In France, insuring your car is compulsory. It's a legal requirement for both everyday use and occasional trips such as vacations. Despite this, for reasons of tight budget or because some young drivers don't want to pay for coverage that has already been increased, car owners sometimes take the risk of driving without insurance. But beware! There may be many reasons for not taking out car insurance, but the penalties are real and can be severe. Planning to take your car on vacation? Take the time to find affordable car insurance.
Is car insurance compulsory for all types of vehicle?
In France, taking out car insurance is not an option. As Article L211-1 of the French Insurance Code clearly states, it's a legal obligation for all motorized land vehicles. Whether it's a combustion engine, a hybrid, an electric vehicle or a car without a license, all types of vehicle are covered.
For holidaymakers, car insurance also applies to motorhomes, vans and even trailers whose gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeds 750 kg. In this case, they must be covered by a separate third-party insurance policy.
How do you find the right car insurance?
As mentioned above, some motorists may be tempted to drive without car insurance to save money. But since driving without insurance is illegal, the only advice we can give you is: compare car insurance quotes!
Today, there are easy-to-use online car insurance comparators. This free, no-obligation service allows you to obtain quotes from different insurance companies, according to your profile and needs. Once you've got the quotes, all you have to do is take a look at the cover and rates, and choose the offer that's right for you.
Rather than taking the risk of driving without car insurance for everyday journeys or vacations, it's advisable to at least take out third-party insurance. Rates are affordable, and in the event of an inspection, motorists are in the clear.
The risks of driving without insurance
Driving without car insurance means taking risks for your vehicle, your driving licence and yourself. Depending on the offence, motorists may be liable to :
- suspension of driving license for up to 3 years,
- cancellation of the driving license, with a ban on taking it again for up to 3 years,
- ban on driving any type of motor vehicle, with or without a license, for up to 5 years,
- immobilization of the vehicle,
- confiscation of the vehicle,
- a sentence of community service,
- compulsory completion ofa road safety awareness course,
- a penalty of days' fine, i.e. payment of a certain sum each day for a specified period.
Statutory fines
As we have just seen, drivers who drive without car insurance take risks and incur penalties. And these penalties not only affect the vehicle and the driver's license, they are also financial. In the event of a roadside check by the police, failure to have car insurance carriesa fine of €500. This can be reduced to €400 if payment is made within 15 days, or increased to €1,000 if payment is still not made after 45 days.
Next, it's important to know that everything depends on the seriousness of the claim. After an accident, for example, the case may be taken to court. In this case, the fine is €3,750. This rises to €7,500 if the offence is repeated.
In conclusion, when you use a car to go to work, pick up your children from school, go shopping, visit relatives or go on vacation, always make sure you have a valid driving license, the vehicle registration document and car insurance.
