Motorbike insurance in France

Motorbike insurance in France is the compulsory cover every powered two wheeler must carry, arranged here for English speaking riders with the language, the documents and the cross border questions handled in plain English. The cover follows French rules like any other; what differs is the path to getting it right when you are new to the system, riding on a foreign licence or bringing a machine into France.

This page covers motorbikes proper, from an A2 restricted machine to a large capacity tourer. Scooters and 125cc motorcycles follow their own rules on licences, theft ratings and pricing, and are covered separately in our French vehicle insurance section.

Assistance matters more on two wheels: there is no spare wheel, and a tubeless puncture can end the journey immediately. Look for assistance 0 km, which provides help even outside your own home rather than only after a minimum distance. Also check that both the rider and the pillion passenger are transported home, not just the motorcycle.

A collision is handled using the constat amiable, the joint accident report both parties complete and sign at the scene. Fill it in even if the damage appears minor, as the signed report largely determines liability. You then have five working days to declare the claim.

Theft follows a shorter timetable. Report the theft to the police, obtain a dépôt de plainte, and notify your insurer within two working days. Keep both sets of keys and your approved anti theft certificate, as missing keys are one of the most common reasons theft claims are delayed. We handle all communication with the claims department in English.

You will normally need your carte grise or foreign registration document, your driving licence with the appropriate motorcycle category, a relevé d'information from your previous insurer, a bank RIB and, where applicable, the certificate for your approved anti theft device.

One recent change still surprises many riders. The green insurance card was abolished in April 2024. Proof of insurance is now held in the Fichier des Véhicules Assurés (FVA), and you receive a Mémo Véhicule Assuré instead. Nothing needs to be displayed on the motorcycle. We keep a copy on file, so if proof is ever requested, a simple email is all that is needed.

Selling your motorcycle means declaring the transfer online and providing the buyer with a code de cession together with a certificat de situation administrative. Since April 2024, motorcycles above 125cc are also subject to periodic technical inspections. Your insurance policy does not end automatically; it is cancelled once the sale documents have been provided. If you are changing insurer, the Hamon law allows you to cancel at any time after the first twelve months. If you are leaving France, we explain exactly when your cover should end and which documents you should keep.

Best French Insurance is a working Generali agency at 16 rue Plumejeau in Cognac, not a comparison website. You benefit from a dedicated bilingual adviser with twenty years of experience helping English speaking riders navigate the French insurance system. Most importantly, the same person remains your contact when your motorcycle is on the recovery truck, rather than a call centre queue and a claim reference number.

In practice, we check that your licence category matches your motorcycle, review the storage and anti theft requirements with you, and make sure your rider protection reflects the realities of riding on two wheels. If your household already has a car or van policy, home insurance or health insurance with us, we can price your motorcycle as part of the overall arrangement rather than in isolation. Claims are handled in English from your first call through to settlement.

Quotes are free and without obligation. Call us on 05 45 82 03 20, email cognac@agence.generali.fr, or visit us at 16 rue Plumejeau, Cognac, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 12pm.