Is home insurance really mandatory for a CROUS room?

Yes, for all CROUS housing under Article 7-g of the French Law of July 6, 1989. You must provide an insurance certificate before key handover and annually upon request. Without it, CROUS can deny entry, cancel your lease, or purchase insurance on your behalf with a surcharge of up to 10%.

What are the main differences between a CROUS room and a private studio?

CROUS rooms cost €150 to €500/month with utilities included, compared to €500 to €1,200 plus €60 to €150 in utilities for a private studio. CROUS requires no guarantor or agency fees but offers less independence; a private studio provides more autonomy but costs two to three times as much.

How much does student home insurance cost?

Plan for €20 to €70/year for a CROUS room and €20 to €120/year for a private studio for baseline coverage. For reference, the Essential formula from Assurances Étudiants by ADH starts at €20.95/year, offering full comprehensive home insurance that includes protection for your personal belongings.

What does mandatory tenant liability coverage (risques locatifs) actually cover?

It covers damage caused to the property by fire, explosion, or water damage, along with tenant civil liability. It protects the owner but does not compensate you for personal belongings or, on its own, for damages caused to neighbors. To cover your personal items, you need comprehensive home insurance (MRH) with contents protection.

Which housing option should you choose on a tight student budget?

If your monthly budget is under €800, a CROUS room is the most economical choice, especially for scholarship students who receive priority allocation. After housing benefits, some students pay only €50 to €250, and no guarantor is required, unlike on the private market.

Student insurance / Student blog / Corentin

Corentin

As Marketing Manager at ADH Assurances, I use my expertise to support students in choosing the right insurance. Having been a student myself, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate insurance contracts. My role is to provide clear and tailored advice so you can focus on your studies with peace of mind. Whether it's home insurance, liability coverage, health or travel insurance — we always have a solution for you.