A study unveiled by Acheel highlights the significant variations in home insurance prices in France for the last quarter of 2024. Based on a sample of 200,000 home comprehensive insurance contracts taken out between May 2021 and September 2024, this analysis highlights marked differences depending on regions and cities, influenced by various risk factors. This data shows to what extent the cost of home insurance can impact the purchasing power of French households, depending on their place of residence.
Price differences linked to risks and types of housing
Home insurance premiums vary according to several criteria, including location, type of property (house or apartment), and exposure to risks. Prices are generally higher in large cities, where the risks of burglary and vandalism are more frequent, but also in regions more exposed to climatic hazards. Cities such as Paris, Marseille and Nice are among the most expensive, with annual premiums well above the national average.
Ranking of cities: Paris at the top, Rennes the most affordable
The ranking of the 40 largest French cities reveals that Paris comes first with an average annual premium of €148.15, followed by Montreuil (€141.74) and Boulogne-Billancourt (€141.10). These cities, where the cost of real estate is already very high, impose significant insurance costs on households. Marseille and Saint-Denis complete the top 5 with bonuses of €138.14 and €135.16 respectively.
In contrast, Rennes is the most affordable city with an annual premium of €75.10, followed by Angers (€76.37) and Brest (€76.68). These medium-sized cities, where risks are generally lower, allow residents to benefit from more accessible insurance costs.
The regions: disparities between the north and the south
Insurance premiums also vary by region. Brittany remains the cheapest region for apartments with an average premium of €76.66, while Île-de-France is the most expensive at €127.66. For houses, Pays de la Loire offers the lowest average price at €148.14, while Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has the highest price at €213.10. These regional differences reflect exposure to climate risks and disasters, which are more marked in the south of France.
Southern regions, such as Occitanie and PACA, are increasingly experiencing natural disasters, notably the shrinkage-swelling of clays, a phenomenon aggravated by droughts and extreme precipitation. This phenomenon causes dangerous cracks in homes, which contributes to increased home insurance premiums.
Risk factors: burglaries and climatic events on the rise
In 2023, France recorded a 3% increase in burglaries compared to the previous year, reaching 217,600 cases, according to the Interior Ministry. At the same time, climate losses cost insurers around €6.5 billion, reflecting the growing impact of climate change on insurance premiums. These two major factors influence the amount of premiums, particularly in urban areas where burglaries are more frequent, and in regions exposed to natural disasters.
Outlook for 2025: an expected increase in premiums
The study anticipates an increase in home insurance premiums of around 8 to 10% in 2025, due to the increase in claims and the additional premium linked to natural disasters. The company, which wishes to position itself as one of the most competitive players on the market, offers an average premium of €125.21 for its HRM contracts, well below the national average estimated at €279.
This study on home insurance prices in France reveals regional inequalities and highlights the impact of place of residence on household purchasing power. While big cities and high-risk regions charge high premiums, less exposed areas offer more affordable rates.
Photo credit: DR
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