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LIVING IN FRANCE

What changes about life in France in February 2020

The coldest, grayest month of the new year brings changes in energy prices, but also the day of lovers and a French pancake day. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 1 February 2020 10:36 CET
What changes about life in France in February 2020
All photos: AFP

La Chandeleur

Before we get going on the boring stuff, here's some happy news for this weekend. Sunday is La Chandeleur, the French religious holiday when people eat a lot of crêpes.

Read more about the tradition of La Chandeleur and the slightly peculiar French ways of eating their crêpes that day here.

Livret A 

Livret A is the general French savings account – untaxed and available to all. Starting on February 1st, the interest rate will decrease from 0.75 percent to 0.50 percent, meaning a little less cash for all those using it for their general savings.

Gas prices 

Gas gets cheaper in February, following the pattern of the total 12 percent price drop over the course of 2019.

February’s total decrease of 3.3 percent is larger than January’s of 0.9 percent.

The reduction will be 3.5 percent for households depending on gas for heating, 0.9 percent for those using gas for cooking, and 2 percent for homes ticking both boxes.

Electricity prices 

As predicted last month by French media, electricity prices will increase this year, with an initial hike of 2.4 percent in February for individuals and small businesses. 

For a residential consumer the hike will be €21 on average, according to the Conseil supérieur de l’énergie (CSE).

Valentines Day

February 14th is the international day of lovers. Not sure where to bring your special other? Strasbourg has dedicated 10 full days to transforming into a city for lovers. From February 7th-17th, 'Strasbourg Mon Amour' promises 40 special love-themed events all around the city.

Read more about both this and other visit-worthy events in France this year here.

Paris is a popular city for lovers. Photo: AFP

Code du travail goes online

Good news for everyone who is a bit fatigued with all the French paper-bureaucracy. Starting now you may check anything related to your rights as an employee in France on the newly launched and personalised site code.travail.gouv.fr.

Péages d'autoroutes

France's motorway network operates a toll system where drivers pay at the péages d'autoroutes (toll booths) depending on how far they travel. On February 1st there will be an increase between 1 and 1.5 percent in prices, depending on where you are travelling, the government announced in November.

Taxi prices

Taxi prices in France are fixed by the French state. In February, there will be a small increase of the minimum price of a taxi ride, from €7.10 to €7.30.

Brexit.

Starting February 1st, the European Union will have one less member as the UK formally exits the union on January 31st. 

For UK citizens living in France and other European countries, this is far from the end of it. What happens during the transition period (until December 31st) will be decisive for those intending to leave the UK or stay abroad.

Follow all out Brexit coverage here.

 

 

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PROPERTY

How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

Storm Ciaran’s property-wrecking passage through France - with another storm forecast for the weekend - may have many people wondering how comprehensive their insurance cover is. 

Published: 3 November 2023 15:45 CET
How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

In the wake of Storm Ciaran, thousands of property owners in France are preparing insurance claims – with initial estimates of the bill for damage between €370 million and €480 million.

Home insurance is compulsory in France, whether you own the property you live in or you rent – and it must include some level of storm damage cover. 

Check also to see if your insurance provides cover in case of a declaration of a catastrophe naturelle.

The garantie tempête (storm guarantee) covers damage caused by violent winds. What constitutes a ‘violent wind’ varies from contract to contract, but there appears to be a widespread consensus of agreement on wind speeds over 100km/h.

In most insurance contracts, this covers damage caused by the storm and within the following 48 hours – so you’re covered if, for example, a tree weakened by the storm comes down within that period and damages your property.

Be aware that, while the storm guarantee automatically covers the main property, it generally only covers any secondary buildings and light constructions – such as a veranda, shed, solar panels, swimming pool or fence – if they are specifically mentioned in the contract. 

The same is true of any cars damaged by debris. A basic insurance contract might not include storm damage, so it is always worth checking.

Damage must be reported to your insurer as quickly as possible. The deadline for making declarations is usually five days after any damage is noticed. This is especially important for second home owners, who may not be at the property when the damage occurs. 

In some cases – such as in the aftermath of Storm Ciaran – insurers may extend the reporting period. But under normal circumstances, it’s five days after the damage has been discovered.

What happens next

To make a claim, the first thing to do is contact your insurer by phone or email. Your insurer will take you through the next steps, but usually you have to send in a declaration – which should include an estimate of any losses and for any repairs, with evidence where possible, such as photographs and any receipts for purchases. 

Your insurer may also request proof of wind intensity, which can be provided for example by a nearby weather station.

The insurance company may appoint an expert to come and assess the damage, so make sure to keep damaged property safe until they arrive, as well as all invoices for any urgent repair work. 

What if you’re a tenant?

If you rent your property, you must report any damage inside the accommodation to your insurer and also notify your landlord so that they can file their own claim. 

In the case of a co-propriete, you must declare damage inside the accommodation to your insurer, while the trustee sends his own declaration to the collective insurance (which sometimes covers the private areas) .

How long does it take for claims to be settled?

Payment of the compensation provided for by the “storm guarantee” depends your home insurance contract. After the insurer has estimated the amount of damage, compensation is generally paid between 10 and 30 days following receipt of the insured’s agreement.

What if we got flooded?

In the case of flooding, you may have to wait for a natural disaster order to be issued. 

Catastrophe naturelle

The ‘state of natural disaster’ is a special procedure that was set up in 1982 so victims of exceptional natural events, such as storms, heavy rain, mudslides and flooding, as well as drought, can be adequately compensated for damage to property.

The government evaluates each area and deems whether it qualifies for the status of catastrophe naturelle (natural disaster). 

Essentially once a zone is declared a natural disaster, victims can claim from a pot of funds created by all insurers. If the zone is not declared a disaster, insurance companies are under no obligation to pay out. 

Under a “state of natural disaster” residents are covered for all those goods and property that are directly damaged by the phenomenon, in this case storms.

It applies to residential or commercial buildings, furniture, vehicles and work equipment that are already covered by insurance policies.

Homes must be already covered by a multi-risk insurance policy for the status of natural disaster to count.

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