Before moving in, taking out home insurance is a legal requirement for all student tenants in France. At a minimum, it covers rental risks (water damage, fire, explosion), but coverage options vary depending on your property and situation.
- ✓Student housing insurance is mandatory, and a certificate must be provided to the landlord when the keys are handed over.
- ✓Basic plans cover rental risks, with available options for personal liability, theft, and furniture protection.
- ✓Your policy should be chosen based on the type of housing and the total value of the belongings you wish to insure.
- ✓A comprehensive “Twenty Assur’” insurance package is offered during booking, negotiated specifically for Twenty Campus residents.
Setting up in a new student home is a major milestone, often synonymous with independence and new challenges. However, before you unpack, you need to understand the role and importance of student housing insurance. This is far from a mere formality; it ensures your peace of mind and financial security throughout the academic year.
Why is student housing insurance mandatory, and what does it actually cover?
As a student tenant, taking out home insurance is a legal obligation in France. Upon signing the lease and receiving the keys, the landlord or agency will require a comprehensive home insurance certificate (*attestation d’assurance multirisques habitation*). This requirement applies to all types of housing: studios, dorm rooms, shared apartments, or private rentals. The main goal is to protect the landlord against rental risks—specifically damage caused to the property, such as fire, explosion, or water damage.
The minimum coverage required by law is the “rental risks” guarantee. It covers the costs of damage to the building itself. However, this basic coverage does not protect your personal belongings (furniture, electronics, laptop, clothes) or damage caused to third parties (neighbors, common areas). For this reason, it is highly recommended—and often included in student policies—to opt for additional guarantees, particularly Personal Liability (*responsabilité civile vie privée*). This is essential as it covers unintentional damage you may cause to others in your daily life, at university, during internships, or even abroad in some cases.
Failing to provide proof of insurance can lead to serious consequences: the landlord may terminate your lease or take out insurance on your behalf, often at a higher cost with additional fees. It is therefore imperative to be insured from day one and to renew your certificate every academic year.
How to choose the best student insurance for your situation?
The choice of your policy depends on several criteria related to your profile, your home, and your budget. Insurance companies generally offer several tiers of student home insurance. It is important to compare included guarantees, options, deductible amounts (*franchises*), and the insured value of your belongings.
Key points to check before signing up:
- Type of housing: CROUS room, studio, apartment, university residence, flat-share, or homestay.
- Number of rooms and the total value of your personal property (*capital mobilier*).
- Optional guarantees: Theft, glass breakage, electrical damage, legal protection, and coverage for computer equipment.
- Personal Liability: Essential for everyday accidents or during school-related internships.
- Subscription terms: Online sign-up, immediate certificate delivery, and the ability to modify the contract mid-year.
Here are some criteria to consider when selecting your plan:
- Desired protection level (from basic “rental risks” to comprehensive multi-risk).
- The deductible amount: the out-of-pocket cost you pay in the event of a claim.
- Contract duration and cancellation terms.
- Annual or monthly pricing adapted to a student budget.
In a flat-share (*colocation*), you can either take out a single policy for all roommates (joint lease) or an individual policy for each person (individual lease). Ensure that every roommate is properly covered, particularly for personal liability. Some contracts allow you to add multiple roommates at no extra cost.
Watch out for coverage exclusions: some contracts do not cover cash, jewelry, or valuables, and theft coverage may only apply if there is evidence of a break-in. Take the time to read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) to avoid any surprises.
Best practices before and after moving in
Before moving in, you must subscribe to a plan and obtain your certificate to give to the landlord. Today, this can be done very simply online in just a few minutes, with the document sent immediately via email. Make sure to keep your login details for your “client area” to manage your policy, file a claim, or update your coverage.
Make it a habit to:
- Confirm that personal liability is included in your policy.
- Accurately estimate the value of your belongings so you are fully covered in case of a claim.
- Keep all purchase receipts for your devices and valuable items.
- Read carefully the legal conditions and the procedures for reporting a claim.
After moving in, remember to:
- Renew your student insurance contract every year.
- Update your address or coverage if you move or change your situation (internship, work-study, or semester abroad).
- Take advantage of assistance services included in your plan (emergency repairs, legal protection, or rehousing costs).
Finally, keep in mind that French law allows you to cancel your home insurance at any time after the first year, or sooner if your situation changes (moving out, graduation, etc.). Managing your insurance should remain simple and tailored to your student life.
