Médiateur de l'assurance (free, independent) : mediation-assurance.org.

Indemnification process (common to all claims)

  1. Acknowledgment of receipt : within a few days of your declaration ;
  2. Claim file opened with a reference number ;
  3. Damage assessment : partner expert or photo review depending on amounts ;
  4. Determination of liability if relevant (water damage between neighbours, fire originating from a third party) ;
  5. Indemnity offer : written, with detailed breakdown ;
  6. You accept or contest within 30 days ;
  7. Payment : within 30 days of acceptance, by bank transfer to your IBAN, minus the franchise.

For major claims requiring reconstruction, the process can take 3-12 months. The insurer often pays in stages : initial advance, intermediary payments, final payment after work completion.

"Valeur d'usage" vs "valeur à neuf"

Two different ways your insurer values damaged or stolen items :

  • Valeur d'usage (depreciated value) : the item's value at the time of the claim, taking into account age and wear. Default in most contracts. A 3-year-old laptop bought €1,200 might be valued at €600.
  • Valeur à neuf (replacement value) : the cost of buying an equivalent new item. Optional, more expensive premium. Usually capped at items less than 5 years old.

If you have valuables that depreciate quickly (electronics, designer items), tick the "valeur à neuf" option at subscription. The premium increase is modest ; the indemnification difference can be substantial.

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