Changing car insurance can be a tedious process, especially when you have to provide the necessary documents to transition from one insurance company to another. It is important to know what documents are needed for this process so that you do not waste time searching for missing documents or waiting for documents to be mailed.
The key document you will need to change car insurance.
The vehicle’s registration document.
This document certifies that you are the owner of the vehicle and that it is registered with the French Administration. You will need to provide a copy of the registration document to your new insurance company so that they can verify the model and specifications of your vehicle.
Your current insurance information statement
The information statement is an important document that contains all the information relating to your insurance history, such as your accident history, any penalties and the premiums you have paid. Your new insurance company will need this document to establish an insurance offer based on your history. You can request this document from your current insurance company, which is obliged to provide it to you within 15 days of your request.
Driving license
A copy of your driving license is required to change car insurance. This allows the new insurance company to ensure that you are a licensed and qualified driver. If you have recently changed your driver’s license, it is important to provide the most recent version to your new insurance company.
The insurance cancellation form
To change car insurance, you will also have to cancel your current insurance contract. To do this, you will need to complete a cancellation form which must be sent to your current insurance company. This form must be sent by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt and must be sent at least two months before the end of your contract.
The insurance contract of the new company
The last document you will need to provide to change car insurance is the insurance contract from your new company. This contract must contain all the information relating to your new insurance offer, including premium amounts, guarantees offered and general conditions. Read this contract carefully before signing and make sure all the information it contains is correct.
Change car insurance: Other necessary documents
In addition to the documents mentioned above, there are other important things to consider when deciding to change car insurance. These documents may vary depending on your personal situation and the requirements of the insurance company you choose. Here are some additional examples of documents you may be required to provide:
1. Claims certificate : This document is often requested by insurance companies to evaluate your claims history. It can be obtained from your previous insurance company and contains information on accidents for which you were at fault or not, as well as claims reported.
2. Meter reading : Some insurance companies require an odometer reading to establish the annual mileage of your vehicle. This document can be obtained from an approved garage or during a technical inspection.
3. Technical control : In some cases, your new insurance company may ask you for a recent technical inspection to ensure that your vehicle is in good working order.
4. Certificate of transfer : If you recently purchased your used vehicle, you may need to provide a certificate of transfer to prove that you are the new owner.
5. Proof of address : Some insurance companies may ask you for recent proof of address, such as an electricity or telephone bill, to confirm your address.
Other steps to take to change car insurance
In addition to the documents mentioned above, it is important to take into account other necessary steps when deciding to change car insurance. These steps may vary depending on your personal situation and the requirements of the insurance company you choose. Here are some additional examples of steps you may need to take:
1. Termination of the current insurance contract : In addition to completing the cancellation form mentioned above, you will also need to ensure that you respect the cancellation deadlines for your current insurance contract. Generally, it is recommended to send your termination request at least two months before the end of your contract, in order to avoid any problems with continuity of coverage.
2. Comparison of insurance offers : Before choosing your new insurance company, it is essential to compare the offers available on the market. Take the time to analyze the different guarantees offered, the premium amounts, any deductibles, as well as the general conditions. You can use online comparators or contact insurance companies directly to obtain personalized quotes.
3. Budget preparation : Changing car insurance can have an impact on your budget. Indeed, premium amounts may vary from one company to another, depending on several criteria such as your driver profile, your insurance history, the model of your vehicle, etc. Take the time to assess your financial capacity and predict the cost of your new auto insurance.
4. Inform your old insurance company : Once you have chosen your new insurance company, do not forget to inform your old company of your decision to cancel your contract. This can be done by telephone, by post or by email. It is important to ensure that your termination request is taken into account and that the effective termination will be carried out on the desired date.
5. Subscription to the new insurance company : Once you have canceled your old insurance contract and you have chosen your new company, you can proceed to take out your new car insurance. Most insurance companies offer online services that allow you to sign up quickly and easily. Be sure to provide all necessary information and read the terms of the contract carefully before signing it.