Natural disaster declared in 19 Var communes

An interministerial decree dated October 27, 2026, officially recognizes 19 communes in the Var department as being in a state of natural disaster due to severe floods and mudflows that occurred on October 19 and 20. This declaration enables residents and professionals to claim compensation under their insurance contracts.

Decree details and locations affected

The decree, published in the Official Journal on October 29, specifies for each commune the nature of the event and the dates considered. It covers a wide area within the Var department, including coastal towns like La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bandol, as well as inland areas such as the Argens Valley and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

List of affected communes

The 19 affected communes include La Seyne-sur-Mer, Bandol, Le Castellet, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, and others such as Saint-Tropez and Sainte-Maxime. The municipality of Les Arcs-sur-Argens shared the decision and the declaration period with residents on October 30.

Nature of the event and insurance coverage

The decree notes that the disaster was caused by abnormally intense rainfall, with accumulations that are rare, occurring once every ten years or more. This specific event is distinct from other incidents or damages that may have occurred at different times.

Procedure for insurance claims

Residents and professionals who suffered damage must contact their insurer as soon as possible, even if they have already reported the incident to local authorities. Claims can be submitted through various methods, such as online, by phone, or by mail, and must be filed within 30 days of the decree’s publication.

Documentation required for claims

To support their claims, policyholders must gather evidence such as photographs of damaged property, invoices, quotes, and an estimate of losses. They should also keep records of any urgent cleaning or safety measures taken to prevent further damage.

Insurance coverage details

The natural disaster guarantee is typically included in home multi-risk insurance policies and may also cover professional premises and vehicles, except for basic third-party car insurance. A legal deductible of 380 euros usually applies for housing and personal items, though this can vary by contract.

Final deadline for claims

The deadline for submitting claims related to this specific event is November 28, 2026. Residents in the affected communes can now finalize their claims, even if they initially reported the damage shortly after the storms.