Client's Question: At which point during the french property purchase does the purchaser's responsibility for building insurance start. Is it on exchange of contracts or completion?

You are required to have insurance in place on completion day, so this is something you should start organising once the compromis is signed, and the sale is going ahead. When you attend the notaire's office for the final signing she will require proof that the property is insured, so you should take your policy document with you on that day. It is common practice for the buyer to continue with the vendor's policy, but this is by no means obligatory, and you would be wise to shop around for the best deal before committing yourself.

There are a number of local insurance companies that can provide quotes, as well as local banks, and of course there are now a number of U.K based insurers who specialise in property abroad, so there is plenty of choice out there.

We work closely with an English speaking French insurance agent for all regions of France, and would highly recommend them for price and service, for further details just contact them via their Club Cle France page.

Blog submitted by: Sharon at Cle France.