ENERGY AUDIT INSURANCE

Since the implementation of the Climate and Resilience Law, energy audits have become an essential step in the renovation process for French homes. For professionals working in this field—thermal design offices, energy assessors, project management consultants, and independent engineers—the issue of insurance cannot be taken lightly.

As an energy auditor, you assume professional responsibility for every assignment: a calculation error, inappropriate advice, or an incorrectly sized work scenario can expose your business to serious claims, or even lengthy and costly legal proceedings.

Activ'Assurances, a broker specializing in construction and business risk insurance, assists you in choosing the coverage best suited to your needs. You can now obtain an immediate online quote for your energy audit insurance.

What are the auditor's obligations regarding independence?

Conducting a regulatory energy audit entails the civil liability of the professional who produces it. This is not merely a good practice; in the vast majority of cases, it is a legal and contractual obligation.

Article L.126-28-1 of the French Building and Housing Code, introduced by the Climate and Resilience Law (No. 2021-1104 of August 22, 2021), mandates that regulatory energy audits be carried out by qualified professionals. However, insurers and certification bodies (OPQIBI, RGE, QUALIBAT) require professional liability insurance as a prerequisite for obtaining or maintaining certification.

Beyond the regulatory obligation, taking out appropriate insurance protects you against:

• Errors or omissions in your audit reports
• led Inappropriate advice to poorly directed work.
• caused Material damage during your site visits
• with Contractual disputes your sponsors

Not being properly insured exposes your business — and your personal assets — to major financial risks.

The regulatory framework for energy audits

What is a regulatory audit?

The regulatory energy audit is a detailed technical document, separate from the Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE). It primarily concerns properties classified as F or G (the "energy sieves") put up for sale, and will gradually become mandatory for other categories of properties until 2034.

The implementation schedule is as follows:

This audit must be carried out by a certified and qualified, with official recognition (RGE mention "energy audit", OPQIBI 1905/1911, or equivalent).

Content of the regulatory audit

Unlike the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the regulatory audit goes far beyond a simple energy classification. It must include:

• A detailed analysis of the building's thermal characteristics (walls, joinery, heating system, ventilation, domestic hot water)
• The proposal includes at least two work scenarios, one of which would allow the project to reach class B.
• A estimate of the work and the expected energy savings.
• Information on available financial assistance (MaPrimeRénov', CEE, etc.)

It is precisely the complexity and commitment that these deliverables represent that make professional assurance indispensable.

Guarantees of energy audit insurance

Activ'Assurances offers comprehensive and flexible coverage, tailored to each energy auditor's profile. Here are the four key guarantees you need to know.

1. Professional Civil Liability (RC Pro)

Professional liability insurance is the basic guarantee for any energy auditor. It covers damages caused to third parties in the course of your professional activity: errors in the report, incorrect recommendations, omission of a key element, etc.

What it covers in concrete terms:

• The financial losses suffered by your client as a result of incorrect advice
• Personal injury or property damage accidentally caused during a site visit
• Legal defense costs in the event of a legal challenge

Good news : At Activ'Assurances, it is entirely possible to take out only a professional liability insurance policy, without being required to simultaneously take out a ten-year guarantee if your activity does not require it.

2. Civil Liability After Performance (CAP)

The RCE extends the protection of the Professional Liability Insurance beyond the engagement itself. It covers damages that come to light after the submission of the audit report, once the service is officially completed.

This guarantee is particularly important for energy auditors because the consequences of a flawed audit may not appear until after the work has been completed — sometimes months or even years later.

Concrete example : An audit recommends exterior insulation. The work is carried out according to the recommendations. A year later, moisture problems are observed. If the error originates from the audit recommendations, the RCE (Responsible Building Contract) applies.

3. The Ten-Year Warranty

The warranty covers year damage that compromises the structural integrity of the building or renders it unfit for its intended purpose. It is governed by Articles 1792 et seq. of the Civil Code.

For an energy auditor, the ten-year guarantee does not systematically apply: it mainly concerns professionals who design or supervise work, not only those who produce audit reports.

The ten-year warranty becomes necessary if:

• assignments project management in addition to audits.
• You prepare RE2020 / RT2012 thermal calculation notes
• You are working as a technical manager on a construction site

4. Legal Protection

Often overlooked, legal protection is nevertheless an essential safety net for any professional exposed to litigation.

It covers:

• fees Lawyer
• The costs of court-ordered or amicable
• The costs of the proceedings (bailiff, court, etc.)

As an energy auditor, you may face challenges to your findings, payment refusals, or unjustified claims. Legal protection allows you to be effectively defended without impacting your cash flow.

Energy Auditing Activity

Energy audit insurance is designed for a wide range of professionals. The table below allows you to quickly identify the recommended coverage based on your profile:

Points to consider before subscribing

Before signing an energy audit insurance contract, several points deserve particular attention:

1. Check that your qualification matches the guarantees offered

Insurers generally require that you have a recognized qualification related to your auditing activity:

• OPQIBI 1905 — Energy audit of existing buildings
• OPQIBI 1911 — Conducting regulatory energy audits
• RGE certification "Energy Audit"
• QUALIBAT or Certibat depending on the case

Without a valid qualification, some insurers may refuse to underwrite or limit coverage.

2. Clearly state the scope of your duties

An energy audit alone does not carry the same risks as a project combining audit, project management, and construction monitoring. An incomplete declaration may result in exclusion of coverage in the event of a claim.

3. Check the warranty limits

Ensure that the compensation limits are consistent with the value of the properties you are working on. An audit of an apartment building does not expose you to the same financial risks as an audit of a detached house.

4. Read the exclusion clauses carefully, especially those concerning:

• Missions carried out without site visits
• Audits relating to listed or heritage buildings
• International missions

FAQ — Energy Audit Insurance