French driving
Discussion
I`ve never heard of this before. The normal requirements are the usual spare bulbs, high visibility jackets etc. I also take a copy of my V5 and my insurer, as well as giving me a cover note also supplies a an accident report form (in English). I`ve also hired a lot of cars in France and they have never had such a document in the glove box. Might be an idea to ask the AA/RAC for advice.
I used to drive back and forth to France most weeks in my M12 (faster than the plane, and much more interesting) and my insurance company did supply me with an accident form for use while 'on the continent'. So I can only assume this is the same thing.
Thankfully I've never had to use it, despite some near misses in Paris, but it's there should the worst happen.
--Jools
Thankfully I've never had to use it, despite some near misses in Paris, but it's there should the worst happen.
--Jools
Unfortuatly that website seems to be rather inaccurate!
When you add EU cover to a UK insurance you will be given a accident report sheet, or an "constat amiable d'accident" or "Europees aanrijdingsformulier" or any of the other 10+ names it's called.
In the event of an accident without any injuries, and if AND ONLY IF, both drivers agree on the facts, there is no obligation to contact the police, but you MUST still complete the accident report in order to benefit from insurance. If you don't do this then you could have issues if the other driver tries to claim of you.
This form is NOT compulsory BUT it is highly recommended that you do otherwise you may lose the right to defend your case/argument if you do not......
The constat is an agreed statement of terms. NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS.
The ARS is purely a statement of FACTS and not an establishment of blame. Information required includes: place of accident, names of witnesses, names of drivers with driver licence details (you should always carry your licence with you), and details of the insurers amongst other information. It's all very clear on the form but there are some key rules.
1) NEVER sign the form if you are not sure about the details. As above, it's a factual document and you have to be sure.
2) Make sure you tick the boxes that apply, and add up the ticks and put the total in the box at the bottom. This prevents the form being altered.
3) NEVER let the other party fill out your side of the form. It doesn't matter if you fill in your bit in English, and the other part fills in their part in French/Dutch etc.
4) If you don't have the carbon copy version from your insurer, ensure the copy is good from the other persons.
5) add “Réserves sur les dégâts non apparents” on the damage section to reserve your rights if further damage is found.
6) Always take photos. Disposable camera is good, digital camera OK, mobile only as a last resort.
7) If the other party refuses to sign the constat (or you do, then ensure you...), ask to see their ID and proof of insurance and note the registration. The police will not normally attend an accident where there are no injuries but should be called nonetheless if the other party is being awkward.
8) If neither party have a constat, the report can still be sent by letter, within five days, to the insurance companies. There is NO legal obligation to actually fill it out at the scene, but clearly if you are claiming it's in your interest to do it.
This form is now standard across the EU and designed to streamline things.
You can find more (correct) info here
http://france.angloinfo.com/countries/france/accid...
Here is an example
and a full translated PDF here
http://www.insurance.fr/files/Accident_Form.pdf
If you want I can dig out the advice about the 17 boxes in the middle and who is therefore deemed at fault, but it's all rather logical to be honest (i.e. No. 5, "Entering a car park, private grounds, a track"; if you hit someone then you are at fault)
Danny - I'm not sure if this applies to nationals with local insurance, sorry, but my guess it is probably doesn't. That being said, doesn't harm to just carry a copy of the PDF with you that gives you some useful tips.
J
When you add EU cover to a UK insurance you will be given a accident report sheet, or an "constat amiable d'accident" or "Europees aanrijdingsformulier" or any of the other 10+ names it's called.
In the event of an accident without any injuries, and if AND ONLY IF, both drivers agree on the facts, there is no obligation to contact the police, but you MUST still complete the accident report in order to benefit from insurance. If you don't do this then you could have issues if the other driver tries to claim of you.
This form is NOT compulsory BUT it is highly recommended that you do otherwise you may lose the right to defend your case/argument if you do not......
The constat is an agreed statement of terms. NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS.
The ARS is purely a statement of FACTS and not an establishment of blame. Information required includes: place of accident, names of witnesses, names of drivers with driver licence details (you should always carry your licence with you), and details of the insurers amongst other information. It's all very clear on the form but there are some key rules.
1) NEVER sign the form if you are not sure about the details. As above, it's a factual document and you have to be sure.
2) Make sure you tick the boxes that apply, and add up the ticks and put the total in the box at the bottom. This prevents the form being altered.
3) NEVER let the other party fill out your side of the form. It doesn't matter if you fill in your bit in English, and the other part fills in their part in French/Dutch etc.
4) If you don't have the carbon copy version from your insurer, ensure the copy is good from the other persons.
5) add “Réserves sur les dégâts non apparents” on the damage section to reserve your rights if further damage is found.
6) Always take photos. Disposable camera is good, digital camera OK, mobile only as a last resort.
7) If the other party refuses to sign the constat (or you do, then ensure you...), ask to see their ID and proof of insurance and note the registration. The police will not normally attend an accident where there are no injuries but should be called nonetheless if the other party is being awkward.
8) If neither party have a constat, the report can still be sent by letter, within five days, to the insurance companies. There is NO legal obligation to actually fill it out at the scene, but clearly if you are claiming it's in your interest to do it.
This form is now standard across the EU and designed to streamline things.
You can find more (correct) info here
http://france.angloinfo.com/countries/france/accid...
Here is an example
and a full translated PDF here
http://www.insurance.fr/files/Accident_Form.pdf
If you want I can dig out the advice about the 17 boxes in the middle and who is therefore deemed at fault, but it's all rather logical to be honest (i.e. No. 5, "Entering a car park, private grounds, a track"; if you hit someone then you are at fault)
Danny - I'm not sure if this applies to nationals with local insurance, sorry, but my guess it is probably doesn't. That being said, doesn't harm to just carry a copy of the PDF with you that gives you some useful tips.
J
Edited by joust on Tuesday 19th January 22:23
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