How to join the French healthcare system

We are extremely lucky in France to have one of the best healthcare system in the world. If you are retired,  the few steps below will help you to join the French healthcare system.   In order to register with your local social security office ( CPAM ) you will be required to submit a … Read more

Choosing an insurance company…

Your choice should never be made on cost only, always remember that you get what you pay for.   A company that has been in business for many years, with the same members of staff is often a good sign.   Ask questions, your initial gut feeling is often right, how do you feel the … Read more

All risks house insurance

What you have to declare in order to be covered and what is excluded   An all risks (multirisques) insurance policy will cover, not only your public liability, but your home, personal belongings, and those of your household.   The risks covered will include those of fire, explosion, theft and flooding, leaks, storms, snow, vandalism, … Read more

How to cancel an insurance in France

Most contracts in France, whether they are insurance contracts or others are set up on an automatic renewal basis. This means that they will be automatically renewed unless you don’t give the proper amount of notice to cancel.   Various solutions are on hand in order to cancel your policy, which can only be done … Read more

Towing a caravan or trailer in France

….what are the requirements.   Rule 1: General legal requirements All caravans or trailers have to display a number plate. Failing to display a number plate could result in a fine that can go up to 750 euros maximum, in the same way as not being able to show the police your driving license, registration … Read more

Register your car in France

A step by step guide on using the ANTS site to register your car   Once you have collected all the required documents to file your application for registering your vehicle bought within the European Union, you should register it via the ANTS system (AGENCE NATIONALE DES TITRES SÉCURISÉS) and create a France connect account. You will … Read more

Types of car insurance policies

There are 3 levels of cover available to insure a vehicle: third party only ( “Au tiers” ), third party fire and theft ( “Au tiers + vol, incendie, bris de glace”), and fully comprehensive (“tous risques”).   Car owners must carry with them the registration documents of the vehicle, a valid insurance certificate: the … Read more

Breakdown Assistance in France

Breakdown assistance is almost always included in the insurance.   In case of break down, the insured must call the assistance provider as it is them who organise the recovery. They will recover the vehicle to the nearest garage, and organise to take the driver and passengers home, or wherever they were travelling to.   … Read more

NEW DRIVING RULES IN 2018

The national speed-limit on ordinary roads (i.e. excluding divided highways and motorways) will go down from 90 km/hr to 80 km/hr, as from July 1st. Motorway speed limit will remain at 130km/hr and dual carriageways at 110 km/hr. HANDS FREE mobile-phone use is banned in France. Regarding the use of a mobile phone while driving, … Read more