Decennial insurance certificate: content, delivery and checks
The decennial certificate (attestation décennale) proves that a professional is insured for the activities they carry out. Since 2014 in France, it must be attached to quotes and invoices. Lev Assurances helps you obtain a certificate that genuinely matches your projects.
- Attached to quotes and invoices
- Regulated certificate template
- Activities and validity period stated
NEED ADVICE?
What the certificate must show
- Insurer and insured business
- Policy number and validity period
- Covered activities
- Geographical area covered
- Any limits (project cost)
A legal requirement
Article L243-2 of the French Insurance Code, introduced by the Act of 18 June 2014 (Pinel Act), requires professionals subject to decennial insurance to attach their certificate to their quotes and invoices. An order of 5 January 2016 set a standard certificate template so that clients can easily read the key information.
The certificate states, in particular, the insurer, the policy number, the validity period, the covered activities and the geographical area. It may also set limits, such as a maximum project cost. An activity missing from the certificate is not covered: this is the first thing to check. See covered activities and exclusions.
Decennial cover generally applies to projects started during the validity period of the policy. This is why the project owner should keep the certificate in force on the date works started, even if the policy is cancelled later.
Working without insurance exposes you to criminal penalties under article L243-3 of the French Insurance Code (up to six months’ imprisonment and a €75,000 fine), as well as personal liability if a claim arises. For the project owner, the certificate complements dommages-ouvrage insurance.
More about decennial insurance
Construction insurance
Overview of construction insurance in France: decennial, dommages-ouvrage, professional liability.
Decennial liability (BTP)
Our main page on decennial insurance for construction professionals.
Covered activities and exclusions
Why declared activities determine what is covered.
Dommages-ouvrage insurance
The project owner’s insurance, complementary to decennial cover.
Decennial insurance for a new business
Getting insured before your first job when you start out.
How we review your decennial insurance
Describe your activity
Your trade, techniques, turnover and share of subcontracting help target the right covers.
Gather your documents
Business registration, qualifications or proof of experience, previous certificates and claims history if any.
Review the offers
Covered activities, limits, excesses and exclusions are reviewed with you before signing.
Receive your certificate
Once the contract is in force, the decennial certificate can be attached to your quotes and invoices.
Let’s review your decennial insurance
Tell us about your activity, your experience and your projects: Lev Assurances reviews your file, looks for available solutions and, if an insurer accepts, supports you until you receive your certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the decennial certificate compulsory on a quote?
Yes. Article L243-2 of the French Insurance Code requires it to be attached to quotes and invoices for work subject to decennial insurance.
What should I check on a tradesperson’s certificate?
That the validity period covers the start date of the works and that the activities match the planned work.
Is one certificate valid for all projects?
Not indiscriminately: it covers projects started during its validity period that match the activities, areas, techniques, costs and other limits stated in the certificate and the policy.
What if the tradesperson has no certificate?
Do not sign a quote until you have it. Working without decennial insurance is a criminal offence in France (article L243-3).
How do I get my certificate?
Take out a policy suited to your activities: send your request via the quote page or call +33 1 41 81 60 94.
Decennial insurance suited to your trade
Decennial insurance is chosen according to the activities you actually carry out, your experience and your projects. Lev Assurances helps you declare the right activities and understand your contract — Lev Assurances, broker registered with ORIAS no. 24001858, supervised by the ACPR (French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority).