Insurance is up: tips to keep prices affordable

Factors influencing hikes include rising accident rates and extreme weather.

Household multirisques insurance has also risen by around 3%, says insurer Actuaris.

You can cancel either of these at any time (with notice) if you have had them for at least a year and insurers often offer low rates to entice you to change.

Check also that you are not paying for non-essential guarantees. On household insurance, it is cheaper to insure goods at valeur d’usage (with wear and tear), not à neuf (to replace with a new item).

Take a look at franchises (excess) too: you can often pay less if you agree to higher ones.

For car insurance, cutting extras such as bris de glace (windscreen cover) can help, or going for a tiers élargi formula, which will include cover for theft but is cheaper than comprehensive.

Some insurers offer low rates to low mileage drivers (petits rouleurs), while others have reductions for conducteurs responsables willing to have their driving monitored via a box or app.