Is a foreigner who comes to France by car covered by his insurance?
Verified 02 October 2020 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Yes, your foreign car insurance can cover you in France for the compulsory civil liability guarantee. But the contract may provide that some of the guarantees you have subscribed will not apply in France. In the case of an inspection, you must present the documents proving that you are insured abroad and that you do not usually reside in France. If you live in a European country, you can use the friendly statement as in your own country.
You can come to France by car if your car insurance coverage applies in this country. You can then drive in France with your car, with its foreign plate, during your stay.
But if you decide to settle in France, you will have to register your car and take out car insurance according to the rules in force in the country.
If you stay in France for more than 6 months, you will be considered a resident and you will also be obliged to register your car and take out car insurance in France.
If you live abroad and want to come to France by car, you need to check if your insurance covers you in France and for what guarantees.
Territorial validity of insurance
For the countries covered by your vehicle insurance, see the international motor insurance card (called green card).
If France is on this card and it is not crossed out, it means that your insurance works there.
Risks covered
The risks covered in France depend on the guarantees you have subscribed to in your contract and the possible existence of territorial limitations.
If your vehicle is only guaranteed in civil liability, you will only be covered in France for damage that your vehicle may cause to others.
If you have purchased optional guarantees (for example, the all-risk guarantee), some may not apply abroad or in France. Before starting your trip, you should check with your insurer the guarantees that apply in France and in cases of limitation or exclusion.
If you have purchased the flight or assistance guarantee, you should check whether in the event of theft or accident of the vehicle, the insurance covers the following expenses:
- Vehicle towing costs
- Costs of repatriation of passengers, or even of the vehicle
- Accommodation costs during repairs
- Driver's fee to repatriate the vehicle and its occupants
Documents to prove that the vehicle is insured
The certificate and the certificate of insurance prove that the vehicle is insured with an insurance company.
The certificate of insurance (green card) is a presumption information on the insured and the insurer, and a list of the countries in which the insurance operates.
The presentation of such documents is not in principle necessary at the frontiers of the European Economic Area (EEA)).
However, these documents will be indispensable in the event of an inspection or accident. In addition, in France, the certificate of insurance (called green butterfly) must be affixed to your windshield.
FYI
check before departure that you have the details of your insurance to be able to contact it from the UK (usually indicated on the cover of the statement).
Documents to be provided in case of accident
The amicable finding or European accident finding is valid in the countries of the European Union. You can obtain one or more copies from your insurer.
It must be completed in the event of an accident in the most complete manner, and each driver involved in the accident must have a copy.
This finding is standardized at European level and can be supplemented regardless of the language in which it is written.
Please note
certain parts of the statement can be completed beforehand as soon as the insurer delivers it to you, or at least before your trip.
Documents to prove that the vehicle is insured
The certificate and the certificate of insurance prove that the vehicle is insured with an insurance company.
The certificate of insurance (green card) is a presumption information on the insured and the insurer, and a list of the countries in which the insurance operates.
These documents will be indispensable in the event of an inspection or accident.
In addition, in France, the certificate of insurance (called green butterfly) must be affixed to your windshield.
FYI
check before departure that you have the details of your insurance to be able to contact it from the UK (usually indicated on the cover of the statement).
Documents to be provided in case of accident
The amicable finding or European accident finding can be used, but will not automatically have the same value. You can obtain one or more copies from your insurer.
In case of accident, complete it as completely as possible. Each driver involved in the accident must have a copy.
Please note
certain parts of the statement can be completed beforehand as soon as the insurer delivers it to you, or at least before your trip.
European Commission
European Consumer Center France