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TRAFFIC

Traffic jam warnings issued across France as holidaymakers drive home

People travelling in France on Saturday should brace for busy roads and traffic jams, warned the country's traffic forecaster.

Published: 28 August 2020 14:18 CEST
Traffic jam warnings issued across France as holidaymakers drive home
The coronavirus situation has lead to more people than usual opting for the car as a means of transport this year, to avoid crowding on trains and planes and potential exposure to the virus. P

With August approaching its end and schools set to reopen on September 1st, France's main holiday season is also drawing to a close.

Many French holidaymakers will be making their way back home this weekend, causing traffic jams across the entire French mainland.

Bison Futé, the government-run site that monitors traffic levels in France, has placed the whole country on “red alert” on Saturday.

Red is the second highest level after black and signals 'very heavy' traffic.

 

Photo: Bison Futé

The return direction will however be “green”, so anyone driving away on holiday on Saturday can rejoice in normal driving conditions.

Roads are predicted to be a little less crowded on Sunday, with the entire country on “yellow” level, the third highest.

 

Traditionally a much-used means of transport for French holidaymakers, coronavirus made the car even more popular this year, with people perceiving it as a lower-risk option than trains or planes.

The French government issued a warning for people hitting the road on Saturday, reminding them to prepare their journey in advance, rest up, and ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before taking off.

They also recommend taking breaks every two hours and adapt the speed to the conditions on the road.

 

The map below shows what roads to look out for on Saturday (yellow signals “difficult” traffic, red “very difficult”).

 

For decades, August has been France's main summer holiday month, rivalled only by July. More recently, a new type of holidaymakers known as septembristes (September-makers) have appeared – probably to avoid the juilletistes and aoûtiens (those leaving in July or August).

READ ALSO: Juilletistes vs Aoûtiens: Do France's two summer holiday tribes still exist? 

 

 

 

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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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