House insurance

This needs some explaining because the British and French systems are very different and in fact, thankfully, here in France, the system is much fairer!


Buildings Insurance

To begin with, in the U.K. House Buildings Insurance will cover the cost of rebuilding your house in the event of a disaster BUT to the value deemed appropriate by an 'Expert'. This invariably falls short of the actual re-build price therefore you are left with a shortfall. If the Insurance Company can prove that you are under-insuring your property, they will deduct this percentage from the total they should be paying you! (this is the famous "proportional rule").

"Not fair" I hear you cry!

Fear not, here in France things are, thankfully, different!
The price of the house is calculated by taking into account numerous factors which the Insurance Company must consider.

We know your postcode, we also know how houses are built in your particular area, the rate of and type of accidents that occur in that area and then, as if by magic, we know the average building cost per m2 or principal room.

I know it"s hard to believe but you must accept that this is actually very precise and there is a tolerance value of up to 10%. In laymans terms it means that you will be well covered for the whole of the re-build because it's more difficult to miscalculate the surface area or main rooms. It is because of this that it"s very easy to avoid being under-insured.

A note of caution here, some Insurance Companies will have a clause stating that it will re-build with modern material and if you have an old farm house or such-like you will not be able to re-build to the same charm that first attracted you to the place!

With Generali we state clearly that we will re-build with identical material therefore maintaining the charm and elegance of your home.

Contents Insurance

Here we will insure 100% new for old, as simple as that!
Some companies will have small print clauses saying "less wear & tear" or "25% of capital".

All House insurance, by law, must include public liability and this at Schreinemachers includes people & pets - Horses and donkeys too! Children"s school insurance is also included here and you can upgrade this for your little ones if you wish.

Our Generali conditions booklet is available in English for you to read.

Contact us for more information

The team