Tradespeople see insurance more as an obligation than as a help, according to a study

For tradespeople, insurance seems to be more of an obligation than a search for security, shows a study published this week, while the Chambers of Trades are encouraging them to take better ownership of these issues.

Insuring one's business is above all a "legal obligation" for 48,3% of the 172 artisans and traders who responded to the survey conducted from June to September by the insurer specializing in SMEs, Solly Azar.

Only 11% see it as "financial security in the event of a problem", 19,2% as "an essential step in carrying out their profession with peace of mind", and 21,5% as "a guarantee of professionalism and trust for customers".

This study was published during a press meeting organized Thursday by Solly Azar in the presence of officials from the Chambers of Trades and Crafts (CMA).

When asked "what do you expect from your insurer?", 50% of people answered "complete and rapid management in the event of a claim", 43% a balance between guarantees and prices, and 29,7% "a good price".

Price is a barrier to taking out professional insurance for 55,8% of respondents, "the lack of clear information" for 32% and "the complexity of the offers" for 23,8% of them.

Solly Azar CEO Philippe Saby regretted that craftsmen see insurance as an obligation, rather than a form of support, and he highlighted the contradiction between high expectations and a keen focus on price: "A small premium means a small refund; there is no magic money," he observed.

Fabienne Munoz, vice-president of CMA France, regretted that "training in the basics of entrepreneurship for new artisans, particularly in terms of insurance, is no longer mandatory."

Some insurance is compulsory, such as professional civil liability (RC Pro), ten-year civil liability in construction or supplementary health insurance from the first employee.

But cases of ignorance have been mentioned, such as that of a craftsman established near a flooded river in a country village, who was insured against attacks but not against floods.

Fabienne Munoz felt that "tailor-made offers" were needed for artisans, including reduced complexity and moderate cost.

The CMAs themselves, she stressed, offer training courses including elements on insurance and provide craftsmen with a self-diagnosis to identify their insurance needs.

They also offer emergency aid of 1.500 euros in the event of a natural disaster, which supported 500 companies in 2024.