Preparing a move isn't just about sorting, packing or finding the right service provider. It also means taking care of a few essential administrative formalities. Whether you're a tenant or a homeowner, there are certain procedures to follow when cancelling your home insurance in the event of a move. Les Gentlemen du Déménagement gives you their advice.
Can I cancel my home insurance at any time?
Did you know that home insurance is governed by the French Insurance Code? In particular, it specifies the cancellation conditions. It stipulates that all policyholders must wait at least one year before cancelling their home contractIn the event of exceptional circumstances: change of marital status, change of profession, retirement and... moving! (article L113-6 of the French Insurance Code).
If you move house, you must cancel your home insurance within three months of vacating your old home. To comply with the procedure, and to be sure that your request will be taken into account, you must send your insurer your request by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
The definitive cancellation of your home insurance contract will be effective one month after your request has been sent, on the date of signature of the acknowledgement of receipt.
What proof do I need to cancel my home insurance policy?
Beyond your contact details, the termination letter must include several items of information. You must indicate :
- your current contract reference ;
- its expiry date ;
- the reason for terminating your contract ;
- the desired cancellation date.
Also ask for a refund of the portion of the insurance premium relating to the period your home was unoccupied.
Depending on whether you're a tenant or a homeowner, you'll need to enclose the following supporting documents : sale of the property, inventory of fixtures at the end of the rental period, invoice for cancellation of your water or electricity subscription, proof of purchase of a new property or rent receipts.
To make the process easier for yourself, and to be sure you haven't forgotten anything in your request, don't hesitate to use the pre-filled cancellation letter templates available on insurers' websites.
Do I have to cancel my home insurance policy if I move?
If you're moving house and want to cancel your policy, it's a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity to get quotes and compare different home insurance policies to find the best deal.
That said, you're under no obligation to cancel your current home insurance policy. It can be transferred to your new home. Simply contact your insurer directly. If the company approves your request, you'll receive an amendment to your policy and a new home insurance certificate. However, be sure to re-examine the clauses and guarantees you have subscribed to, to ensure that your property is adequately covered.
Loi Châtel and Loi Hamon for cancelling home insurance
The Châtel law, which came into force in 2008, obliges insurers to inform their policyholders when the anniversary date of their contract is approaching. If policyholders wish to change insurer, they have the option of cancelling their contract before it is tacitly renewed.
In force since 2015, the Hamon law known as the "consumer law", for its part, gives the option of cancelling a home insurance policy after just one year of membership, without penalty. As mentioned above, exceptional circumstances, such as moving house, may allow you to cancel before this first year, at no cost!