It's tempting to insure a vehicle with your bank or through the dealership but doing so could mean you end up paying more for your car insurance as they may not have converted your foreign insurance history into the maximum equivalent you could have had in France. Make sure to compare car insurance options with specialised english speaking brokers to save both time and efforts. Don't forget, choosing fully comprehensive cover and paying annually can bring costs down as well.
Expat Car Insurance in France
Fair prices. English speaking agents. Foreign insurance history conversion.
Check our pricesCompare cheap car insurance quotes
Car insurance for expats in France: We do the hard work for you, comparing rates from the biggest providers so you can get the best vehicle coverage at the most competitive premium. Whether you need comprehensive protection or basic coverage, we ensure you have the right policy for your needs. Plus, we guide you through the registration process, avoiding the hassle and extra costs that come with choosing an insurance agent who doesn’t understand your situation!"
Types of Car Insurance Policies Available
Finding the right auto insurance policy can be challenging, but as an independent insurance broker, we simplify the process by comparing offers from multiple providers to find the best coverage at the most competitive rates. In France, all drivers must have at least third-party liability insurance, which is required for vehicle registration and covers damages caused to others. For more extensive protection, comprehensive insurance includes coverage for theft, vandalism, and personal damages. Additional options, such as roadside assistance or legal protection, can further tailor a policy to your needs. By working with leading insurers, we ensure you receive the most suitable premium and vehicle coverage for your situation. Contact us to find the best solution at the right price!
Why compare car insurance quotes with Fab French Insurance ?
Finding the right car insurance for expats in France can be overwhelming, but at Fab French Insurance, we make it effortless. Our mission is to provide you with tailored vehicle coverage that meets both French legal requirements and your personal needs, whether you're looking for third-party liability or a fully comprehensive Premium policy. We understand the challenges of navigating French bureaucracy, which is why we simplify the process, offering clear guidance and competitive quotes. With us, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing that your car is protected by an insurance provider that truly understands expat life in France. You can get off to a flying start on French roads!
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As fast as Frenchly possible
Just pop in some details about yourself, your car and the cover you need
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The cheapest policies
We'll do the legwork to find the cheapest car insurance that offers the cover you need and can accept the specifics of drivers with foreign origin
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France made simple
There are many traps when insuring a vehicle in France but you won't have to worry, we'll help you get the best offer that matches your exact situation
What do you need to get a quote ?
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Details of the car
The vehicle's registration number if you know it. If not, the make and model is fine. We'll also need the car's age and any specifics you may want us to be aware of.
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What you'll use the car for
Social, commuting or business, and how many miles/kilometers you'll do in a year. You'll also need to say where you'll park the car at night for security.
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Your details and your licence
Including your job, age and your address - the same for any additional drivers you may have. We'll also need to know what type of license you have, how long you've had it, your claims and driving history.
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Insurance history discount
Details of your insurance history (like the no-claims discount in the UK for example) to help lower the prices you get.
Our expert says
Fabien Pelissier, Head of Fab French Insurance
We're 100% independent, working only for our customers
Unlike some of our competitors, Fab French Insurance is not owned by an insurance company (not even fractionally).
We combine independence, so we can negotiate the best prices, with excellent customer service, to find the best value products and services.
Understanding Car Insurance Requirements in France
In France, having auto insurance is a legal obligation for all registered vehicles. At a minimum, drivers must have vehicle coverage for third-party liability, which protects against damages caused to others. For greater protection, many opt for comprehensive insurance, which includes coverage for theft, vandalism, and accidents. Insurance rates vary based on factors such as driving history, vehicle type, and selected coverage options. Failing to maintain valid insurance can lead to fines and complications with your registration. At Fab French Insurance, we offer tailored policies with competitive premiums to ensure you stay compliant while enjoying optimal protection on the road.
How can I get cheaper car insurance?
Here are some things you can try to bring down the cost of your car insurance policy.
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1.
Convert your insurance history
France works a bit differently from most countries. French insurers look at the claims made in the past 36 months and all claims matter (even the non responsible ones or some window damage). The more history you can provide the better the discount and the cheaper the premium.
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Build a no-claims discount
If you can avoid making claims for smaller things by paying for the repairs you’ll get more discount more quickly. And don’t forget, the plate goes clean every 36 months without a claim in France so try to factor it in to optimise your insurance premiums.
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3.
Avoid courtesy vehicles
Most insurance companies have agreements with local garages which help prevent you from paying upfront and most of the include also includes the cover for a courtesy vehicle for free. This way you can play smart and save the cover for a courtesy vehicle on your policy and aim for partner garages in case of a claim.
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Remember you can change policy whenever you want
The renewal date is probably the worst time to consider a change in France. Once your policy is more than 12 months old you can actually change whenever you want with a full refund (and without any penalty)!
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Pay annually
Paying an annual lump sum for your auto insurance policy may seem like a big initial outlay, but it would cost less overall than if you were to pay on instalments.
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6.
Limited mileage policy
If you drive 8000km per year or less odds are high that you could save some money with a limited mileage policy. Make sure you check this out.
What else affects your car insurance premiums?
Insurers consider lots of things when they work out how risky you might be. Obviously, the more of a risk you pose, the higher the price of your car insurance will be. French insurance premiums are mostly influenced by:
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Your location: Some postcodes may have higher rates of theft or claims than others. Those living in Paris, for example, pay on average 30% more than those in French Britany.
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Your job: Insurers might see some jobs as higher risks. Especially if your job involves driving a lot or around dangerous machinery. Being retired usually is the lowest risk from an insurer’s perspective, so you see, aging isn’t all bad!
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Your mileage: The longer you spend on the road, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident. If you drive infrequently, you could save money with a limited or low mileage cover.
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Your car make and model: Cars in higher insurance groups usually cost more to cover. In France the residual value of a vehicle doesn’t matter as the insurance premium is based on the new value of a vehicle so even that old Porsche is going to be dreadful to insure in France.
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Your car storage and security: Garages, driveways and car ports generally reduce the risk of theft, vandalism or even hail storm’s damage.
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Your driving history: This includes potential driving convictions as well as any claims you’ve made on car insurance policies in the past. And remember that in France we can’t protect the discount so all claims matter.
What's covered
Whether it's a fender bender or total loss, our team is ready to help! Find here the vehicle coverage with your auto insurance:
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If you're in a car crash
We'll cover, or recover, the cost to repair the damage.
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If you're stalled on the highway
We include roadside assistance for tows and it's often home start.
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If the unexpected happens
We'll cover damage from fires, weather, vandalism, and more.
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If your glass is damaged
We'll cover repairs for windshield repairs or replacement.
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If you're sued for liability
We'll help cover the costs induced.
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If your car is stolen
We'll cover the cost to replace it with an equivalent model.
Understanding the Claims Process in France
Filing an auto insurance claim in France can seem complex, but understanding the process helps ensure a smooth experience. In the event of an accident or damage, policyholders must report the incident to their insurer promptly, usually within five days. Providing a detailed claim with necessary documents—such as the constat amiable (accident report), photos, and witness statements—can speed up the assessment. Once submitted, the insurer evaluates the coverage and determines rates for repairs or compensation. If disputes arise, mediation services can help resolve conflicts efficiently.
FAQ
We do the hard work for you, companing deals from the biggest providers in France so you can get the right cover, save up on your premium and have it all explained in English.
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Can I convert my foreign insurance history?
Most of the time the answer is yes. If you can provide documentation in English or officially translated into French then yes. French insurers are a bit picky as to the kind of documentation they expect but there is always a way to convert your insurance history into its French equivalent. Pro tip => The maximum discount is provided if you can prove 13+ years without a claim.
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What driving license is accepted?
This is one of those topics where the law differs from the commercial acceptance of French insurers. French insurers basically only accept licenses that are permanent in France or equivalent (on 10+ years renewal for example). Temporarily accepted licenses are very tricky to use in France (international license, foreign license from a state without driving agreements with France, etc.).
British licenses are accepted as long as the initial test was done prior to Brexit. Any license with the EU flag on it would be accepted and for international licenses or non EU licenses (including Swiss licenses for example) you would need to get an EU license eventually to be able to enjoy a "regular" French insurance policy.
