No time to waste if you're burgled

Although the number of burglaries has reduced across France – by 5.8% in rural areas and 1% in towns – there has been an increase in robberies targeting secondary homes, with a 30% rise in urban areas and 3.5% in the country.

If you are a victim you must inform police within 24 hours and your insurer within 48 hours then follow up quickly to the insurer with a registered letter giving your policy number, contact details and a copy of the police or gendarmerie récépissé du dépôt de plainte.

Police will usually visit your house to start inquiries, so clearing up must wait. If your insurer sends a locksmith or glazier to help secure your property keep broken locks or glass for the police.

Prepare a list of anything stolen or damaged for your insurer and make it clear that it is being done sous réserve (in case you discover other objects stolen and can add them later).

Do not throw out any damaged items until your claim has been settled.

You will need to prepare a full file to support your claim with receipts, bank statements, photos or videos etc, to confirm possession, estimates of repair costs plus the value of what has been stolen.

Depending on the amount being claimed, the insurer may send an expert to do their own estimation.

There is no set period in law for compensation to be paid but this may be written in your insurance contract.

Insurance comparison site lesfurets.com says the average delay is about a month.