Our Guide to Insurance Cancellation in France
Originally posted on & updated on 15th November, 2025
With the cost of products and insurance services increasing year after year, homeowners, expats and families in France are taking time to scrutinise their insurance arrangements and policies, especially for health and life insurance contracts, including the small print, cancellation and automatic renewal dates.
As December/January will be insurance renewal time for many families, property owners and businesses in France, now is a good time to get prepared, just in case something unexpected happens to you or your loved ones.
Here’s some basic information about taking out, renewing or cancelling a French insurance policy if you are planning to move to France, or already live there.
Insurance is Mandatory in France
In France, health, home, and car insurance are compulsory for all individuals, regardless of age. And French residents must be covered for Civil Responsibility Insurance (assurance responsabilité civile) as it’s considered that an accident can happen anywhere or anytime; and whether you are the injured party or responsible for an accident, it’s everyone’s responsibility to fix and repair any damage that may have occurred; it’s a duty.
This is why your notaire will ask about your home and contents insurance before completion, as you must by law have an insurance contract when you receive the keys to your new house. People who are not insured will end up having to pay compensation at their own expense and may be subject to heavy fines, possibly prosecution, depending on the seriousness.
About French Insurance
In France, all insurance companies are regulated by the Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority, which has specific laws governing the rights and obligations of the insured and insurers. The policy with the insured is a ‘proper’ contract and must be taken very seriously. When signing an insurance contract in France, it’s essential to understand the statements that you have made and the extent of your cover if you need to claim.
Choosing an Insurance Company
Before choosing an insurance contract, be aware that the cancellation process may differ significantly from those used at home. In France, you can’t let an insurance policy lapse or cancel with a last-minute phone call or email.
All insurance contracts are made on an automatic renewal basis (reconduction tacite) thus your policy will be renewed automatically the following year unless you have given prior notice, usually in writing.
Renewal of Insurance in France
If you are considering changing because of a lower premium, better coverage, or because you want the policy in English, ensure you cancel your previous contract first. And if you don’t follow the correct insurance cancellation procedure, you may be liable to pay the full year’s premium, even if you have taken out an alternative policy. Until 2014, people were required to cancel their insurance contracts with sufficient notice, typically 2 or 3 months prior to the renewal date, and by registered letter.
What is the Hamon Law in France?
Named after its creator, Benoît Hamon, the Hamon Law came into effect on 1 January 2015 as part of France’s broader consumer protection legislation. This law empowers policyholders to cancel renewable insurance contracts, such as car, motorcycle, home, and mortgage insurance, after one year, without fees or penalties.
The goal? To simplify cancellation procedures, provide consumers with the freedom to switch providers effortlessly. Whether to adjust coverage to their changing needs or secure better rates, the Hamon Law makes it easier than ever to take control of your insurance policies and find the best deal. No longer being locked into outdated or overpriced contracts, just flexibility and fairer choices.
Loi Hamon and Termination of a Contract
Under the new loi Hamon (from March 2014), consumers can terminate their insurance contract at any time after the first anniversary date, but must provide evidence to their current provider that they have taken out a new policy with another insurer. A “cancel online in 3 clicks” law was launched in June 2023.
The easiest and most practical way is to ask your new insurance company to prepare a letter on your behalf confirming that you are covered, or you can send them a copy of your new policy with details of the new insurer. You must put your cancellation notice in writing and send it by registered post (LRAR). The insurer will have 30 days to cancel the policy. Apply today to find out if our insurance team can save you money.
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