Sounds a good option, thank you Peter, I looked to settle around the blond region or near rochechuart but was unsuccessful finally went bit further north and found the perfect place -) whereabouts are you?
I'm in the Haute Vienne and quite far from the office and all the paperwork, claims etc are done by phone or email - can't recall the last time I ever needed to visit the office, maybe ten years ago !
Thank you everybody. As usual much to consider. I really value and thank you for your time in answering - these forums are a lifeline for us ‘newbies’. All being well I should be in my new home middle June -))))) which is near lignac in the indre bordered with haute vienne so ruffec not too far. I will also talk to immobiler and neighbours.
I'd like to add, that from personal experience, asking for a 'devis' online will result in being bombarded by spam from endless sources and on a continual basis over the long term. Luckily most of this lands in my junk mailbox, but it's disconcerting to see how the search led to my e-mail address being given to so many different companies. Personally, I wouldn't recommend going online for a quote, ask around instead.
There are a lot to choose from so it depends what sort of cover you are looking for. French Insurers I have used in the past do not offer valuables cover (jewellery etc) outside the home so as this is important to me I use a reasonably costed Lloyd's of London policy that gives me worldwide cover on personal items. You might want to look at www.insuremyvilla.com as an option
Gordon, I have a question about brokers. I thought that it is the broker's job to find the best deal for a client. They are the ones who go shopping around. If they are tied to one insurance company, then what is the point of having a broker? Is the broker's job different in France from the way it is in other countries? I dealt with a broker to find my mutuelle.
I've been using the GAN for about 25 years for everything and have found them to be brilliant. I use the office at Ruffec (16) (where the boss speaks good english coincidentally ) although I live in another department.
Don't be taken in by special 'deals' from many smaller companies. It may well be an initial cheaper option but check the guarantees offered and you will see the prices don't vary that much. Try to stick with one company for everything as this will usually entitle you to discounts.
Elaine,
We have had good service from Axa.
Unfortunately in France the brokers are tied to one company so don`t shop around for the best quote.
We have all our insurance - house, car, mutuelle etc with Axa & they have been fine.
If you ask for a "devis" online it will automatically refer you to the nearest local agent. Otherwise, ask your friends and neighbours for recommendations.