From miles and miles of traffic-free autoroutes to curvaceous country roads through sleepy French villages, driving in France is an experience in its own right. And whether you love or hate driving, if you’re an expat living in France, there is a pretty high chance you’re going to have to drive, even if it’s only to the boulangerie for bread or Leroy Merlin for DIY supplies. So, with all the excitement and complexities of moving to France, it’s really important not to overlook that you’re going to need French driving insurance, and so here is our “all you need to know” guide to getting your car insured.
Everything you need to know about French car insurance
As you might expect, if you live (as a resident) in France and will be driving a car, you must have French car insurance, and your UK insurance may be considered invalid by French authorities. Check the terms of your UK insurance because it often only permits you to drive in France for a limited amount of time each year.
You will need French car insurance even if your car is a UK or foreign car. You will also need to check the status of your driving license to see whether it is eligible for French car insurance purposes.
As a minimum requirement (and even if your car is not being driven), you must have third-party insurance which covers damage or injury you cause to others. However, depending on your circumstances and what you will be using your car for, you may also be obliged or need to consider more comprehensive cover, such as third party, fire and theft or fully comprehensive cover.
My car isn’t French, is that ok?
If you’ve moved to France and brought your car with you, then at some point you will have to register it in France and ensure it has French plates. If you’re still coming and going from France to your home country, you can use your non-French car in France for six months in every 12 months. If you stay for more than six months, you’ll need to register the vehicle in France.
If you become a French resident, you must register your car in France within a month. It’s not necessarily a quick process, so make sure you allow enough time.
Can I use my driving license to get French car insurance, or do I need a French one?
Here is where it can get a little complicated. First and foremost, as a rule of thumb, if you live in France for more than a year, you will generally need to exchange your foreign driving license for a French one. If you’re from certain countries, you may need to retake your driving test.
However, there are slightly different rules in respect of other countries and their respective driving licenses. For example, some countries have a Driving License Exchange Agreement in place, which allows you to swap your driving license with a French one. Countries with an Exchange Agreement include all EU and EEA member countries, certain states in Canada and the USA, Australia, Brazil, various African countries, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and more.
If you’re in any doubt, Fab French Insurance have written an article that clarifies whether an Exchange Agreement covers your driving license. You will still have to supply several documents to exchange your license, and it can take a little while.
But what about a UK driving license?
Brexit made things more complicated for holders of a UK driving license. If your license was first issued before 1 January 2021, it can be used until it expires, but you’ll still need to exchange it for a French one when it expires.
If your UK driving licence was first issued on or after 1 January 2021, it will be recognised for 1 year from the date of issue of your residency permit, after which you’ll have to exchange it for a French one. The good news is you won’t have to retake your test (unless your license has expired).
What factors are taken into account when applying for insurance?
All the usual factors will be taken into account, such as your location, what you’re using the car for (work or just home life), your mileage, the make and model of your vehicle, your car security (is it parked in a garage, etc.) and your insurance history.
Can I use my non-French no-claims?
If you’ve been driving elsewhere in the world, you may well have built up a non-claims history and a great track record, and you can usually rely on this when applying for French insurance. You will have to supply specific documentation, which will also need to be officially translated – unless you work with an “expat compatible” broker like FAB and are au fait with foreign No Claims documents.
I’ve bought a French car, and the dealer can arrange my insurance
If you’ve been offered French insurance by a car dealership or finance company, it can be tempting to go with that; however, as Fabien Pelissier, Head of Fab French Insurance, explained, “You could end up paying more for your car insurance as dealerships and lenders may not have converted your foreign insurance history into the maximum equivalent you could have had in France.” But, once you’ve been provided with some level of discount in France it is final as it is recorded in a central insurance database which is on a read-only basis so the first insurance / insurer you choose is critical as it sets you up for years (or not).
Hit the Road with Fab Car Insurance
If you’re feeling a little daunted, don’t be. Fab French Insurance are a fully bilingual, independent insurance company with specialist experience of getting French car insurance for expats. They understand the rules and do all the legwork, and then provide you with a highly competitive quote that meets your insurance needs. Headache and hard work taken care of, you can hit the road.
To find out more or for a quote, visit: Fab French Insurance
