top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Am I insured for subsidence?

Is subsidence covered by household insurance? G.V.

Subsidence (affaissement) is covered by most multirisques habitation household contracts but usually under the cover for catastrophes naturelles (natural disasters), related to drought, flood, earthquakes etc.

Claims can be met only if you have relevant insurance and if the government has published a decree in the Journal Officiel declaring a state of natural disaster covering the area where you have your home.

Usually this will cover a whole commune but sometimes it is limited to only part of it.

 Once the decree has been published, the way is open for insurance companies to pay out quickly – they are partly compensated through a special fund. Claims have to be lodged within 10 days.

The first stop is to ask at the mairie to see if a decree has been issued. If there is no decree, you can ask the mairie to get one from the Ministère de la Cohésion des territoires. You may have to pay for a survey, although it might be covered by a protection juridique clause as part of your home insurance. As well as the mayor, you could contact your MP, senator and departmental or regional councillors and anyone else you believe might have some influence. 

If you are successful, you will still have to contribute a franchise légale of €1,520 if the damage the claim relates to has been caused by drought, or the re-hydration of the soil.

If you find cracks in the home due to subsidence and your home was built in the last 10 years, you can make use of the garantie décennale, the 10-year builder’s guarantee. This should cover problems relating to the
solidity of your home in this period.

Also if you discover subsidence after a purchase, you might be able to make a claim against the seller for a vice caché (a hidden defect), but this can be difficult. The problem needs to have existed before you purchased it but not have been obviously apparent to you at the time. Finally, if the subsidence is due to actions of a neighbour or the council, then you can sue them.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France