Is car insurance mandatory in France?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in France for all motor vehicles, even if they are not being used.
1. Legal Requirement
- According to French law, all vehicles must have at least third-party liability insurance (“assurance au tiers”), which covers damages and injuries caused to others.
- This applies to cars, motorcycles, scooters, and other motor vehicles, even if they are parked and not driven.
2. Minimum Coverage ("Assurance au Tiers")
- This basic insurance covers damage to other people, vehicles, or property in case of an accident where you are at fault.
- However, it does not cover damage to your own car or injuries you may suffer.
3. Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
If you drive without insurance in France, you risk:
- A €3,750 fine
- License suspension (up to 3 years)
- Vehicle confiscation
Possible criminal charges in severe cases
4. Optional Higher Coverage
To get better protection, many drivers choose:
- “Assurance au tiers étendu” – Covers third-party liability plus theft, fire, and weather damage.
- “Assurance tous risques” (Comprehensive insurance) – Covers all damages, even if you’re at fault. Comprehensive insurance is chosen if your vehicle still has market value; otherwise, in the event of an accident, the insurance would reimburse you a small amount without necessarily covering the repairs on the vehicle.
French car insurance
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