Dommages-Ouvrage Insurance Obligation 2026: Alpes-Maritimes

Dommages-ouvrage insurance obligation in 2026: what’s changing in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var

Since the 1978 Spinetta Act, dommages-ouvrage (DO) insurance has been mandatory for anyone commissioning construction work or major renovation. In 2026, this obligation remains fully in force, but regulatory developments and local practices in the Alpes-Maritimes (06) and the Var (83) call for increased vigilance. At Cassini Expertise, we support homeowners and property professionals in Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice and Toulon in securing their projects.

Why is dommages-ouvrage insurance critical in 2026?

DO insurance allows rapid compensation for defects covered under the ten-year structural warranty (hidden defects, structural cracks, water infiltration) without waiting for a court ruling. In 2026, insurers are tightening their underwriting criteria, particularly in areas exposed to seismic risk and clay shrink-swell (RGA), which are widespread across the South-East of France. Cassini Expertise carries out preliminary surveys to ensure your file meets requirements.

Key points for property owners in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var

• Subscription deadline: DO insurance must be taken out before the site opens. Any delay exposes you to criminal penalties and makes it impossible to sell the property for 10 years.
• Mandatory soil survey: In the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, a geotechnical survey (G12) is often required by insurers to assess soil-related risks (clay content, landslides).
• Technical survey: An initial condition survey carried out by a building expert such as Cassini Expertise helps identify weaknesses and makes it easier for the insurer to accept the risk.
• Energy renovation: Thermal renovation work (insulation, heat pumps) now falls under the DO obligation if it affects the structure or the building’s watertightness.

How Cassini Expertise supports you in the South-East

Based in the Alpes-Maritimes, we work across the entire 06 and Var 83 departments. Our services include:

• Preliminary survey before taking out DO insurance
• Soil and topographic surveys for projects in Antibes, Cannes, Grasse, Nice and Toulon
• Assistance with claims filing and expert follow-up
• Advice on 2026 regulatory compliance

Our local expertise lets us anticipate insurer requirements, which are often stricter in high-risk coastal and hinterland areas.

Conclusion: secure your project with Cassini Expertise

The 2026 dommages-ouvrage insurance obligation leaves no room for oversight. Whether you’re in Nice, Toulon, Antibes, Cannes or Grasse, Cassini Expertise provides hands-on technical support close to home. Call us on 04 22 46 06 04 for a quote covering the 06 and 83 departments.

📅 Updated on 31/08/2026 — By Cassini Expertise, independent building expert for the 06 & 83 departments. Free quote: 04 22 46 06 04.

Frequently asked questions

Who must take out dommages-ouvrage insurance in 2026?

Under the Spinetta Act, anyone commissioning construction work — whether a private individual or a professional — building, renovating or having work carried out on a property must take out dommages-ouvrage insurance before the site opens. This obligation applies in the Alpes-Maritimes as everywhere else in France, including for construction subject to planning permission.

What does dommages-ouvrage insurance cover in the Alpes-Maritimes?

It covers damage falling under the builders’ ten-year structural warranty, meaning damage that compromises the soundness of the building or renders it unfit for its intended purpose. In the Alpes-Maritimes, this includes, for example, cracks caused by drought or waterproofing defects. The insurer must pre-fund repairs without waiting for a court decision.

What is the deadline for taking out dommages-ouvrage insurance in 2026?

It must be taken out before the site opens, meaning before work begins. In practice, it should be arranged as soon as the construction contract or quote is signed, since the cooling-off period is 14 days. After this deadline, the client is exposed to financial penalties and difficulties in the event of a claim.

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