Temporary insurance: in which cases is it compulsory?
According to the French Insurance Code, all motor vehicles must be covered, even for a simple trip; when neither the driver nor the owner has an active annual contract, temporary insurance becomes the only legal solution . It is particularly necessary: to recover a car impounded, to drive with temporary WW plates, to repatriate an imported vehicle or to go for a technical inspection with an immobilized vehicle. Without this coverage, you risk a fixed fine of €750 for lack of insurance – doubled in the event of a repeat offense – and the immobilization of the vehicle. The post below details each situation where the short-term policy is mandatory, the minimum guarantees required and the quick process to subscribe online at KT Tempo .
Why is insurance mandatory, even for one day?
Article L211-1 of the Insurance Code specifies that “no vehicle may be driven without civil liability” If there is no contract, the police can issue a €750 fine and impound the vehicle.
Temporary insurance: a quick definition
- Duration: from 1 to 90 days.
- Minimum guarantee: traffic liability – sometimes defense/recourse, assistance, glass breakage optional.
- Target audience: occasional drivers, importers, owners of uninsured or immobilized vehicles.
The 8 situations where temporary insurance is essential
1. Release from the pound for lack of insurance
To recover a vehicle seized due to lack of coverage, a valid certificate must be presented to the impound keeper – temporary insurance is the fastest option .
2. WW or CPI temporary plates
Any vehicle imported or awaiting registration must be insured during the validity period of the WW plates; a short-term contract is required by the administration .
3. International transit or repatriation of a foreign vehicle
Driving a car registered outside the EU in France requires insurance recognized in the territory; the temporary policy (1 to 90 days) covers this transit.
4. Route for technical inspection
The law allows the movement of a vehicle without a valid technical inspection only to get to the examination center... provided that it is insured .
5. Test drive before sale or purchase
An uncovered test can cost you a €3,750 fine in the event of a claim; temporary insurance protects both the seller and the buyer during the test.
6. Seasonal or collection vehicle put back into circulation occasionally
Summer convertibles, camper vans, quads: as soon as they leave the garage, coverage is mandatory; the temporary solution avoids paying an unnecessary annual fee.
7. Driver terminated or penalized while waiting for a new contract
After termination due to non-payment or penalty, a short period of time may elapse before final insurance is signed; a 30-day contract avoids the driving ban.
8. Vehicle loaned or rented between individuals without active policy
Lending platforms or family loans: if the vehicle is temporarily uninsured, the temporary policy protects the borrower for the specific duration of the loan.
Guarantees to check before signing
| Guarantee | Why it is essential | Case example |
|---|---|---|
| RC traffic | Legal obligation from the 1st meter | Responsible accident during WW transit |
| Defense / appeal | Legal assistance | Contesting a CT ticket |
| 0 km assistance | Towing + taxi | Breakdown during import repatriation |
| Broken glass | Frequent on long highway journeys | Windshield impact during return from Germany |
Subscribing to KT Tempo: quick instructions
- Online form : vehicle entry, duration (1-90 days), identity.
- Secure payment : credit card or PayPal.
- Immediate certification by email : print it for the police or the pound.
- Possibility to extend the duration with one click if necessary.
Conclusion
Temporary insurance is mandatory in all situations where your vehicle must travel a few kilometers without an active annual contract: impound, WW plates, technical inspection, loan, international transit. Thanks to KT Tempo, you can obtain your certificate in five minutes and drive legally.