Natural disaster zones declared near Nice: insurance deadline looms

Four communes in the Alpes-Maritimes department have been declared as natural disaster zones, allowing the owners of properties damaged by landslides there earlier this year to claim compensation. 

The communes of Coaraze, Saint-Jeannet, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Vence were officially declared as catastrophe naturelle zones for landslides they faced in March 2024. 

The landslides were related to heavy rain in the area, and not to movements of the soils due to drought, as is becoming more common in many areas of France.

Publication confirming a commune as a natural disaster zone in the Journal Officiel gives affected homeowners 30 days to make a claim to their insurer over the damage. 

These four communes were added to the Journal Officiel on September 23, giving affected property owners two weeks to lodge their claims (no later than October 23, but it is best to claim as soon as possible). 

To do so, they will need to start a claims process with their insurer, which can be completed via phone, or email, but it is recommended to have official proof by sending your claim via lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception (registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt).

Homeowners will also need to provide proof of the damage from the weather event so attaching additional proof such as pictures, etc is useful. 

Compensation should be received within three months. More information on how to claim can be found in our explainer article below. 

Read more: France’s ‘catastrophe naturelle’ insurance system: how to claim

There is no extension on the 30-day limit for second-home owners.