No more green cards for car insurance
Since 1st April (and no, it’s not an April’s Fool, we’ve checked!), you are no longer obliged to display the carte verte (green card) as proof of your vehicle’s insurance.
If required, police will check your car is insured in a new online database called the Fichier des Véhicules Assurés (FVA). The database is compiled of information provded directly by the insurance companies, so you shouldn’t need to do anything.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to check that your details are listed, before removing the little green sticker from your windscreen!
FVA database
If you fancy testing your French, you can call 01 83 64 32 22 and follow the automated instructions… OR you can check online at www.fva-assurance.fr
Simply enter your registration number and the numéro de formule from your carte grise

Results
If your vehicle displays correctly, congratulations, you’re all set!
If your vehicle does not display, there are three possible explanations:
- You are one of the 0.7% of insured drivers that have not been registered. Simply get in touch with your insurer to rectify the situation.
- You’ve only just subscribed to an insurance policy. Insurers have 72 hours to register your policy on the FVA database so if you’re within those 3 days, simply present the police with proof of your policy.
- You are not insured! It may seem incredible but statistics report that there are over 800 000 uninsured drivers on our roads. These drivers run the risk of a fine from 600€ to 1500€, increasing to 3750€ for repeat offenders, suspesion of their license and confiscation of the vehicle.
Local insurance companies
Need insurance or want to negotiate a better deal? Why not contact one of the insurance companies who support P-O Life? They come highly recommended by readers!
- AXA Agence des Albères (Saint Génis des Fontaines)
- AXA Vallespir (Céret / Le Boulou)
- Allianz (Céret / Pollestres / Toulouges)