You’re moving to France to study, and you’ve been asked for a civil liability insurance certificate?
Yes, it is one of the important administrative steps you need to go through, but don’t worry—we’re here to answer your questions and guide you so you can plan your student life in France with as little stress as possible.
What is civil liability?
Civil liability, referred to as “responsabilité civile” in French, is your legal obligation to compensate others for harm you cause, whether bodily injury or property damage.
In your everyday student life, this might mean accidentally spilling coffee on your classmate’s laptop, bumping into someone in a crowded student lounge and causing their smartphone to fall and break, or even not seeing a pedestrian on your way home and colliding with them on your bicycle, resulting in serious injuries.
Civil liability insurance covers the costs for the victim, so you’re not paying out of pocket, especially for bodily injuries which can be very expensive.
Civil liability in the French Civil Code
Civil liability is defined in the French Civil Code. For your understanding, we’ve focused on the main articles that define the concept in France:
Article 1240: Tout fait quelconque de l’homme, qui cause à autrui un dommage, oblige celui par la faute duquel il est arrivé à le réparer.
Any act of man that causes damage to another obliges the one by whose fault it occurred to compensate it.Article 1241: Chacun est responsable du dommage qu’il a causé non seulement par son fait, mais encore par sa négligence ou par son imprudence.
Everyone is liable for damage caused not only by their own act, but also by negligence or imprudence.Article 1242: On est responsable non seulement du dommage que l’on cause par son propre fait, mais encore de celui qui est causé par le fait des personnes dont on doit répondre, ou des choses que l’on a sous sa garde.
You can also be held liable for damages caused by people you are responsible for (such as minors) or by objects under your care.
You can read the official text on Legifrance (in French).
Is civil liability insurance mandatory in France?
Yes, civil liability insurance is mandatory and applies in many situations affecting students like you:
- Renting accommodation: Your landlord will likely request proof of insurance including civil liability coverage. You typically need to show this certificate when signing your lease and every year at contract renewal.
- School & University enrollment: Most language schools and universities in France require a civil liability insurance certificate to process your application.
- Sports clubs: Many sports clubs require proof of civil liability since accidents can happen during training, competitions, or events.
How can I get civil liability insurance?
Most students in France obtain civil liability insurance through home insurance (assurance habitation). You can also get it with other contracts, such as health insurance (mutuelle) or school insurance (assurance scolaire). Standalone liability insurance contracts are also available.
You can sign up for these policies at most insurance companies or banks in France.
Independent home insurance comparator: UFC-Que Choisir
What is/is not typically covered?
Civil liability insurance generally covers accidental damages.
However, it does not cover intentional damages and damages related to driving a car, which require separate coverage (car insurance).
| Covered | Not covered |
| Medical costs and compensation if you accidentally injure someone. | Intentional damage or gross negligence. |
| Repair or replacement if you accidentally damage someone’s belongings or housing. | Professional activities and motor vehicules (requires separate coverage). |
If you have any questions regarding civil liability and life in France, you can contact our team.
We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the process of studying in France.
