Filling the Constat Amiable in English: Essential Guide

What Is the Constat Amiable?

The constat amiable (European Accident Statement) is a standardised two-part carbon-copy form used across Europe to record the facts of a road traffic accident. In France, it is the single most important document after a collision. Both drivers fill it in together at the scene and sign it. Once signed, it is extremely difficult to change.

Why It Matters

Your insurance company bases its liability decision almost entirely on this form. If you fill it in incorrectly, or worse, sign something you do not understand, you may be held liable even if the accident was not your fault.

The 15 Boxes

The form has 15 numbered boxes. Boxes 1–5 cover date, time, location, injuries, and witnesses. Boxes 6–8 cover each driver's insurance details. Box 9 is the vehicle details. Box 10 is the impact point diagram. Box 12 is the circumstances checklist, 17 tick boxes describing what each vehicle was doing. Box 13 is the sketch. Box 14 and 15 are for observations and signatures.

Critical Tips

• Never sign if you do not understand what is written
• Take photos of everything before moving vehicles
• The sketch is as important as the tick boxes
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• You have 5 working days to send the form to your insurer
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LifeLine Europe's Car Accident Assistant walks you through every box with bilingual labels and auto-fills your personal details.