Insurance for All

insurance

FOR ALL

“Have you asked Marc or Nicolas at AXA?” Is a question I frequently find myself asking. Because, in my experience, when it comes to arranging your insurances, banking, social care and investments as part of your new life in the mountains, Marc or Nicolas are sure to have the answers. From their office in Morzine they coordinate many of the essential services you need if you’re new to France and they’re always very happy to help.

Why is it important to have a local insurance agency?

“When it comes to insurance or banking, recent history has shown us that the financial foundations and stability of the companies we choose to work with are essential. AXA is one of the largest insurance companies in the world with top rated financial ratios. But its commercial activity is delegated to a network of independent exclusive agents that have a profound knowledge of the specific requirements of local residents and the economy of their area. So, it combines the advantage of being a world class company with the care of a local team. In our agency in Morzine, we understand how insurances, savings and healthcare differ in France to what our customers are used to back hin England for example. We can guide them through all the questions or concerns they may have and help protect their wealth and the development of their businesses.”

You’ve both lived and worked in our valley for many years, why do you think so many people come here?

“The combination of an environment close to nature, the possibility to practice many sports and a very dynamic economy driven by tourism is certainly a strong drive for a lot of people to decide to establish themselves in our valley. Also, with the continuous development of the net economy and the good communication tools we have in the valley, we have seen a new generation of professionals establish with their families to take advantage of the good quality of life we enjoy here. Now we have a great mix of companies offering a variety of different services for our growing community. And of course with Brexit, we have seen an acceleration of people coming to spend their retirement time and enjoy all the benefits that France offers to seniors.”

Marc, you coordinate the wealth management and protection side of the agency, what services does this include

“For that part of our activity, we focus on the insurance of people. That starts from financial protection against immediate risks such as critical illness, disability and death. We also provide topup health cover and international travel as well as multisport insurance. We also provide mortgage insurances for both local and foreign investors as well as first time buyers.

For the wealth management part, we offer banking solutions, saving plans including Assurance Vie and retirement plans. We also have a private banking department to support those customers that require solutions for complex savings needs in a tax efficient manner.”

Nicolas, you look after insurance of goods - what products are available for local residents and second home-owners?

“I have extensive experience in what people think of as traditional insurance solutions: property, cars, houses, boats etc. And whether it is a primary residence or second home, I take pride in visiting the property before the contract completion. This ensures that both the customer and I are confident that if anything unexpected happened they are covered for the predicable and the unanticipated. I also help many small businesses in the valley behind the scenes making sure they are insured for their activities to best provide services for their clients. We are flexible and can help people with changes to their business activity. It’s important to us that everybody is comfortable and feels secure with the protection they have with AXA.”

Brexit has obviously changed things in 2021. What do we need to know from an insurance perspective?

“Nothing has really changed for us here. We are happy to continue helping our British clients, with our bilingual team and local knowledge. We can help them navigate some unforeseen difficulties that arise as a result of Brexit, but it is still the same number to call for assistance or advice for your contracts.”

What services do you provide for local business owners, or those thinking of establishing a business here?

“There are many aspects on which we can help non-salaried workers or those interested in setting up a business in the valley. We help them define the level of financial protection and health care they need, taking into account the benefits that are offered by the French Social Security system. We also guide them through the benefits of certain solutions that can generate tax breaks. We guide them towards the appropriate solutions they need to protect their business, their staff, their data and all the assets invested in their activity. This also includes legal and liability protection. As their situation evolves, we invite business owners to get in touch with us regularly to see how we can help them with changes.”

What’s the best thing about living in the mountains?

“We both grew up here in Morzine. We know how lucky we are to live in such a privileged part of the world. For my part, (Marc) I really enjoy the possibility to go for a ski touring round after work in the winter. In the summer I don’t miss a chance to jump on my bike for a climbing session on one of the many nearby cols or play on the beautiful, although challenging, golf courses we have in the region.”

Nicolas is the artist of the team. When he is not working hard at the agency, you will see him manage the local Brass band where he also teaches air instruments to young children. He is also fond of antique cars and in the summer, you cannot miss his burgundy “Samba Talbot Convertible” on the streets of Morzine.”

You have a physical agency in Morzine, but how is best for people to contact you?

“We are very happy to receive customers in our agency because in order to provide the best solution at the right budget, it is important to us to meet and discuss. However, it is not very big and considering the current health situation we prefer that people call in advance to make an appointment. Alternatively they can send us an e-mail. We are a fully bilingual agency and we are happy to help people in the language of their choice.

Finally, and to support our growth, we will open a new agency in Taninges, from where we will be very pleased to serve those customers living in the Giffres Valley.”

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