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Driving in France can be a beautiful experience, but accidents can happen. If you're a foreigner living in France or simply driving through as a visitor, a car accident can be overwhelming. Different rules, a new language, and unfamiliar procedures can turn a stressful situation into a confusing one.
The good news? You're not alone, and there’s a clear process to follow. This guide walks you through exactly what to do if you’re involved in a car accident in France, whether it’s a minor fender bender or something more serious.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
Immediately after the accident, your priority is safety.
✅ Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. If that’s not possible, turn on your hazard lights.
🚧 Use Your Warning Equipment: French law requires all vehicles to carry a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest. Place the triangle at least 30 metres behind your vehicle, and wear the vest if you're leaving the car on a public road.
Step 2: Check for Injuries and Call Emergency Services (If Needed)
If anyone is injured you must call emergency services immediately. Here are the emergency numbers in France:
112 – European-wide emergency number (recommended for non-French speakers)
15 – SAMU (medical emergency)
17 – Police
18 – Fire and rescue
Provide your name, location, number of people involved, and type of accident. Emergency operators may speak English on 112, but try to use French if possible or ask a passerby for help.
Step 3: Don’t Admit Fault on the Spot
Regardless of who you think caused the accident, do not admit liability at the scene. In France, fault is determined later by insurance companies based on documentation, photos, and police reports, not personal admissions.
Step 4: Complete the Constat Amiable (Accident Report)
The constat amiable d’accident is a standard accident report form used throughout France. It’s essential, even in minor collisions, and it forms the basis of all insurance claims.
You should receive this form from your French insurer when you purchase car insurance. Keep a copy in your glove compartment at all times.
How to Fill Out the Constat:
Complete together with the other driver(s) and include:
✅ Date and time
✅ Location
✅ Details of vehicles involved
✅ Insurance details
✅ Diagram of how the accident occurred
✅ Any witnesses
Both parties sign the form before leaving the scene. Submit it to your insurer within 5 working days
💡 If you don’t speak French, take your time and don’t sign anything you don’t understand. It’s OK to write notes in English in the comments section of the form.
Step 5: Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Use your smartphone to document:
➡️ Damage to all vehicles
➡️ License plates
➡️ Road signs or conditions
➡️ Skid marks, traffic lights, or relevant surroundings
➡️ Driver’s licence and insurance proof of the other party
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and phone numbers. Their testimony could support your case later.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve safely left the scene, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, ideally the same day, but no later than five days after the accident.
Provide:
➡️ The completed constat amiable
➡️ Photos and any other supporting documents
➡️ A police report number (if applicable)
What If the Other Driver Refuses to Cooperate?
Sometimes, the other driver may refuse to fill in the accident report, be aggressive or flee the scene and/or appear uninsured or intoxicated
In such cases:
1️⃣ Call the police (17) and wait for their arrival
2️⃣ Take as many photos and notes as possible
3️⃣ Write down the other vehicle’s plate number, make, and colour
4️⃣ Do not engage in a confrontation
The police will file an official report, which you can submit to your insurer if the other party doesn’t cooperate.
What If You’re Driving a Rental Car?
If you’re in a rental car, call the rental agency’s emergency number immediately. Follow the same steps: safety first, fill in the accident form, and report the incident to both the rental agency and your personal insurer (if you have separate coverage).
Your rental contract will outline what’s covered and what deductible (franchise) you’re responsible for. Having travel insurance or a credit card policy that includes collision damage waiver (CDW) may help reduce excess costs.
Common Questions for Foreign Drivers
Do I Need a Police Report for Minor Accidents?
No, unless there are injuries, a dispute, or one party refuses to cooperate. The constat amiable is sufficient for most minor accidents.
Will My Foreign Licence Be a Problem?
Not usually, if you’re legally allowed to drive in France (e.g. you hold a valid EU or international licence), you're covered. But always ensure your car insurance is valid for the type of licence you hold.
What If I Don’t Have a Constat Form?
You can still report the accident with a written account of what happened, the other driver’s insurance details and any photos or witness statements.
Contact your insurer or broker immediately for guidance.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Calm
Getting into a car accident in France as a foreigner can feel overwhelming, but the process is very structured. If you fill in the constat amiable, contact your insurer within five days and document everything.
Finding the right car insurance for expats in France can be overwhelming, but at Fab French Insurance, we make it effortless. We’re here to make life in France a little less stressful. 👉 Need car insurance in France? Get a personalised quote today.
