AXA Décennale: presentation, guarantees and limits in 2026

AXA Décennale is commonly underwritten by craftsmen, prime contractors and small building companies to secure the delivery of new or renovated structures. Frequent use: protection of structural work and inseparable elements of the work. Identified strong point: coverage of defects compromising the solidity of the structure, with ceilings adapted to standard construction sites, facilitating the management of major structural claims.

Relevant context of use: interventions on single-family homes, small multi-family buildings and heavy renovation work where exposure to decennial risk is proven. High-performing profiles: qualified craftsmen, small and medium-sized finishers and carpentry/masonry companies for whom contracting a standard ten-year insurance policy is sufficient.

Limits and irritants observed: variable processing times depending on the complexity of the case, deductibles applicable to certain additional guarantees, and frequent exclusions concerning work that does not comply with the rules of the trade or is carried out without a prior declaration of assignment. These points can have an impact on the amount reimbursed and the time it takes to resolve a claim.

Positioning for first-time buyers: moderately complex offer requiring professional evidence (Kbis, qualifications, description of work, estimated costing) and sometimes claims history. Complexity level assessment: moderate, due to the technical elements required to assess risk and set deductibles or exclusions.

Elements facilitating underwriting and day-to-day management:

• quote and underwriting available online or via an advisor
• insured space for consulting coverages and documents
• claim assistance and claims management
• presence of a network of partner agencies and brokers
• accessible standard documents and claims templates

Standard formula (indicative price): approx. 60€/month depending on profile and nature of work. Main warranties: decennial liability for damage affecting the solidity of the structure and inseparable elements. Profiles concerned: craftsmen and small companies carrying out residential and small-scale collective work.

Reinforced formula (indicative price): higher rates than the standard formula, with higher guarantee thresholds and extended coverage for certain items (e.g. post-delivery risks and consequential immaterial damage). Coverages included: higher ceilings, extended legal follow-up. Profiles concerned: companies carrying out medium-scale projects or working on higher-value structures.

A la carte options (variable prices): assistance and legal protection, expert appraisal coverage, partial deductible buy-back. These options modulate rates according to the desired level of protection and risk profile.

Main warranty: decennial liability covering damage that compromises the solidity of the structure and renders it unfit for its intended use. General operation: coverage of necessary repairs for a period of ten years from acceptance of the work, after expert appraisal of damage covered by the decennial warranty.

Second key warranty: coverage of damage caused by elements that cannot be separated from the structure (fixed installations that cannot be separated). This guarantee operates in addition to the main decennial guarantee to protect equipment whose failure engages decennial liability, often with specific ceilings and conditions of application.

Optional and complementary guarantees: possible extensions to cover legal protection, post-claim assistance, deductible buy-back or coverage for consequential immaterial damage. These options are designed to meet specific needs and broaden the scope of basic coverage.

Interest of options according to profiles:

• Legal protection: useful for prime contractors and companies faced with contractual disputes
• Deductible buy-back: relevant for reducing the financial effort in the event of a claim
• Post-disaster assistance: suitable for structures without in-house resources to coordinate repairs