Motor insurance is a constantly growing industry in France, as the number of vehicles insured keeps increasing over the years. In 2018, the stock of insured vehicles was mainly composed of first category vehicles, that is to say four-wheeled vehicles weighing less that 3.5 tons, excluding fleets. With more than 180 admitted insurance companies in the non-life sector in France, the motor insurance industry offers a large choice of insurers. The market is dominated by MAIF and MACIF, which registered the highest rate of car insurance subscribers in 2018.
The value of of motor premiums is also increasing with time. From 18.3 billion euros in 2010, the value of gross written premiums reached 22.1 billion euros in 2018. The value of motor insurance premiums depends on the age and experience of the driver and also on the type of coverage chosen. In 2018, the average premium for four-wheel vehicles with a fully comprehensive coverage was 496 euros per year. As the most insured vehicles, first category vehicles represent the highest share of motor insurance premiums.
The high share of car circulating on French roads suggests that there is a greater or lesser risk of motor damage. In 2018, a total of 7.5 million automobile claims were filed in France. Windshield coverage and damages to vehicles were the most represented types of motor claims in 2018, also making them the highest share of benefits paid that year. In 2018, French insurance companies paid a total of 17.5 billion euros for motor insurance benefits.
