There are three main levels of insurance depending on your needs and budget:

• Third-party insurance: this is basic insurance; it reimburses all damage that your car may cause to another vehicle, a person, a building, etc. Be careful, if you have an accident and it's your fault, the insurance does not protect you. But the people in your car are protected.
• Extended third-party insurance: it has the same guarantees as third-party insurance, with additional specific guarantees (protection against theft, fire, etc.)
• Full insurance: This is the most comprehensive insurance. It reimburses all damage you cause to yourself and others. It costs more but provides better protection.

Generally speaking, the more you pay, the more you get reimbursed if something goes wrong.

Several organizations offer insurance contracts:

• Insurance company (AXA, Direct Assurance, MACIF, MAAF, Allianz, etc.)
• Insurance broker (compares several insurance companies: Ornikar, MieuxAssuré, Active Assurances, etc.)
• Bank (most banks offer car insurance contracts)
• Independent general insurance agent

It is advisable to contact several organizations to request several quotes or to use an online car insurance offer comparison tool (for example LeLynx, LesFurets, Assurland, etc.).

To choose the contract best suited to your situation:

1. Decide on the level of reimbursement for material damage, the type of driver protection, know the conditions for having a breakdown service or another car if your car breaks down
2. Provide the information and answer the insurer's questions precisely to calculate the price of your contract:

• information on the car registration document
• how long have you had your license
• if you use your car to go to work
• if another person will be driving your car regularly and their name
• past accidents
• suspensions or withdrawals of licenses…

3. Study the insurer's quote and check:

• prices (per year and per month)
• the start and end date of the contract
• guarantees and level of reimbursement
• the limits of guarantees and exclusion clauses (situations where you cannot be reimbursed)
• the "franchise": the money remaining to be paid after reimbursement by insurance depending on the problem (accident, theft, fire, etc.)
• the law applicable to the contract
• the number to call if you have a problem.

If you have any questions, ask the insurer for an explanation before accepting the quote.

If you decide to accept the insurer's proposal:

• Give the insurer the signed contract. You will receive a certificate proving the existence of the contract, and an insurance certificate (also called “green butterfly” to display on your car)
• Also ask for an uncompleted copy of the “friendly report”: this is the document to be completed if you have an accident, with the other person involved

It is possible to contact the insurer to request:

• a reduction in the price of your insurance if the risk is lower. For example, you no longer use your car to go to work.
• to switch from a third-party contract to a comprehensive contract, or vice versa
• to add a driver.

If the insurer does not respond within 10 days, your request is accepted. They will send you an amendment (a written document) to the contract with the new price. You must then sign the amendment.

Your contract is automatically renewed every year. You don't need to do anything if you want to continue with the same contract.

But the insurer must send you a renewal notice at least 15 days before the deadline for terminating (stopping), generally 2 months before the end of the contract.

After 1 year of contract, you can change your car insurance.

You must first choose another insurer and sign a new contract.

Then, the new insurer will take care of canceling your old contract with your consent. You don't have to pay anything, and your car remains insured at all times.

If you do not agree with your insurer, you must first try to find a solution with them.
Other possibilities for appeal exist.

Everything is explained here.