Driving in france

[Pads]

After just getting back from france and using a hire car I have realised that I wouldnt have a clue what to do if I had a crash I assume it goes along the same lines as the UK. But what information would I need to give and get ?

I actually forgot to bring my liecence this time and was amazed I got away with being able to hire a car but I did. so a photo copy kept in france has to be a good Idea?

My questions are :

1, Using a french mobile phone if police, first aid is needed who would I ring ? Do you need to ring the police to every crash or report it later to a station?

2, What info should I ask for ( anwsers in french if possible ) insurance details .... make a note of their number plate ??

3, If the car is undrivable Im asumming there will be a number in the paper work for AA or something simular will they provide me with a replacement car ? Would it be possible to sort this in english ? ( although Im trying hard to learn I dont think after a crash I would be that focused)

My plan is to write up a pack of things to do and numbers to ring and keep it in the car as a check list along with a copy of my liecence and any thing else anyone suggests..

Some things to say in french that I could memorise to say to the other driver that might be helpful

Edit : As its a hire car what info would I give the other driver as I wouldnt have insurance details?

Fingers crossed I will never need this but its better to be safe than sorry

So I'd welcome any Ideas [:D]  

[Sunday Driver]

1. Assuming it's a major accident, call the gendarmerie (17).  They will notify the pompiers/paramedics as appropriate.  If it's a minor bump, no injuries and the vehicles aren't strewn in bits across the carriageway, then you can usually just sort matters out with the other driver.  Check the car's paperwork to see if the hire company stipulate otherwise.

2. You should find a constat amiable form in the car's paperwork.  This is a record of the accident that you complete and get the other driver to sign agreeing to the facts as recorded.  The other driver completes his own form and gets you to sign it.  It's purely a record of fact, so don't sign it if you disagree with what's written.  You send it off to the hire company and they forward it to their insurers.  If you do a forum search, you will find links to an English language version that you can keep with you.  The English version is in the same format as the French one.

3. If the car is undrivable and the gendarmes are in attendance, they will arrange for the wreckage to be removed.  Otherwise, phone the breakdown assistance number in the car's paperwork - most of these call centres have someone who speaks English. The hire company should arrange for a replacement vehicle.

The insurance details will be on the windscreen vignette.  The insurers will prefer you not to enter into 'helpful' discussions with the other party.

Finally, don't forget your licence next time.  You must have it (the original) with you at all times when driving and you will be fined if you cannot produce it.  Copies are not acceptable.

 

 

[Ron Avery]

I believe in a two car accident it is normal for only one constat amiable to be used, its a two part carbonned set and each driver has a copy.

If you do complete two, you would have to have a copy of the other driver's constat and he your's to see that they tally.  Although its only a statement of facts, a lot of weight is attached by the insurers to the constat, the insurers determine blame from what is written on the constat and the boxes ticked, but you can send an accompanying letter wiith it.  If the Gendarmes do arrive, they will complete a different form of the constat for each driver (it includes details of licenses, CT ) etc and they will give you a copy.

[Judith]

Hi Pads,

Welcome back!  Noticed you'd not been posting, so knew you were still over in France.  Missed your postings, they always enliven the subject!!

[Ole Git]

[quote user="Pads"]

My questions are :

1, Using a french mobile phone if police, first aid is needed who would I ring ?[/quote]

Phone 112 with any mobile in Europe!!

It goes into the main swichboard of the emergency services anywhere within the Union.

[Pads]

Thanks everyone for your replies I will note all this down for my check list . Dont worry I wont forget my liecence again I nearly had a heart attack on the plane when I realised , I couldnt beleive they would still rent to me , I nearly fell down and kissed his feet I was that grateful. [blink]

[Judith]

[quote user="Pads"]I actually forgot to bring my liecence this time and was amazed I got away with being able to hire a car but I did. so a photo copy kept in france has to be a good Idea?[/quote]

I forgot my licence once when hiring in the UK, 'cos I don't usually carry it as I don't often drive in the UK.  But the car hire place rang DVLA and I was allowd to talk to them, and once they had confirmed I had a licence, the car hire place accepted it OK. Presume it happens quite a it, this one was in Vicotria which must see a large number of foreign visitors as well as UK hirers. Lesson learnt, as you say!!