pay attention to the insurance you take out

Like Cadet-Roussel, you have several houses and have been sharing your time between them since the start of the pandemic. If you think you are covered in the same way for these main and secondary residences, be careful. The guarantees of these two types of insurance contract are quite distinct. “The major differences relate to the amount of capital covered in the event of a claim and the precious objects “, underlines Eric Audrain, head of the comprehensive home offer at Pacifica, the property and casualty insurance subsidiary of Crédit Agricole Assurances.

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First point of vigilance: the period of vacancy. Integrated into each contract, it varies depending on the insurer. “An insured who leaves his main residence for more than 30, 45 or 90 consecutive days may, in the event of a claim, obtain zero compensation, reduced or suffer increased deductibles”, specifies Julien Fillaud, director of the comparator Hyperassur.

To avoid this risk and maintain an optimal level of coverage, contact your insurer before packing your bags. Because if the contracts offer a basic basis, which varies from one company to another, they are all customizable. “You must declare that you want to remove this clause of inhabitation or extend the duration of the vacancy”, advises Julien Fillaud.

As the risk is increased, the insurer may increase your monthly premium, in the order of 5 to 10% in general, to cover you identically, or list the exclusions. The process is the same if you change your lifestyle and transform your interior, for example by creating an office area in your second home with the latest computer equipment. Again, report the changes to your insurer, because “It is possible to increase the guarantees of your contract to adapt it to your residence”, says Eric Audrain.

Coverage ceilings

Second point to check, the types of goods covered. Indeed, many contracts stamped “second home” do not insure valuables (regardless of the disaster). Others cover valuable items (jewelry, works of art) against burglary under conditions. Finally, don’t forget to carefully consider the coverage limits, which can vary from one to two depending on the type of contract.

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As each company calculates its rates according to its own criteria, such as the region, the type of accommodation (house or apartment), its size and the guarantees requested, to find the best quality / price ratio, “You have to compare the premiums of the two types of contract and choose the one that seems most appropriate to your personal situation”, points out Julien Fillaud.

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