A studio apartment measuring 18 m², with an induction hob, a new mattress and a laptop on the desk: this is the typical property owned by a student tenant. Insuring this home is not just another administrative formality. It is a legal requirement—and, above all, coverage whose value becomes clear the moment a claim arises.
Tenant’s liability cover and personal liability: two separate protections
The landlord or CROUS residence requires proof of insurance before handing over the keys. The minimum required policy covers rental risks, meaning damage to the property itself caused by fire, an explosion or water damage.
This cover protects neither the student’s personal belongings nor the neighbours if the damage spreads. Personal liability cover protects against damage caused to third parties, but it is a separate type of cover. In practice, a policy limited to rental risks leaves students with no way to claim for destroyed furniture and no protection if water damages the flat below.
You can find affordable student home insurance with an instant certificate for the CAF that combines both types of cover, helping you avoid discovering a gap in your protection after a claim.
Student home insurance: how cover varies depending on the property
Most students take out comprehensive home insurance (MRH). It combines rental risk cover, personal liability and protection for household belongings against theft, fire and water damage.
The type of accommodation affects the scope of the policy. In a CROUS university residence, the living space is small and the communal areas are managed by the institution. The policy covers the room or studio occupied by the student. In a private rental, the lease may include a cellar, parking space or balcony, and the policy should cover all the areas listed.
What to check before signing
- The household contents payout limit: a low-cost policy may cap reimbursement at just a few hundred euros, which is not enough if you own a computer and other valuable equipment
- The excess per claim: some policies advertise low premiums but make up for it with a high excess, leaving little or nothing to claim for minor damage
- Theft exclusions: a policy may require a reinforced door or specific locks that the property does not have, voiding cover in the event of a break-in
- Cover for portable devices: a laptop stolen from your home is covered by standard comprehensive home insurance, but the same device stolen from the library requires specific cover that must be added to the policy
Student house shares: joint or individual insurance policies
In a house share, insurance needs to be considered as soon as the lease is signed. There are two options: one housemate takes out a joint policy, or each occupant takes out an individual policy.
A joint policy makes things simpler, but you should check that every housemate is named on it. A policy in just one occupant’s name does not automatically cover the others or their belongings. Every housemate must be able to provide the landlord with proof of insurance, whether the policy is joint or individual.
With an individual lease for each room (common in shared accommodation), every tenant takes out their own policy. This is the clearest option: everyone knows exactly what they are covered for and what their excess is.
The risk when a housemate moves out
When a housemate moves out during the lease, the joint policy must be updated to remove their name and, if necessary, add the new occupant. Failing to update it could result in a claim being rejected if the incident involves someone who is not listed on the policy.
Rising premiums and insurance premium tax
The cost of home insurance does not depend solely on the student’s circumstances. Insurance premium tax on certain policies has risen from 12% to 20%. This regulatory change affects premiums regardless of the size or location of the property.
For students on a budget, comparing policies remains the best way to save. Premiums can vary by as much as twofold between insurers for similar cover. Checking the excess and the payout limit matters more than focusing solely on the advertised monthly price.
Making a claim: deadlines to meet to receive compensation
A leak on a Sunday evening, an attempted break-in during the holidays: incidents can happen at any time. The deadline for reporting a claim is set out in the policy and varies depending on the type of incident.
Missing the deadline may result in reduced compensation or a rejected claim. Depending on the insurer, you can report a claim by registered post, online or by phone, but keeping photos of the damage and receipts for damaged belongings will help speed up the process.
For water damage, a joint incident report must be completed with the neighbour concerned or the residence manager. Without this document, the insurer cannot determine who is responsible.
Student home insurance is like a safety net you only need when something goes wrong. The cheapest policy is not always the one that offers the best protection: what matters is choosing cover that genuinely matches your accommodation, your belongings and the risks you face every day.
