Insurance lobby defends announced rate hike next year

"These two factors are combining to put upward pressure on prices," Lustman said, adding that she could not comment on the pricing policies of the association's members.

Car and home insurance premiums will increase significantly next year, according to research published in recent days by several specialist firms.

One of them, Addactis, estimates, for example, that the increase will be between 5% and 5,5% on average in France for car insurance and between 7,5 and 8% for multi-risk home insurance contracts, due to more numerous and more costly claims.

Facts & Figures is predicting fairly similar increases: between 4 and 6% for car insurance and around 5% for home insurance.

These increases are well above inflation, measured in France at 0,9% over one year in August, according to the latest INSEE figures, and raise questions about the ability of policyholders with limited budgets to keep up with them over time.

"What is imposed on all of us (...) is a general increase in risks both in frequency and intensity," particularly natural events, "but not only," said Ms. Lustman.

"We are seeing a galloping inflation in repair costs, whether it be material repairs (cars, buildings, etc.) or compensation for bodily injuries to victims," ​​she added.

According to Addactis, the French will pay an average of 325 euros excluding tax per year for their home insurance next year, and 563 euros excluding tax for their car insurance.