Car insurance in France

Third-party liability (responsabilité civile) is compulsory for every motor vehicle in France, even one parked in a garage. Driving uninsured is a criminal offence — and the victims’ compensation fund will reclaim every euro from you personally after an accident.

France uses a regulated no-claims coefficient (bonus-malus, from 0.50 to 3.50) identical across insurers. As a newcomer, your foreign claims history is not automatically recognised: bring a claims statement (attestation) from your previous insurer — many French companies will grant you an equivalent bonus, some will not. Comparing on this single point can halve your premium. Expect €30-60/month for an experienced driver on a compact car, and significantly more in your first French years if your history is not recognised.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in France with my foreign insurance?

Temporarily yes (EU policies cover EU-wide third-party liability), but once you become a French resident and register the car in France, you need a French policy. Note that your EU no-claims record can usually be transferred with a claims statement.

What is the bonus-malus exactly?

A multiplier applied to your reference premium: it drops 5% each claim-free year (down to 0.50 after 13 years) and rises 25% per at-fault claim (capped at 3.50). Two consecutive claim-free years reset any malus to 1.00. It follows the driver, not the car.

Related guides: Car insurance in France: the expat mechanics. Full details (profiles, breed pages, comparisons) on the French page.