Record deposits in life insurance

More than 15.4 billion euros were deposited into life insurance policies in September 2026, marking the best September in the history of life insurance, according to France Assureurs, the federation representing the sector. This brought the total amount in these contracts to 2,161 billion euros as of the end of September, an increase of 4.6% compared to the previous year.

Confidence in life insurance

Paul Esmein, the general director of France Assureurs, praised the high level of contributions during September and "the confidence that the French people place in their life insurance," during a telephone conference. Contributions, equivalent to deposits in life insurance, saw a slight increase of 2% compared to the same month in 2025, reaching the highest level for a September month.

Growth in contributions and benefits

Contributions increased by 7% for unit-linked funds, which are riskier investment supports but can, in good years, yield more than the euro funds, which are guaranteed in capital, and remained stable. "It remains solidly positive," Esmein said. Since the beginning of 2026, contributions have reached 154.2 billion euros, an increase of 9.5 billion euros compared to the same period in 2025.

Net collection remains positive

In September 2026, the benefits (equivalent to withdrawals) however increased by 6% compared to 2025, reaching 11.3 billion euros. The "net collection," that is, the balance of amounts deposited and benefits paid out by insurers, therefore amounts to 4.1 billion euros, a slight decrease compared to that of September 2025. Paul Esmein however notes that even though "it decreases very slightly compared to 2025, it remains solidly positive."

Long-term savings growth

Since the beginning of the year, the net collection amounts to 47.6 billion euros, higher by 6.7 billion euros than that of 2025 for the same period. Contributions to insurance-based retirement savings plans (PER) are also up 9% in the third quarter of 2026, reaching 3.3 billion euros. Since the beginning of 2026, payments to insurance-based retirement savings plans (including transfers) are up 1% compared to the same period in 2025.

Strength of long-term savings

"The sustained growth of insurance-based PERs since their launch at the end of 2019 demonstrates the strength of this long-term savings product, in an economic and financial environment marked by strong uncertainties," states Paul Esmein in a statement.