Insurance d'Habitation legal question
Discussion
Hi all, we were renting an apartment in Nice for a couple of years, and took out the mandatory Insurance d'Habitation for the property. Before the start of the second year, I went to see the insurance company, and asked for the certificate to be renewed.
The English lady I spoke to said that the insurance would renew automatically so I didn't need to do anything. I can't remember her exact words, but she also said something which gave me reason to believe that if the premium was not paid, the insurance would cancel.
At the tail end of last year, we moved out but didn't tell the insurance company to cancel the policy.
They are now claiming that I should have cancelled the insurance at the end of last year, with a letter sent to the insurance company by registered mail, and that I am responsible for the insurance for this current year.
I didn't receive an insurance policy or bill at the new address, it was probably sent to the old address, but they managed to send a debt collector's letter to the new address so they must be aware of the move somehow.
I don't know enough about French law, can anyone tell me if the insurance for this year is my responsibility because I didn't cancel?
The English lady I spoke to said that the insurance would renew automatically so I didn't need to do anything. I can't remember her exact words, but she also said something which gave me reason to believe that if the premium was not paid, the insurance would cancel.
At the tail end of last year, we moved out but didn't tell the insurance company to cancel the policy.
They are now claiming that I should have cancelled the insurance at the end of last year, with a letter sent to the insurance company by registered mail, and that I am responsible for the insurance for this current year.
I didn't receive an insurance policy or bill at the new address, it was probably sent to the old address, but they managed to send a debt collector's letter to the new address so they must be aware of the move somehow.
I don't know enough about French law, can anyone tell me if the insurance for this year is my responsibility because I didn't cancel?
I'm pretty sure that the only way to cancel under French law is to notify them by registered mail 2 months BEFORE the renewal date otherwise you are on the hook for another year. I do seem to remember that the law around insurance renewal terms was going to be or has been changed for some type of insurances but I've no idea what they are.
EDIT:
Just looked it up and it's the Loi Hamon and gives you the right to cancel at the end of the first years contract but you still have to give notice via registered mail and it looks as though you have to have proof that relevant insurance has been taken out with another provider before the policy is cancelled (not sure how that can work if ypu are leaving the country though!).
EDIT:
Just looked it up and it's the Loi Hamon and gives you the right to cancel at the end of the first years contract but you still have to give notice via registered mail and it looks as though you have to have proof that relevant insurance has been taken out with another provider before the policy is cancelled (not sure how that can work if ypu are leaving the country though!).
Edited by Perik Omo on Wednesday 5th July 17:27
slf2012 said "They are now claiming that I should have cancelled the insurance at the end of last year, with a letter sent to the insurance company by registered mail, and that I am responsible for the insurance for this current year."
Perk Omo said "I'm pretty sure that the only way to cancel under French law is to notify them by registered mail 2 months BEFORE the renewal date otherwise you are on the hook for another year. I do seem to remember that the law around insurance renewal terms was going to be or has been changed for some type of insurances but I've no idea what they are.
Yes and yes.
Quoting loi Chattel enables you to cancel within 20 days of the postmark on the renewal premium notice that is invariably sent much closer than 2 months before renewal. Sometimes the notice is only in your client space online, even though you may not be aware of agreeing to that option......
It seems odds to Brits, but basically buidings, cars etc MUST be insured here in case a third party is injured etc, that's why it's usual to prove to the ins company that you have a new policy or have sold a car when cancelling their insurance.
There are many differences between French and UK insurance that Brits need to be aware of.
Perk Omo said "I'm pretty sure that the only way to cancel under French law is to notify them by registered mail 2 months BEFORE the renewal date otherwise you are on the hook for another year. I do seem to remember that the law around insurance renewal terms was going to be or has been changed for some type of insurances but I've no idea what they are.
Yes and yes.
Quoting loi Chattel enables you to cancel within 20 days of the postmark on the renewal premium notice that is invariably sent much closer than 2 months before renewal. Sometimes the notice is only in your client space online, even though you may not be aware of agreeing to that option......
It seems odds to Brits, but basically buidings, cars etc MUST be insured here in case a third party is injured etc, that's why it's usual to prove to the ins company that you have a new policy or have sold a car when cancelling their insurance.
There are many differences between French and UK insurance that Brits need to be aware of.
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