France Sees Surge in Car Thefts, Costing Insurers Millions
France is experiencing a record number of vehicle thefts, with insurers facing a financial burden estimated at €600 million annually. The rise in thefts is impacting the insurance industry as utility vehicles and recreational vehicles, alongside SUVs, become increasingly targeted by thieves, according to reports.
The increase in car thefts has prompted a closer look at insurance coverage and the process for vehicle owners seeking reimbursement. Understanding the specifics of one’s insurance policy is now more critical than ever, as the level of coverage directly impacts the financial outcome following a theft.
In the event of a vehicle theft, the first step is to file a police report and then notify your insurance provider. This represents crucial to avoid liability should the stolen vehicle be involved in an accident.
The amount an insurance company will reimburse depends heavily on the type of coverage a vehicle owner has. Policies range from basic third-party liability to comprehensive “all-risk” coverage. A key element in determining reimbursement is the “value of replacement as determined by an expert” (VRADE), which is used to calculate the vehicle’s worth. Factors influencing this valuation include the vehicle’s age, mileage, overall condition and current market prices.
The process of obtaining reimbursement involves several steps, from filing the initial claim to the final payment. If a vehicle is recovered within 30 days, the owner may be responsible for repair costs if the vehicle has been damaged. If the vehicle is not recovered, the insurance company will proceed with the final indemnification process.
Interestingly, electric vehicles are significantly less likely to be stolen than gasoline or diesel-powered cars – with electric vehicles having a twenty-fold lower chance of theft.
Technology is also playing an increasing role in car theft, with thieves employing sophisticated methods. Vehicle owners can take preventative measures such as installing GPS trackers, alarms, and vehicle identification number (VIN) etching to deter thieves and potentially reassure their insurance providers.
In 2025, France recorded 125,000 car thefts, highlighting the scale of the problem. The types of vehicles most frequently targeted vary, but certain models are consistently identified as being at higher risk.
For those with basic third-party insurance, coverage for theft is typically limited. Policies offering a “fresh value” guarantee provide a higher level of reimbursement, but often come with specific conditions. Insurance policies may also cover personal belongings stolen from the vehicle, but this is not always the case.
While insurance companies generally honor valid claims, they can refuse reimbursement under certain circumstances. Policyholders have the right to contest an insurance company’s valuation or proposed settlement.
