Renewable energies occupy a growing place in the global and French energy landscape. More and more homes are opting to integrate equipment using these resources to reduce their energy bill while contributing to the fight against climate change. However, such a choice can also have consequences on your home insurance, particularly in terms of guarantees and prices. Discover the different aspects to take into account when installing equipment running on renewable energies.
The equipment concerned
Several types of installations using renewable energies can be integrated into your home:
- Photovoltaic solar panels: they make it possible to produce electricity using solar radiation.
- Thermal solar panels: they are used to heat domestic water or to supply a central heating system.
- Domestic wind turbines: they provide electricity using the power of the wind.
- Heat pumps: they extract heat from the air, ground or water to heat your home.
- Solar water heater: it captures solar energy to produce domestic hot water.
It should be noted that certain equipment, such as photovoltaic solar panels or domestic wind turbines, require a prior declaration of work to your town hall.
The impacts on your home insurance guarantee
Coverage of the equipment itself
In general, home insurance includes coverage for equipment linked to renewable energies in their basic guarantees. However, it is recommended to check this information with your insurer, as some insurance companies may exclude these facilities from their standard contracts.
In this case, you will need to take out a specific endorsement to insure your equipment using renewable resources. It may also be necessary to provide your insurer with a certificate of conformity and safety of the installation carried out by a certified professional.
Civil liability
When you install equipment running on renewable energies, your civil liability may be incurred in the event of damage caused to others. For example, if a solar panel comes loose and damages a car parked nearby, you could be held liable.
It is therefore important to check that your home insurance contract includes civil liability coverage covering possible damage caused by your renewable equipment. If this is not the case, you will need to take out a specific additional guarantee.
The consequences on home insurance rates
Installing equipment that runs on renewable energy can have an impact on your home insurance rates. Indeed, these installations represent a financial investment and are generally more expensive than traditional equipment. As a result, their value is taken into account in determining the capital to be insured, which may lead to an increase in the insurance premium.
However, some insurance companies offer price reductions for households that have opted for environmentally friendly energy solutions. It is therefore recommended to compare market offers and obtain information from several insurers in order to benefit from the best possible conditions.
The advantages linked to energy sobriety
In addition to installing equipment that uses renewable energy, implementing measures to improve the energy performance of your home can also work in your favor with your insurance:
- Risk reduction: By adopting simple actions and carrying out insulation work, you can reduce the risk of heating-related claims, such as fires or water damage.
- Adding value to your property: An energy-efficient home equipped with renewable installations is generally more attractive on the real estate market, which can result in better coverage in the event of a claim.
In conclusion, integrating equipment that runs on renewable energy can have a significant impact on your home insurance. It is therefore essential to check the guarantees offered by your contract and compare market offers to benefit from the best possible protection. Do not hesitate to seek advice from professionals such as brokers in order to better inform yourself.
