The accident report: a central document
The "constat amiable" (officially "friendly motor accident declaration") is the document that lets both insurers determine liability and indemnify the parties. A mistake or omission can be costly: compensation delays, undue liability share, or even refusal to cover.
3 steps to follow on the spot
1. Secure the area
Turn on hazard lights, place the triangle (30 m minimum), put on high-vis vests, move passengers and witnesses aside. Never move the vehicles before photos unless traffic is dangerously blocked.
2. Photograph the damage and scene
At least 10 photos: overall views of the vehicles, plates, specific damage (body, windows, bumpers), brake marks, visible road signs. Smartphones record location and timestamp - useful in dispute.
3. Fill in the report together
One report is enough for both vehicles. Fill it in calmly, without rushing the other driver to sign.
The 7 classic mistakes
1. Listing non-visible damage without checking
List only visible damage. A rear impact may hide mechanical damage - the insurer will have it expertised. Do not state anything without proof.
2. Leaving boxes empty
An unticked box reads as "not applicable". On a badly filled report, you can lose your advantage (green light, priority).
3. Ticking too many boxes on your behaviour
Tick ONLY the boxes that match what actually happened. Don't tick "was changing lane" if you weren't - even if the other driver claims so.
4. Signing before reading the other version
Read and validate the ticks on the other side. If the other driver filled a false item, do NOT sign and note your observations.
5. Forgetting the sketch
Draw the vehicles' positions before impact, the lanes, direction of travel, traffic lights, key signs. Without a sketch, the insurer can rule against you.
6. Omitting witnesses
If witnesses were present, take their contacts (name, phone). Essential in case of later disagreement.
7. Sending the report late
You have 5 working days to send the report to your insurer (digital or paper). Beyond: financial penalty and, in some cases, non-coverage.
E-constat auto: digital and free
Since 2014, the "e-constat auto" app allows filling the report on a smartphone. Advantages: secure digital signature, instant sending to both insurers, photos attached directly. Used in 2026 by 35% of French drivers. Free download Android/iOS.
What if you disagree on the spot?
If the other driver refuses to fill the report or wants an erroneous version: do not yield, fill your own, write a detailed statement at home and send it to your insurer. Involve police or gendarmerie if total refusal to cooperate.
What about no injuries?
If no one is injured, no need to call emergency services. Property damage only: the report is enough. Bodily injury: call 15 or 112, leave the car in place until help arrives.
Next step
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
How to properly fill a friendly accident report in 2026?
5 steps: 1) fill vehicle and driver information (identity, licence, insurance), 2) draw accident sketch with vehicle positions before crash, 3) precisely tick circumstance boxes (typical boxes 13 to 17), 4) both drivers sign (signature is binding), 5) send within 5 working days to insurer. A ticking error can cost 50 to 100 percent of liability. E-constat app available.
What deadline to send a friendly accident report to insurance?
Legal deadline is 5 working days from the accident to send the friendly report to insurer in 2026. Any delay exposes to non-coverage or excess increase up to 30 percent. Sending is by simple mail, registered letter (8 euros), scanned email or via e-constat app (instant sending). Always keep a signed paper copy.
How does the e-constat app work in 2026?
The official e-constat app allows filling the friendly report on smartphone in 10 minutes, with photos and automatic GPS location. Available free on iOS and Android. Steps: file creation by both drivers on their smartphones, sharing by QR code, electronic signature, automatic sending to both insurers. Legally valid since 2014. Over 3 million reports yearly sent via this app.
What to do if the other driver refuses to sign the report?
3 actions: 1) immediately note the licence plate, model and colour of the vehicle, 2) take photos of the scene (damage, vehicle positions, signs), 3) call police or gendarmerie who will draw up an official report (free). Without report or police report, compensation is compromised. Identified witnesses (with contact details) are also useful for the file follow-up.
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