Dommages-Ouvrage Insurance 2026: Obligations & Expert Assessment in the Alpes-Maritimes

Dommages-ouvrage insurance: what’s changing in 2026 for project owners

Since 1 January 2026, regulations governing dommages-ouvrage insurance (non-fault building damage cover) have been tightened under the Climate and Resilience Act and the EU directive on energy performance. Anyone — individual or company — who commissions construction work, major renovation, or an extension must take out dommages-ouvrage insurance before the site opens. This obligation now also applies to large-scale energy renovation projects (external insulation, boiler replacement, heat pump installation) when the works exceed €100,000 excl. VAT. On the French Riviera — the Alpes-Maritimes (06) and the Var (83) — where the renovation market is very active, property owners need to be particularly vigilant.

Why is dommages-ouvrage insurance critical on the French Riviera?

The Mediterranean climate, with its droughts and heavy rainfall, exposes buildings to specific risks: ground movement, cracks, water infiltration. Dommages-ouvrage insurance allows for rapid compensation of damage covered by the ten-year structural warranty (garantie décennale), without waiting for a court ruling. It covers construction defects that compromise the soundness of the building or make it unfit for its intended use. In 2026, insurers require a preliminary soil survey (NF P 94-261 standard) for any new build in clay-risk zones, which are common in the hinterland behind Nice and the Var. Property owners in Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice, or Toulon need to plan for this step in advance.

New obligations for building professionals

Since 2026, building professionals must provide an up-to-date dommages-ouvrage insurance certificate for every project. This certificate must explicitly state cover for damage under the ten-year structural warranty, including consequential intangible losses. Project owners must check that the certificate is properly signed and dated, and that the insurer is approved by the Ministry of Finance. Failure to take out this insurance exposes the project owner to criminal penalties (a €75,000 fine) and to being unable to obtain planning permission or a prior declaration of works. In addition, selling a property without valid dommages-ouvrage insurance in place can render the sale void.

How do building and topographic expert assessments come in?

Before taking out the insurance, insurers often require a technical assessment to evaluate the risks. Cassini Expertise, based in the Alpes-Maritimes, carries out soil surveys, topographic surveys and stability studies. These assessments identify at-risk areas (subsidence, landslides) and recommend preventive measures. In the event of a claim, expert assessment is also essential to build the claim file and evaluate the damage. Our experts work in Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice, Toulon and throughout the 06 and 83 departments.

Key steps to stay compliant in 2026

• Check whether you’re affected: any construction, extension or major renovation project is concerned, including energy renovation works above €100,000 excl. VAT.
• Commission a soil survey: mandatory for new builds in at-risk zones (clay, seismic, flood).
• Take out the policy before the site opens: the certificate must be handed to the project owner no later than when the quote is signed.
• Keep the certificate: it must be attached to the construction contract or the sale deed.
• Call on an independent expert: to confirm the project complies and to anticipate risks.

Penalties for non-compliance

In 2026, checks have become stricter. Insurers, notaries and banks now systematically require the certificate. If a claim isn’t covered, the project owner has to bear the repair costs alone, which can run into hundreds of thousands of euros. In addition, the project owner’s civil liability toward third parties can be engaged. Professionals who fail to provide the certificate to their clients risk having their professional liability insurance suspended. It is therefore essential to get compliant now.

Conclusion: call on Cassini Expertise to secure your project

Whether you’re a property owner in Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse or Toulon, or a real estate professional in the Alpes-Maritimes (06) or the Var (83), dommages-ouvrage insurance is a mandatory step. To avoid disputes and ensure the long-term soundness of your building, entrust your project to an independent expert. Cassini Expertise supports you at every stage: soil survey, technical assessment, insurance file preparation, and claims follow-up. Call us on 04 22 46 06 04 for a free quote, with visits across the 06 and 83 departments.

📅 Updated on 03/08/2026 — By Cassini Expertise, independent building expert for the 06 & 83 departments. Free quote: 04 22 46 06 04.

Frequently asked questions

Who is required to have dommages-ouvrage insurance?

Dommages-ouvrage insurance is mandatory for any project owner (individual or professional) having a building constructed, works carried out, or a building renovated. It must be taken out before work begins and covers damage falling under the ten-year structural warranty.

How does a dommages-ouvrage assessment work in the Alpes-Maritimes (06)?

A dommages-ouvrage assessment in the 06 follows the legal procedure: after a claim is filed, the insurer must appoint an expert within 8 days and issue a report within 90 days. The expert assesses the damage and proposes compensation, but the project owner can challenge this and bring in an independent expert.

What does dommages-ouvrage insurance cover in 2026?

In 2026, dommages-ouvrage insurance covers damage affecting the soundness of a building or making it unfit for its intended use, under the ten-year structural warranty. It also covers damage to inseparable fixtures and equipment, and repairs must be carried out within 90 days of the assessment.

📅 Mis à jour le 25/09/2026 — Cassini Expertise, expert bâtiment indépendant (06·83·13·40).