When does the increase in the “Cat Nat” surcharge apply?

Question to an expert

Will the price of my home insurance increase from January due to the announced increase in the “Cat Nat” levy?

To deal with the damage caused by the intensity of natural disasters, France created, in 1982, a regime (called “Cat Nat”) guaranteeing policyholders compensation against certain hazards: floods, droughts, earthquakes, etc.

It is financed by a levy, known as a “surcharge”, on the damage guarantees of all insurance contracts, in particular, for individuals, home and automobile insurance. Its amount, expressed as a percentage, is set by the State. This regime is based on national solidarity, regardless of exposure to risk, the additional premium applies to all policyholders.

20 euros per year

Faced with the increase in the bill linked to climate risks and to ensure the sustainability of the system, the rate has been revised several times. It was increased again on 1^is January, increasing from 12% to 20% for home insurance and from 6% to 9% for auto contracts including theft and fire guarantees (or failing that from 0.5% to 0.75% in the presence of damage guarantees ).

The measure automatically leads to an increase in prices. It applies to new contracts, signed since the start of the year.

For contracts concluded before 1^is January, the increase in the additional premium will apply from the anniversary date of the contract, therefore during the year 2025. The additional cost is on average around 20 euros per year for home insurance. It represents a few euros for car insurance.