'The Standard Contract terms of French Life Insurers between 1788 and 1880. English Influence and Autonomous Development': French life insurers of the 18th and 19th century are often said to have simply adopted English insurance conditions. This paper examines this thesis by comparing English and French life insurance policies from 1788 to 1880, considering the different political and legal developments concerning life insurance in both countries. In conclusion, English influences, but also autonomous French developments could be carved out.