Filing a Plumbing Insurance Claim in Paris
Understanding French Home Insurance for Plumbing
In France, every tenant and homeowner is legally required to have home insurance (assurance habitation). The good news: this insurance covers water damage (degats des eaux), which is the most common claim in French apartments. The bad news: the process involves strict deadlines, specific forms, and coordination between multiple parties. This guide walks you through every step.
The 5-Day Rule
You must declare the water damage to your insurance company within 5 working days of discovering it. This is a legal deadline — missing it can reduce or void your reimbursement. The declaration should be sent by registered letter (lettre recommandee avec accuse de reception). Most insurers also accept initial declarations by phone or through their website, but always follow up with the registered letter.
The Constat Amiable de Degat des Eaux
If the water damage affects multiple apartments (which it usually does in Paris buildings), all parties must fill out a standard form called the "constat amiable de degat des eaux." This form is available from any insurance company. It is filled out jointly by the responsible party and the affected party. If you caused the damage (e.g., a leak from your apartment), you fill it out with your downstairs neighbor. Both of you then send copies to your respective insurers.
What Documentation You Need
Gather the following: photos and videos of the damage taken immediately after the incident, the plumber's report (rapport d'intervention) detailing the cause and repair, the plumber's invoice (facture), any receipts for emergency purchases (towels, dehumidifiers, etc.), a list of damaged property with estimated values, and any previous quotes for items that need replacement. The more thorough your documentation, the smoother the claim.
The Insurance Expert Visit
For claims above a certain threshold (typically 1,600 EUR), your insurer will send an expert (expert d'assurance) to assess the damage in person. Do not repair or clean anything before this visit if possible. If you must make emergency repairs (e.g., fixing a burst pipe to restore water), take photos first and keep all receipts. The expert will determine the amount of reimbursement.
Tenant vs. Owner Responsibility
In France, tenants are responsible for minor plumbing maintenance (replacing washers, unclogging drains, maintaining fixtures). The owner (proprietaire) is responsible for major repairs (replacing pipes, fixing structural plumbing, water heater replacement if it was included with the apartment). If you are a tenant and a major plumbing failure occurs, your insurance covers the water damage to your belongings and your neighbors, while the owner's insurance covers the structural repairs.
Tips for a Smooth Claim
Always use a licensed plumber who provides proper invoices — insurers reject claims based on informal repairs. Keep copies of everything: the constat, your declaration letter, all correspondence. If your French is limited, ask your plumber to provide documentation in both French and English. Follow up with your insurer by phone one week after filing. Typical reimbursement takes 30 to 60 days after the expert visit.
