Decennial insurance for painters: what is covered and what is not
For a building painter, it all depends on the type of work. Purely decorative interior painting is generally not a “structure” under the decennial regime, whereas facade renovation with a waterproofing function or external thermal insulation may be. Lev Assurances helps you tell the difference and declare your activities correctly.
- Interior and exterior painting
- Facade renovation and waterproof coatings
- Wall and floor coverings
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Painting work to tell apart
- Decorative interior painting
- Facade renovation
- Waterproof facade coatings
- External thermal insulation (ETICS)
- Flexible floor coverings
Painters: when does decennial cover apply?
The decennial guarantee covers damage that compromises the soundness of the structure or makes it unfit for purpose. Purely decorative paint does not normally have that function: a cosmetic defect falls rather under the one-year completion guarantee and your contractual liability.
A waterproof facade coating, however, protects the building against water ingress. If it fails and causes leaks, decennial cover may apply. The same goes for external thermal insulation, a technical activity often declared separately. See covered activities and exclusions.
In practice, many clients, managing agents and project owners require a decennial certificate even for painting work. A contract covering your real activities can be a condition for working on these projects. See our decennial certificate page.
In all cases, professional liability should be considered for damage caused to third parties during the works, and may be required contractually: paint splashes on a car, damaged furniture, a scaffold collapse.
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.
Decennial certificate
What the certificate must contain and when to give it to the client.
Covered activities and exclusions
Why declared activities determine what is covered.
Dommages-ouvrage insurance
The project owner’s insurance, complementary to decennial cover.
How we review your decennial insurance
Specify your work
Interior and exterior painting, wall coverings, facade renovation, facade waterproofing, external thermal insulation: each activity must be declared.
Prove your painting experience
Qualification (CAP or BP in painting) or proven experience, business registration, previous certificates and claims history if any.
Review cover and excesses
Limits, excesses and exclusions (for example undeclared waterproofing facade work or external insulation) are reviewed with you.
Receive your certificate
If accepted and the policy is taken out, the certificate listing the insured activities must be attached to your quotes and invoices, in line with Article L. 243-2 of the French Insurance Code.
Let’s review your decennial insurance as a painter
Describe your painting, facade or insulation work, your experience and your turnover: Lev Assurances reviews your file and, if an insurer accepts it, supports you through to the certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Does a painter always need decennial insurance?
Purely decorative painting work generally does not fall under decennial liability. However, waterproofing, sealing or external thermal insulation work may fall under this regime when it amounts to construction work likely to trigger decennial liability. The corresponding activity must then be declared and insured under the policy.
Why does a client ask for a decennial certificate?
Many project owners and managing agents ask for it as a precaution, especially for facade renovation. Having the required insurance and certificates can be a condition for bidding on certain contracts.
Is facade renovation covered?
Yes if it is declared in the contract, depending on the type of coating (paint, semi-thick coating, waterproofing).
Is external thermal insulation covered?
Only if the activity is declared and accepted by the insurer. External insulation is an activity in its own right, often subject to conditions (system used, qualification).
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).