Can I just say what an awesome guy Fabien is. I really enjoyed doing that interview on French visa application and insurance tips. I think his insights will be useful not just for soon-to-be expats, but maybe those that have been living abroad for a while now too.
For me, he is also a brilliant example of someone who has followed up on one of those random opportunities life can throw at you and built it into a full-grown business, helping countless clients each year. It’s rare for French financial service experts to take a leap of faith and service the international community in the southwest. Fabien did and it paid off!
French Visa application tips
If you are doing your French visa applications on your own, Fabien highlights 2 key points where most people fall over:
Timing: Applying too early is the top one. There are so many variables at play when making the move. Think about completion dates in your home country if you are selling a property, and completion dates in France. A lot can happen between the time you sign the compromis de vente and the signature de l’acte. Unfortunately, once you move past your original date in your application and you still haven’t got yourself a French address the application is going to have a hard time getting approved. Fabien recommends between 3 and 1 month ahead of your desired time.
Make sure your insurance is compliant: The vast majority of expats making the jump will default go for travel insurance because at first glance it’s cheap and easy to get set up. There are a couple of variations up from here however if your policy doesn’t meet the grade required to get your visa, then your application will be void by default. If you are worried about making other mistakes as you go through the process for applying for a visa, Fabien can definitely help you on this front as he supports expats regularly on their applications.
Insurance tips
As far as insurance goes, my main takeaway was how dangerous it can be to assume UK/US rules will apply the same in France. The fact that that British couple was fined more heavily than the burglar that broke into their house because their wheel-less but uninsured car injured him is crazy!
Even if you do not intend on driving a car in your possession in France you still need to get car insurance for it unless you can absolutely prove it is not drivable (No battery, steering wheel, wheels…).
Note for expats looking to sell: Fabien mentioned he is receiving 1/6 of the number of expat applications he was receiving before Brexit became official. It highlights a clear and understandable trend where a lot of British buyers may have been put off by all the extra paperwork which in turn has had an impact on demand in the rural parts of the country which the Brits tended to flock to. Something worth considering when you debate over what price you should market your property for.
On the flip side, you could argue that the viewers you are receiving from the UK/US must be that much more serious if they are still willing to show up despite the extra paperwork they will be faced with. Interesting times.
Introducing Fabien from Fab French Insurance
If you are looking for extra support on your French visa application or insurance, you can find Fabien on the links below:
Click here to visit Fab French Insurance.
+33 (0)5 35 65 50 50
fabien.pelissier@pepite-courtage.com
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