The weekend’s riots could become one of the costliest episodes of urban violence in recent French history for insurers.

Axar.az informs, citing BFM, according to analysts at international credit rating agency Morningstar DBRS, which specializes in risk assessment, insured losses could reach €1.2 billion, the Financial Times reported. Brokers interviewed by the British newspaper also estimate that the total bill could exceed €1 billion.

The figure is particularly significant given that the violence was concentrated over just two days, October 17 and 18. By comparison, the riots in summer 2023, which lasted more than a week following the death of teenager Nahel, cost insurers €798 million, according to France Assureurs. If the initial estimates are confirmed, the cost of the October 2026 unrest would be around 50% higher than in 2023, despite lasting considerably less time.

How can such a sharp increase be explained? Marcos Alvarez, a Morningstar DBRS analyst quoted by the Financial Times, said the violence over the weekend was particularly intense and geographically widespread. Inflation, which has driven up the cost of repairs and replacing goods, has also contributed to higher compensation claims.

At least 3,000 businesses across the country were damaged, according to a preliminary estimate by France’s commerce minister Serge Papin. Luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton and Kenzo were among the stores targeted.