How does car insurance work in France?

You must purchase a minimum of third-party liability insurance coverage for your vehicle in France. After that minimum requirement is met, you have the option to expand your coverage for more protection, either by increasing to comprehensive coverage and/or including additional coverage (i.e., roadside assistance, etc.).

What kind of car insurance is required in France?

France requires a minimum of third-party liability coverage for vehicles.

Does my home country's car insurance cover me in France?

No, your car insurance policy from your home country does not cover you in France. You must purchase a French car insurance policy (minimum third-party liability).

Can a non-France resident own a car in France?

Yes, non-France residents can own a car in France, provided the vehicle is registered correctly.

Can my France car insurance be used in the EU and UK?

Your France car insurance may be used in the EU and UK depending on the policy you purchase. We offer three levels of coverage, some of which include coverage in the EU and UK.

Can I drive my American car in France?

Yes, American cars can be driven in France, provided the vehicle is correctly registered in France.

What kind of driver's license do I need?

To drive and get insurance in France, we accept UK, EU, and international and provisional license holders.

Will my policy documents be in English?

Under French law all car insurance documentation must be issued in French; however, we provide you with a policy summary in English. We also provide customer service in English.

How long are your policies? What if I only need insurance for a short time?

Our French car insurance policies are annual—issued for one year at a time—but if you need insurance for less than one year, you may be able to receive a pro rata refund on your annual policy, minus any cancellation charges. Speak with one of our advisors to discuss the best option for your situation.

Expat Car Insurance in France

English-Speaking Customer Support

If you’re a non-resident working or living in France, Clements Worldwide makes it easy for you to get affordable car or motorcycle insurance. Secure a competitive rate with English-speaking customer support.

We offer coverage to suit a wide range of needs and budgets, including:

Local third-party liability protection (France’s minimum requirement)
Third-party fire and theft (liability plus theft, fire, and storm damage)
Comprehensive coverage

You can choose monthly payments or one annual payment.

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Need insurance for your motorcycle in France?

Motorcycle Quote

Heavy traffic with cars and motorcycles in Paris, France.

Why Clements?

Coverage & Service Highlights

Convenience

Customer support in English

Access to local insurance advisors experienced in the French market, providing you affordable and comprehensive coverage

US, UK, EU, and international and provisional driver’s licenses accepted

Savings

We count your driving experience abroad, saving you money

Second family car discount

Occasional drivers (<8,000 km) are eligible for reduced rates

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Protection

All coverage levels include:

– Civil liability coverage
– Legal defense
– Driver coverage (death, bodily injury, and economic loss)

Monospace (minivan/MPV) insurance dedicated to family vehicles

Five free taxi rides home (for drivers aged 18 – 25) if you are unfit to drive

Coverage: Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL)

France’s minimum coverage requirement. This car insurance option includes:

Public liability €100,000,000

Driver coverage (death, bodily injury, and economic loss for driver)

Assistance from home (0 km) in case of breakdown, accident, fire, and theft

Assistance after breakdown/accident

Windscreen/glass (including lights) replacements

Coverage: Third-Party Fire and Theft Insurance

Auto insurance policy in France with third-party liability plus extended coverage including:

Theft, fire, and storm damage

Public liability €100,000,000

Driver coverage (death, bodily injury, and economic loss for driver)

Assistance from home (0 km) in case of breakdown, accident, fire, and theft

Assistance after breakdown/accident

Windscreen/glass (including lights) replacement

Coverage: Comprehensive Car Insurance

Our highest level of coverage keeps you, others, and your property safe. This policy includes:

All damage resulting from an accident

Theft, fire, and storm damage

After-market fittings and accessories

Contents transported in the vehicle

Value at purchase price in case of write off

Public liability €100,000,000

Driver coverage (death, bodily injury, and economic loss for driver)

Assistance from home (0 km) in case of breakdown, accident, fire, and theft

Assistance after breakdown/accident

Windscreen/glass (including lights) replacement

Additional Add-On Options for France

Further Protection Options

Rental car coverage
Additional legal fees and assistance protection
Protection for vehicle contents
Vehicle accessories and amenities coverage

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An agent will be in touch shortly with a quote for your France auto insurance.

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What You’ll Need to Get a France Car or Motorcycle Insurance Policy

After submitting your quote request, an agent will contact you shortly. To secure a policy, you will need these documents:

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Driver’s license for policy holder and named drivers (US, UK, EU, and international and provisional driver’s licenses accepted)

Passport

Visa or residence permit

One of the following car registration documents:

Vehicle’s French registration document (carte grise) in the former or current owner’s name
Vehicle registration certificate (certificate d’immatriculation provisoire) on permanent French plates or temporary WW plates
Purchase order (bon de commande)

No-claims bonus or letter of driving experience stating:

The driver’s insured dates
The number of claims-free years earned
Details of any claims for the past three years

For more information about car insurance coverage in France see our FAQs below.

Who May Need Expat Car Insurance in France?

France requires all drivers to have auto insurance, including foreign nationals. Those who may need this type of coverage include:

Government employees and contractors, such as embassy staff
International teachers and educators
Non-profit workers
Health care workers
Missionaries
Remote workers and digital nomads
Retirees living abroad
Families and individuals travelling internationally
Anyone living and working abroad

Expat living abroad renewing international insurance policy.

Have Questions or Need Help?

If you have any questions about our motorcycle or car insurance in France, please contact us at france@clements.com, 44(0) 33 0099 0104 or 800.872.0067.

Insurance for Military, Foreign Service, & Educators Abroad

Wherever your PCS (permanent change of station) overseas or service takes you, rest assured you can drive across the EU and Schengen Area with our coverage and protect your car in transit between homes with coverage beyond third-party liability.

Why take the risk of using separate companies to ship your auto and personal property to your various posts? Let us take the stress out of converting your insurance coverage from country to country as you move around the world for your missions abroad.

Get a Car or Motorcycle Insurance Quote for France

Get a free quote or learn about our car insurance rates.

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Additional Policies for All Your Needs

Consider these other insurance solutions to protect yourself, your stuff, and your family:

Personal Property and valuables insurance icon.

Related Policy

Worldwide Personal Property Coverage

Cover your most cherished belongings in-transit and at your destination. Discover why international personal property insurance may make sense for you.

Personal Property Insurance

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Worldwide Personal Accident Coverage

Get 24-hour protection wherever you are in the world. Find out how international Personal Accident Insurance can provide you with peace of mind.

Personal Accident Insurance

Contact Us

Still have questions? Fill out the form below and get in contact with a Clements Personal Insurance Advisor today.

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Disclaimer

Clements Belgium SRL, trading as Clements Worldwide, is authorized and Regulated by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) as an insurance broker at 8, Place Marcel Broodthaers, B-1060 Saint-Gilles under registration number 0721.902.110. . RPM/RPR : Brussels. Clements Belgium SRL is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under the UK Temporary Permissions Regime under registration number 838246. Clements Belgium is also regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.