In France, we have a system of "bonus/malus" which rewards you for basically having no claims over a certain period of time. I'm not sure whether French insurers can or will "transfer" your UK no-claims bonus to a French policy. But your best bet might be to see if there is an affiliate of your UK insurer here in France (say, AXA or another of the large international insurance companies).
Cheers,
Bev

 

You will need your insurance history if you want to benefit from French insurers' no claim arrangements. Some companies are now offering max bonus for life for safe drivers (and AXA granted me that post signing up with them once they introduced it - of course, they had my history from AAMI, my Aussie insurer). I know that other insurers here now also do this max bonus for life (can't remember which ones, though).

 

AXA siound like a good option, will give that a whirl

 

I have maximum NCB on the car insurance here in UK. It needs to be renewed next month and I want to go with a company that will transfer this over to France. Is this possible? Any advice or suggestions

Short answer: Yes, it's possible but you have to work a little...

We bought a car in France last month. Strictly speaking I haven't had a car insurance policy in my name since leaving Australia in March 2015. That's almost 20 months without cover. Some insurers have an 18 months cutoff, after which they treat you as a new driver (ouch), some have a 24 month period (phew!).

Before leaving Australia I had full, protected no claims bonus and got my insurer to put that in writing along with a statement saying I hadn't claimed for the duration of the policy. I was insured in the UK for a year in 2012 and before that in Aus for a further 8 years. Every time I change country or insurer I had the same bit of 'no claim for duration' paper so I can prove over 10 years of insurance with no claims.

I found a local AXA broker in France who would accept this and give me full bonus malus. AXA in France also have a British speaking office (Google "axa in france") if you want to talk in English to someone. Credit Agricole would also accept my foreign record and were actually cheaper.

Side note: there is a wonderful chap in our local Credit Agricole who speaks perfect English and is a lifesaver!

A French friend of mine pointed out that even if they aren't the absolute cheapest insurer you should take a policy for at least a year with anyone who will respect your foreign NCD. Once you're in the French system with a decent bonus malus you can then go wherever you like on renewal.

 

I initially took insurance through Credit Agricole - they chopped off a year of no claims bonus. As it happened, I changed over my car, which is when I looked again for insurance. I insured through a local AXA agent - they gave me my full no claims bonus and were way cheaper (not only because of the bonus) and were in fact the cheapest insurance I found at that time, and the agent was incredibly helpful.

Clearly experiences vary.

 

Just a couple of notes here - on banks and insurance in general:

This is the kind of situation where the "branch banking" thing in France will really come into play. Whereas one branch of a bank may have a marvelous English speaking adviser, another one may look at you like you've grown a third head if you ask to speak to someone in English. So it pays to ask around if your first attempt doesn't work out.

Also on car insurance - French insurance rules are "fussy" and insurers here are notorious for finding picky ways to avoid paying claims. Besides finding the cheapest rates, you also want to find an insurer that settles claims quickly and amicably. My bank was all excited to offer me a proposal on car insurance that they were sure would beat what I already have. But when my old car died, and I had to handle getting insurance for my new one, I had to admit that the "depannage" service that had bailed me out and taken my car to the garage (where I got a deal on my current car) was top rate. When I called the agency, they sent me everything I needed for a smooth transition and have always been prompt about sorting things out when we've had questions or "situations" that needed handling. The bank might be able to shave a few euros off the price, but knowing that I have no worries about depannage or getting claims paid is worth something, too.
Cheers,
Bev

 

IMO the claims experience is THE most important thing when considering insurance. That said, unless you have a sound network in France, you are not likely to find out the reality until after the fact.

Never had a problem with my depannage with AXA - they turn up really fast, both locally and elsewhere - HOWEVER the OP should look into what depannage cover they actually sign up for as there are options.

 

Hi Enchantedcobwebs

I came over here just under 2 years ago. I contacted an agent just before we came over and she confirmed that if I had confirmation of my no claims bonus in the UK then I could use in France. UK insurance companies will send this to you when you cancel your cover. I was delighted with my premium as it was less than I paid in the UK and had breakdown cover included (didn't have this on my policy in UK).

Happy to provide contact details of agent if it helps. They are at the other end of the country from me - but what does that matter? ;-)