Guide · 4 min read
Insuring an imported car: from purchase to the open road
Insuring an imported car is compulsory at every stage: the drive back from abroad, driving in France on plaques WW (temporary French transit plates), and then permanent cover once the vehicle is registered.
Temporary cover for the import journey
For the drive home from the country of purchase there are two options: the insurance bundled with German transit plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen), or a dedicated frontier policy.
This cover provides the legal minimum (third party liability) for the length of the journey, typically 1 to 15 days.
Insurance on plaques WW
In France, running on plaques WW means taking out a specific policy. Some insurers offer temporary contracts (1 to 4 months) designed for vehicles going through registration.
The cost usually runs from €30 to €80 per month depending on the vehicle and the level of cover.
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Once the French carte grise (the French vehicle registration document) has come through, you can take out an ordinary policy. An imported vehicle raises no particular difficulty: insurers treat it as a standard French car.
Supply the French carte grise and the COC (certificate of conformity) when you apply, to keep the process moving.
Frequently asked questions
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Every step to import a car from Germany to France in 2026: real cost (VAT, CO₂ and weight tax, transport, registration), quitus fiscal, COC and ANTS paperwork.
WW and German Transit Plates: 2026 Guide
German transit plates: yellow plates, red export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) and French plaques WW. Cost, validity and driving legally before the carte grise.
Last updated: 2 July 2026. Informational content, not tax advice.