European Accident Statement English-French PDF
Published on: July 27, 2026 Updated on: July 31, 2026
The same numbered boxes in English and French
You are standing between two cars, the other driver does not speak English and you do not speak French. The European Accident Statement gets around that with the numbering: the English and the French version carry the same boxes in the same order, so box 12 means exactly the same thing on both sides. You fill in the English one, the other driver fills in the French one. This is what the completed document looks like:
On paper one copy is enough, filled in together and signed by both drivers - after that each of you files your own copy with your own insurer. Digitally it works the same way, except you each look at your own phone: you fill the form in side by side, you in English and the other driver in French, entries show up on both screens as they are typed, and the signed PDF with the sketch is emailed to both of you.
Filing the claim in the other driver's country (France)
- In the country where the accident happened (France), the deadline for filing a claim is 5 days - see the source for details. Don't wait - missing documents can be added later. (Art. L113-2 Code des assurances)
- National bureau / information centre of the country where the accident happened (France): Bureau Central Français (BCF). (bcf.asso.fr)
- If the driver at fault is unidentified or uninsured: submit your compensation claim to the guarantee fund of the country where the accident happened - FGAO (Fonds de Garantie des Assurances Obligatoires de dommages). A police report is usually required. (fondsdegarantie.fr)
- The at-fault driver's insurer (or its claims representative) has 3 months to either offer you compensation or explain in writing why it refuses ("a reasoned offer or reply"). This is a firm deadline under Article 22 of Directive 2009/103/EC - mark the date in your calendar.
General information, not legal advice - confirm deadlines and procedures with your own insurer or in the cited source.
Frequently asked questions
Will a French insurer accept a form filled in in English?
Yes. Both versions have the same boxes with the same numbers, so the French claims handler reads box 12 as box 12 whatever language the entry is written in. In French the form is called the constat amiable d'accident automobile. Each driver files their own copy with their own insurer.
How long do I have to report the claim in France?
Five working days from the day you learn of the accident, under article L113-2 of the Code des assurances. Report first and send the supporting documents later - waiting for a repair estimate can cost you the deadline.
Who identifies the French driver's insurer?
The Bureau Central Français, the French motor insurance information centre. The registration number is enough: it names the insurer of the other vehicle and that insurer's claims representative in your own country, so you can file without travelling back to France.