Compensation timeline: how long to be compensated in France?
French law imposes strict deadlines on insurers to make an offer. Knowing them helps you enforce them.
The offer deadlines
- 8 months from the accident: the maximum time to present an offer (at least a provisional one if your condition is not yet stabilised);
- 5 months after the insurer is informed of your consolidation: the time for the final offer.
Penalties for delay
A late offer, or a clearly insufficient one (treated as no offer at all), exposes the insurer to interest at twice the legal rate.
How long it really takes
In practice, final compensation for a moderate case often takes 18 to 36 months; serious or disputed cases take longer. The main reason: you must wait for medical consolidation.
Moving faster without underselling
A complete file, interim payment requests and, if needed, a formal notice keep things moving — without giving in to an undervalued express offer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my compensation taking so long?
What if the insurer offers nothing?
Injured in an accident? You are not alone.
We review your case for free, with no obligation. Reply within 24h, anywhere in France.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different and no outcome can be guaranteed.