Are you moving to France to study and have been asked for a civil liability or “responsabilité civile” insurance certificate?
You might be asking if this insurance is required. The answer is yes. But don’t worry, we’re here to help and answer any questions you have.
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. You can read the official text on Legifrance (in French).
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.
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 coverage for civil liability. You typically need to show this certificate when signing your lease and every year at contract renewal.
- School enrollment: Many schools and universities in France require a civil liability insurance to process your application.
- Sports clubs: Many sports clubs require proof of civil liability since accidents can happen during training, competitions, or events.
- Short-stay visa: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to stay in France for up to 3 months and provide proof of valid travel insurance that covers medical repatriation, emergency care, and hospital treatment. The insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries for your entire stay and provide at least €30,000 in coverage, including medical repatriation and emergency or hospital care.
How can I get civil liability insurance?
Contact your local bank or insurer to get this insurance. Make sure the policy covers you to study abroad and meets visa requirements.
If you cannot get this insurance in your home country, we suggest using WorldTrips Insurance, part of the Envisage Global Insurance Group. Their insurance covers medical and travel expenses, as well as personal liability. This option is specifically designed for international students coming to France to study and meets French visa requirements. For more information about the insurance premium and all coverage details, download the WorldTrips brochure or write directly to info@envisageglobalinsurance.com.
Sign up (minimum 30 days): Health and Travel Insurance
After you sign up for WorldTrips insurance and pay your premium, you will get all policy details and terms by email within 3 business days. Please check your spam folder if you do not see the email.
You can also get this insurance after arriving in France. Most students obtain civil liability insurance through home insurance (assurance habitation). It is also available with health insurance (mutuelle), school insurance (assurance scolaire), or as a standalone contract. You can sign up for these policies at most insurance companies or banks in France.
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.
