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In 2016, France introduced the PUMA system, Protection Universelle Maladie.   What does it change for an early retiree wishing to live in France?   It was created to simplify access to health care and avoid living in France with no health cover. It is also useful for self employed people in France who automatically … Read more Healthcare and the PUMA system

Accidents have to be declared to your insurance company within 5 working days.   The ‘Constat d’accident’ needs to be filled in by both parties, click ‘here’ to download a copy of the ‘Constat d’accident’ form (in French and English). Both parties have to provide a copy to their insurance company. If no one else is involved … Read more How to declare a vehicle accident

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 How to join the French healthcare system

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 Choosing an insurance company…

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 How to cancel an insurance in France

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 Types of car insurance policies

When bringing in a UK registered vehicle to France, you have a duty to register it with your local French authorities, either prefecture or mairie. This involves getting a “carte grise “ (the equivalent to the log book) and new French number plates. Normally, French insurance companies cannot insure vehicles registered in foreign countries because … Read more Registering your vehicle in France

The no claims bonus in France is expressed in coefficient, and not in percentage. It starts at coefficient 1 as a new driver. The coefficient that is earned is multiplied by 0.95 each year without claim at fault until it reaches 0.50 which is the maximum entitlement.   For instance with a coefficient at 0.72 … Read more No Claims bonus for car insurance

1-Opt for a limited mileage policy : If you drive less than 4000km or less than 8000km per year, you could qualify for a low mileage policy which could save you between 15 to 20%.   2-Understand and check your cover: If your car is worth very little, don’t insure it fully comprehensive; cut out … Read more Tips to reduce car insurance premiums

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 Breakdown Assistance in France