Too many drivers in France do not have insurance

Too many drivers in France do not have valid vehicle insurance and are putting themselves and other drivers at risk, the public victims’ guarantee fund has warned.

Non-compliance “remains at a worrying level that must galvanise us all”, said the Fonds de garantie des victimes (FVG, victims guarantee fund) in a press release on July 25.

It stated that in 2023, it had needed to compensate 7,687 injured people, at a cost of €137 million - whether to the injured victims or the relatives of deceased victims. This was a 28% rise in comparison to 2022, it said.

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Human cost

Of people injured in a collision, 39% are left with lifelong after-effects, the FGV continued. 

“Furthermore, since 2017, there has been an increase of more than 50% in the proportion of uninsured drivers involved in personal injury accidents and inspected by the police,” it said. 

“Driving without insurance is the worst kind of gamble,” it added. “[We must] preserve public resources while avoiding tragedies for drivers at fault.”

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Financial cost

Drivers without insurance risk a fine of €600-1,500, even before the costs and consequences of a collision.

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The fine for a first offence is €500, but 50% extra is added for the Fonds de garantie de l'assurance obligatoire de dommages (FGAO), bringing the fine to €750 if paid within 45 days. The vehicle may also be immobilised and impounded.

In some cases, the fine may be reduced to €600 if paid within 15 days, but in others it can be increased to as much as €1,500.