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Moving to France as an expat is an exciting adventure, but navigating French bureaucracy can be challenging—especially when it comes to insuring a foreign-registered vehicle. Whether you’re relocating permanently or spending an extended time in France, understanding the rules around vehicle insurance is essential.
This guide breaks down how to insure a foreign vehicle in France, the legal requirements, the insurance options available, and the steps to make sure you’re covered.
Do you need to insure a foreign registered vehicle in France?
Yes—if you are driving a vehicle in France, insurance is mandatory, even if the vehicle is registered in another country. French law requires that every vehicle operating on French roads must have at least third-party liability insurance (responsabilité civile). This covers damage or injury you cause to others while driving.
If you plan to stay in France for more than six months (185 days), you are required to re-register your vehicle with a French license plate and switch to a French insurance policy.
Temporary vs. permanent vehicle insurance
Depending on your situation, you’ll need to choose between temporary and permanent insurance:
Temporary Insurance (Assurance Temporaire):
👉 Ideal for expats who plan to stay in France for a short-term period (up to 90 days).
👉 Provides basic coverage like third-party liability.
👉 Available for vehicles with foreign plates while awaiting re-registration.
Permanent French Insurance:
👉 Required if you plan to stay in France for more than six months.
👉 Provides comprehensive coverage options such as collision, theft, and fire.
👉 Only available once your vehicle is registered in France.
Steps to insurance a foreign vehicle in France
Step one: Gather the required documents
When applying for car insurance in France, you will need to present the following documents:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (Carte Grise or foreign equivalent)
Proof of Identity (passport or residency card)
Proof of Address in France (utility bill or rental agreement)
Valid Driver’s License (foreign or international)
Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Contrôle Technique) if the vehicle is over 4 years old
No-Claims Bonus Certificate (Attestation d’Historique) from your previous insurer (optional but useful for discounts)
Step two: Choose the right type of insurance
In France, there are three primary types of car insurance to consider:
👉 Third-Party Liability (Responsabilité Civile): The legal minimum. It covers damage or injury you cause to others but not your own vehicle.
👉 Third-Party, Fire & Theft (Intermédiaire): Includes third-party coverage plus protection against theft, fire, and vandalism.
👉 Comprehensive Insurance (Tous Risques): Offers full protection, covering all third-party claims as well as accidental damage to your own vehicle.
Step three: Apply for temporary insurance while you transition
If you are bringing your vehicle to France but have not yet re-registered it, many French insurers offer temporary policies to cover you while you complete the process. This is a critical step to ensure legal compliance while your paperwork is processed.
Re-registering a foreign vehicle in France
If you plan to stay in France for more than six months, you must register your foreign vehicle under French regulations. This process ensures your car complies with local road laws and allows you to obtain a permanent French insurance policy. If you need help with you car import and foreign car registration in France, check out our partner FAV services.
Below are the key steps to re-register your vehicle in France:
Step 1: Obtain Tax Clearance or Customs Clearance (846A Form)
Before registering your vehicle, you need to confirm that VAT has been paid:
Tax Quitus (Quitus Fiscal): If your vehicle was purchased within the European Union, you must obtain a tax quitus from the French tax office (Centre des Impôts). This document certifies that VAT has been accounted for within the EU.
846A Customs Clearance Certificate: If your vehicle was purchased outside the EU, you must obtain an 846A form from French Customs (Douanes) after paying VAT and import duties.
You can request assistance from a professional service or visit your local tax office to obtain these documents.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (COC)
A Certificate of Conformity (COC) proves that your vehicle meets European safety and environmental standards. If your car was originally manufactured for the European market, you can request a COC from the vehicle manufacturer or their homologation department.
If your vehicle was built for a non-European market and does not qualify for a COC, you will need to obtain an Isolated Title Acceptance Report (RTI) from DREAL (Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement), which requires an inspection.
For classic cars over 30 years old, an FFVE (Fédération Française des Véhicules d’Époque) certificate can be obtained to bypass DREAL requirements.
Step 3: Submit Your Registration Application (Carte Grise)
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can apply for your French vehicle registration (Carte Grise) through the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) or via a registered third-party service.
Required Documents for Registration:
Foreign Registration Certificate: Full document, including all pages if applicable.
Proof of Purchase: Invoice from a dealership or a private sale contract (Déclaration de Cession).
Tax Quitus or 846A Form: Based on the vehicle’s origin.
Application for Carte Grise
Mandate for Third-Party Registration (if applicable)
Certificate of Conformity (COC) or RTI/FFVE Approval.
Valid Contrôle Technique (Vehicle Inspection): Required if the vehicle is over four years old. European roadworthiness tests are accepted if performed within the last six months.
Proof of Address: Utility bill or rental agreement.
Proof of Identity: Passport, residence permit, or French ID card.
Valid Driving License: Must correspond to the category of the registered vehicle.
Valid Insurance Certificate: French car insurance proof.
Step 4: Pay Registration Fees
The cost of registering a foreign vehicle in France depends on date of first registration, administrative power (CV – Chevaux Fiscaux), CO2 emissions, fuel type, your department of residence
You can estimate the registration cost using the official French government calculator on the ANTS website.
Temporary Registration (WW Plates)
If you need to drive your vehicle while waiting for final registration, you can apply for a temporary WW plate, valid for four months. This allows you to legally use your car in France and obtain French insurance coverage during the registration process.
Who Needs to Re-Register a Foreign Vehicle in France?
👉 Expats moving to France: If you declare France as your primary residence, you must register your vehicle within one month of arrival.
👉 French residents buying a car abroad: If you purchase a vehicle outside France, it must be re-registered under French regulations.
Reach out to FAV services to anything related to vehicle purchase or import, vehicle registration in France, tax clearance, COC, foreign driving license exchange. Visit their website here.
What happens if you drive without insurance in France?
Driving without valid insurance in France is a serious offence and can result in:
- Fines of up to 3,750 €
- Vehicle confiscation
- License suspension
- Criminal penalties in the event of an accident
To avoid these consequences, ensure you have appropriate coverage from the day you arrive.
Get expert help with insuring your foreign vehicle in France
Navigating French car insurance can be complex, but Fab French Insurance is here to simplify the process. Whether you’re bringing a foreign-registered vehicle or need coverage for a newly registered French car, we offer:
✅ Tailored car insurance solutions for expats
✅ Assistance with paperwork for registering your vehicle
✅ English-speaking support to guide you through the process
✅ Competitive rates from top French insurers
Let us take the stress out of insuring your car in France. Get a free quote today! Visit Fab French Insurance.
