# EASF - European Accident Statement Form: full guide text Source: https://easf.eu - the complete English text of every /info guide. Each guide is also published in other languages (see https://easf.eu/sitemap.xml). --- # Car Accident App - Fill In the Accident Statement Online URL: https://easf.eu/info/car-accident-app **EASF is a free app for filling in the European Accident Statement after a car accident.** Both drivers complete the form on their own phones, and the signed PDF is delivered to both by email. There are two modes: joint completion by two drivers and a solo mode for incidents involving only one driver. No registration and no app store download. ## Why install the app in advance A paper form is rarely in the glove box, and searching for a template at the scene only delays the process. With the app already installed, the statement can be completed right away: - the form guides you through every required field, - the details of both drivers, vehicles, and policies go into a single document, - the accident sketch and photos of the damage are added straight from the phone, - both parties sign on the screen, - the finished PDF is emailed to both drivers once the statement is complete. EASF mirrors the European Accident Statement - the same standardised form insurers hand out on paper, used across all EU countries. The document is accepted for claims whether the accident happens at home or abroad. ## How it works at the scene 1. **Start a session.** The app shows a QR code; the other driver scans it with their camera and joins in their phone's browser, with nothing to install. 2. **Each driver fills in their side.** Changes sync in real time, and each driver sees the form in their own language - 33 European languages are supported. 3. **Both sides sign the document.** Each driver receives the PDF by email, ready to send to their insurer electronically - no printing or scanning. For damage with no second driver involved (a fence, a road sign, a parked car), the form can be completed one-sided and the PDF is still generated. ## How EASF compares with national accident apps Most official accident apps are single-country tools: France's e-constat auto only works when both vehicles are registered and insured in France, Belgium's Crashform is built around Belgian insurers, and UK fleet apps collect evidence for one company rather than producing the joint European form. None of them cover an accident abroad or with a foreign driver. EASF is neutral and European by design: no account, no national ID scheme, no tie to any insurer - and the other driver can fill in their side in any of 33 languages while you read yours in English. ## Installation without the App Store EASF is a progressive web app: it installs directly from the website to the home screen, with no store, no account, and almost no storage used. The install module is below - Android shows an Install button, and iPhone gets a short "Add to Home Screen" guide. --- # European Accident Statement English-French PDF URL: https://easf.eu/info/european-accident-statement-english-french-pdf ## The same numbered boxes in English and French You are standing between two cars, the other driver does not speak English and you do not speak French. The European Accident Statement gets around that with the numbering: the English and the French version carry the same boxes in the same order, so box 12 means exactly the same thing on both sides. You fill in the English one, the other driver fills in the French one. This is what the completed document looks like:
Filled-in European Accident Statement English-French: official EAS form with fields labelled in English and French, vehicle A from the UK, vehicle B from France with remarks in French, sketch and signatures
Example with fictional data - click to open the full PDF. The official EAS form, every field labelled in English and French - the same one you download alongside.
Fill it in online - each driver in their own language → ⬇ Bilingual EAS form: English and French (PDF)
On paper one copy is enough, filled in together and signed by both drivers - after that each of you files your own copy with your own insurer. Digitally it works the same way, except you each look at your own phone: you fill the form in side by side, you in English and the other driver in French, entries show up on both screens as they are typed, and the signed PDF with the sketch is emailed to both of you. **Guides & tips:** **→ [How to Fill Out the European Accident Statement Form: Field-by-Field Guide](/info/how-to-fill-european-accident-statement)** --- # After a Car Accident Abroad: How to Make an Insurance Claim in Europe URL: https://easf.eu/info/car-accident-insurance-claim-europe You've been in a car accident abroad. The other driver speaks a different language, and you are not sure how insurance works in this country. You do not have to handle anything abroad: you can file the claim from home, in your own language - that is how EU law works. This article shows you who to claim from in your situation, how much time you have, and what to do if the other driver fled or had no insurance. ## Where to claim? Decision flowchart
Question 1

Accident in the country where you live (and where your vehicle is registered)?

YES

Domestic route

File with the at-fault driver's liability insurer, or through your own comprehensive cover. Many countries also allow direct settlement through your own insurer.

NO
Question 2

Did the at-fault driver flee the scene or have no liability insurance?

YES

Compensation body / guarantee fund

Accident in the EEA: file with the compensation body in your country (your national motor insurers' bureau will point you to it). Outside the EEA: the guarantee fund of the country where the accident happened. Attach the police report.

NO
Question 3

Is the at-fault vehicle insured in the EEA (and you live in the EEA)?

YES

Claims representative in your country

You can claim without travelling: every EEA insurer has a representative in your country (Directive 2009/103/EC). Your national information centre will identify them - you just need the at-fault driver's registration plate and the country of the accident.

NO
Question 4

Is the country of the accident, or the at-fault vehicle, part of the Green Card system? (e.g. UK, Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia, Ukraine)

YES

National bureau of the country of the accident

File the claim with the Green Card national bureau in the country where the accident happened - it will identify the at-fault insurer's correspondent.

NO
All other cases

At-fault insurer only present in the country of the accident

→

Local claim

File the claim directly with the at-fault driver's insurer. Ask your own insurer or your assistance cover for help; for a large claim, consider a local legal representative.

3-5 daysItaly - 3 days · France - 5 working days
7-8 daysSpain - 7 days · Portugal - 8 days
No fixed deadlineGermany, Austria, Switzerland, Nordic countries - report without delay

Claim reporting deadlines depend on the country where the accident happened (examples above).

## Your 4 rights under EU law Directive 2009/103/EC (the Motor Insurance Directive) gives every driver who had an accident in another country four specific rights. These apply whenever you have an accident in an EU/EEA country other than your own. ### Right 1: Claim from home, in your own language Every motor insurer operating in the EU must appoint a **claims representative** in each other EU/EEA member state. You do not need to deal with a foreign insurer in a foreign language or travel back to the country of the accident - you contact the representative in your home country, who handles the claim in your language and deals with the foreign insurer on your behalf. Example: a Polish driver has an accident in Spain. The Spanish driver's insurer is required to have a claims representative in Poland, who handles the case in Polish and communicates with the Spanish insurer directly. ### Right 2: 3-month insurer response deadline Once you submit your claim, the at-fault driver's insurer (or their claims representative) has **3 months** to make a **reasoned offer** of compensation (where liability is not contested and damages are quantified) or provide a **reasoned reply** to your claim. The deadline follows directly from Article 22 of the Directive and is binding on the insurer. If the insurer fails to respond in time, you can escalate to your national compensation body (Step 5 below). ### Right 3: Claim directly from the at-fault driver's insurer Article 18 of the Directive gives you the right to submit your claim **directly to the insurer of the person who caused the accident**, without going through your own insurer first. In practice it is worth notifying both, but the choice is yours. ### Right 4: Protection if the driver is uninsured or flees the scene If the at-fault driver was uninsured or could not be identified, you claim through the **compensation body** in your home country, which coordinates payment with the guarantee fund in the relevant country. Every EU member state has to run one of these funds, so you always have somewhere to turn. (details in the dedicated section below). ### The Green Card system: coverage outside the EU Beyond these four rights, the **Green Card system** - an international framework administered by the Council of Bureaux in Brussels - has 47 member countries, of which 44 are currently active (Russia and Belarus were suspended in 2023, and Iran is also suspended). Within the EU/EEA, your registration plate replaces the Green Card as proof of insurance, but a Green Card is required when driving to non-EU countries that are part of the system (e.g. Turkey, Morocco, Albania, Moldova, Ukraine) - and it is worth carrying one even within the EU, since it lists the insurer details you need for Section 7 of the European Accident Statement. The system also determines how cross-border claims are routed: when a Ukrainian-registered vehicle is involved in an accident in Poland, the injured party contacts PBUK, PBUK contacts MTSBU, and MTSBU contacts the Ukrainian insurer. **Drivers from the UK**: since Brexit, UK drivers are not automatically covered by all the rights described above. Check your policy terms and contact the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) for guidance. ## Step by step: how to file a European accident claim Your claim rests on the **European Accident Statement** - a standardised form signed by both drivers at the scene, recognised by every insurer in Europe. Without it, the insurer has to reconstruct the facts from scratch, which delays payment and weakens your position. See our [complete guide to the European Accident Statement](/info/european-accident-statement) and our [field-by-field guide to filling it in](/info/how-to-fill-european-accident-statement). ### Step 1: Report to your own insurer promptly Contact your own insurer **as soon as possible** after the accident - even if you are not claiming through your own policy. Deadlines in the country of the accident can be short (see the flowchart above), and late reporting can reduce or void your claim. Send the completed statement (the PDF from [easf.eu](/start) arrives in your inbox instantly - forward it as is; if you used a paper form, photograph it and keep the original) along with your photos and any police report. ### Step 2: Find the claims representative in your country Contact your **national information centre** (table below). Give them the at-fault driver's registration plate number and the country where the accident happened - they will identify the insurer and provide the contact details for the claims representative in your country. ### Step 3: Submit your claim Send the representative a complete set of documents: - The **completed European Accident Statement** (or your one-sided version with evidence, if the other driver refused to sign) - **Photos** of the damage, vehicle positions, plates, and the accident scene - **Police report**, if one was filed - **Medical documentation**, if there were injuries - **Witness details** - **Repair estimate or invoices** - Your own **policy and contact details** Keep copies of everything and note the exact date you submitted the claim - this is when the 3-month clock starts. ### Step 4: Track the 3-month deadline Mark the submission date plus 3 months in your calendar. If you claimed by email, keep the sent confirmation; if by post, use registered mail with proof of delivery. ### Step 5: If no response - escalate to the compensation body If the insurer or their representative does not respond within 3 months, turn to the **compensation body** in your country - EU law requires it to step in. Examples across Europe: Verkehrsopferhilfe (Germany), FGAO (France), OFESAUTO/Consorcio (Spain), Consap (Italy), Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer (Netherlands), FCGB-BGWF (Belgium). ## How to find your claims representative: national bureaux and information centres Every EU/EEA country maintains an **information centre**, usually hosted by the national motor insurers' bureau. In some countries this is the same organisation; in others they are separate bodies - the table below lists both where they differ. | Country | Bureau | Information centre | Contact | |---|---|---|---| | Poland | PBUK (Polskie Biuro Ubezpieczycieli Komunikacyjnych) | same | [pbuk.pl](https://pbuk.pl/) | | France | BCF (Bureau Central Français) | AGIRA | Bureau: [bcf.asso.fr](https://bcf.asso.fr/) - Information centre: [agira.asso.fr](https://www.agira.asso.fr/) | | Germany | Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V. (DBGK) | GDV (Zentralruf der Autoversicherer) | Bureau: [gruene-karte.de](https://www.gruene-karte.de/) - Information centre: [zentralruf.de](https://zentralruf.de/) | | Spain | OFESAUTO (Oficina Española de Aseguradores de Automóviles) | Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros | Bureau: [ofesauto.es](https://www.ofesauto.es/) - Information centre: [consorseguros.es](https://www.consorseguros.es/) | | Italy | UCI (Ufficio Centrale Italiano) | Consap | Bureau: [ucimi.it](https://ucimi.it/) - Information centre: [consap.it](https://www.consap.it/) | | Austria | VVO (Verband der Versicherungsunternehmen Österreichs) | same | [vvo.at](https://www.vvo.at/) | | Netherlands | Nederlands Bureau Motorrijtuigverzekeraars | same | [vereende.nl/nlbureau](https://vereende.nl/nlbureau/) | | Belgium | BBAA-BBAV (Bureau Belge des Assureurs Automobiles / Belgisch Bureau van de Autoverzekeraars) | same | [bbaa-bbav.be](https://www.bbaa-bbav.be/) | | Switzerland | NVB (Nationales Versicherungsbüro) | same | [nbi-ngf.ch](https://www.nbi-ngf.ch/) | | Ukraine | MTSBU (Motor Transport Insurance Bureau of Ukraine) | same | [mtsbu.ua](https://mtsbu.ua/) | For a complete list of information centres in all EU/EEA countries, visit the [Your Europe portal](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/insurance/accident/index_en.htm). ## If the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene If the at-fault driver is uninsured, unidentified, or their insurer is insolvent, you claim through the compensation body in your country of residence (see Step 5 above) - it takes over the case and settles up with the guarantee fund in the country where the accident happened. Evidence matters more than ever here, so write down everything you can. - **Registration plate** of the other vehicle (even partial), make, colour, and direction of travel - **Witness details** - **Photos** of the scene, the damage, and any marks on the road - **Police report** - call the police immediately; a police report is, in practice, essential for guarantee fund claims, and leaving the scene of an accident is an offence across the EU The more evidence you provide, the stronger your claim - the fund can process it even without identifying the at-fault driver. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long do I have to submit my claim? Deadlines vary by country and policy - report as soon as possible. Some countries require notification within a few working days of the accident. Late reporting can reduce or void your claim. The universal advice from insurers and consumer authorities across Europe: contact your insurer on the day of the accident if at all possible. ### What documents do I need? At minimum: the completed European Accident Statement (or your one-sided version if the other driver refused to sign), photos of all vehicle damage and the accident scene, the other driver's insurance details and registration plate, and any police report. If you have medical documentation, repair invoices, or witness statements, include those as well. ### What if the other driver disputes the facts? This is exactly why the European Accident Statement matters. The form records the facts both drivers agreed to at the scene - confirmed by both signatures. If the other driver later changes their story, the signed EAS is the primary evidence. If they refused to sign, your photos, witness details, and any police report support your version. Note any disagreements in the Remarks section of the form before signing. ### Can I repair my car before the claim is settled? Contact your insurer before starting any repairs. Photograph all damage thoroughly and get a written repair estimate first. Keep all invoices for repairs, tow trucks, and any related expenses - you will need these to support your claim. ### What if the insurer misses the 3-month deadline? If the at-fault driver's insurer (or their claims representative) fails to respond with a reasoned offer or a reasoned reply within 3 months, you can escalate to the national compensation body in your home country. This body is required by EU law to step in and handle your claim. Contact your national motor insurers' bureau for the compensation body's details. ## Legal disclaimer This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, deadlines, and procedures vary by country and may change. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified legal professional or your insurer. ## Fill out the European Accident Statement online The best thing you can do before any trip abroad is bookmark [easf.eu](/start) on your phone. If an accident happens, both drivers fill in the statement at the same time on their own phones, each in their own language (33 to choose from), sign on screen, and receive the signed PDF by email instantly - the document your insurer needs to start processing the claim the same day. No app, no registration. **[Start a session on easf.eu now](/start)** --- **Guides & tips:** **→ [European Accident Statement PDF - Download](/info/european-accident-statement-pdf)** ## Sources 1. EUR-Lex - [Directive 2009/103/EC](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32009L0103) (Motor Insurance Directive), European Parliament and Council. 2. Your Europe - [Car insurance cover abroad](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/insurance/accident/index_en.htm), official EU portal. 3. European Consumer Centre - [Car accident in Europe](https://www.evz.de/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/car-accident-in-europe.html). 4. Insurance Europe - [Accidents: information for consumers](https://www.insuranceeurope.eu/accidents-information-for-consumers). 5. PBUK (Poland) - [pbuk.pl](https://pbuk.pl/). 6. ADAC (Germany) - [Unfall im Ausland: Was tun?](https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/unfall-schaden-panne/unfall/ausland/). 7. GOV.UK - [Driving in the EU](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu), updated April 2024. 8. IVASS (Italy) - [Cosa fare in caso di sinistro](https://www.ivass.it/consumatori/rc-auto/sinistri/index.html). 9. Consap (Italy) - [Fondo di Garanzia per le Vittime della Strada](https://www.consap.it/fondo-di-garanzia-per-le-vittime-della-strada/). 10. Mtsbu.ua (Ukraine) - [Моторне (транспортне) страхове бюро України](https://mtsbu.ua/greencard). --- # European Accident Statement Form: The Complete Guide URL: https://easf.eu/info/european-accident-statement > **You've had a car accident abroad. The other driver doesn't speak your language. You don't have a pen. You're not sure what form you need.** This is exactly the situation the European Accident Statement form was designed for - and the moment most drivers realise they've never heard of it. This guide covers everything: what the form is, what every section means, your legal rights under EU law, what to do step by step, and how to fill it out digitally on your phone - in 33 languages, for free. *Last updated: 27 March 2026* **[Fill out the European Accident Statement online now → easf.eu](https://easf.eu)** --- ## 1. How easf.eu works: filling out the European Accident Statement online [EASF](https://easf.eu) is a browser-based tool for filling out the European Accident Statement form digitally. No app download, no registration, no cost. Here's the process: ### Step 1: Start a session and connect both drivers One driver opens [easf.eu](https://easf.eu) on their phone and creates a session. The app generates a **QR code**. The other driver scans it with their phone's camera and joins the same session. ### Step 2: Each driver fills in their side The form mirrors the standard EAS layout: Driver A fills their column on their phone, Driver B fills theirs on their phone. The interface displays in each driver's chosen language - **33 languages are supported**: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Czech, Greek, Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian, Slovak, Hungarian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, and Turkish. Each driver completes their side of the form on their own device. ### Step 3: Sign and receive the PDF Once both sides are complete, each driver signs with their finger on the screen. The app generates a **signed PDF** containing the completed form data and signatures. The PDF can then be used for claim reporting. ### Key features | Feature | Detail | |---------|--------| | **Languages** | 33 languages are available in the interface | | **Browser-based** | No app download required | | **Digital completion** | The form is filled out on a phone in the browser | | **Signed PDF** | The completed form can be generated as a PDF | | **Cost** | Free | | **Standard structure** | The PDF follows the standard EAS field layout and numbering | --- ## 2. What's inside the form: field-by-field breakdown The EAS is a two-sided document. The front page is the critical one - it is completed and signed by both drivers at the scene. The back page is for additional notes and is sent to your insurer separately. ### Front page - completed at the scene The form is split into two mirror columns (Driver A and Driver B). Each driver fills in their own column with the same categories: | Section | What to enter | Why it matters | |---------|--------------|----------------| | **1. Date, time, location** | Exact date, time, street name, city, country, direction of travel | Establishes jurisdiction - the law of the country where the accident occurred applies | | **2. Injuries** | Whether anyone was injured, number of injured persons | Records whether the accident involved personal injury | | **3. Property damage** | Damage to vehicles or other property (barriers, signs, buildings, fences, posts) | Scope of the claim | | **4. Witnesses** | Full names, addresses, phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident | Records third-party contact details for later follow-up | | **5. Driver / Insured details** | Full name, address, date of birth, phone, email; distinguishing between the policyholder (insured) and the driver if they differ | Identifies the driver and policyholder involved | | **6. Vehicle details** | Make, model, registration number with country code, VIN if available | Links the vehicle to the insurance policy; the country code is critical for cross-border identification | | **7. Insurance details** | Insurer name, policy number, validity period, Green Card number, agency | Identifies the insurance policy connected to the vehicle | | **8. Circumstances** | 17 tick-box options (e.g. "was parked/stopped", "was leaving a parking place/opening a door", "was turning to the left", "was reversing", "was striking the rear of the other vehicle", "had not observed a right of way sign or a red light") - tick all that apply and write the total number ticked | Records the standardised circumstances section used across EAS versions | | **9. Sketch** | A diagram showing road layout, vehicle positions before and after impact, direction of travel, road signs, lane markings | Visual evidence that supports or clarifies the tick-box circumstances; include arrows for direction of travel | | **10. Visible damage** | Description of damage to each vehicle plus a diagram to mark impact points | Documents the extent of damage before vehicles are moved or repaired; be specific ("dented rear right bumper" rather than "rear damage") | | **11. Remarks** | Free-text field for anything not covered above - disagreements, road conditions, weather, nearby cameras | Space for additional relevant information | | **12. Signatures** | Both drivers sign the same document | Confirms both parties agree on the recorded facts - **not** on liability | **→ [How to Fill Out the European Accident Statement Form: Field-by-Field Guide](/info/how-to-fill-european-accident-statement)** **→ [European Accident Statement PDF - Download](/info/european-accident-statement-pdf)** ### The 17 standard circumstances (Section 8 in full) The 17 tick-boxes are numbered identically in every language version of the form. Each driver marks only those that apply to themselves: | No. | Circumstance | |-----|-------------| | 1 | Was parked / stopped | | 2 | Was leaving a parking place / opening a door | | 3 | Was entering a parking place | | 4 | Was emerging from a car park, from private ground, from a track | | 5 | Was entering a car park, private ground, a track | | 6 | Was entering a roundabout | | 7 | Was circulating in a roundabout | | 8 | Was striking the rear of the other vehicle while going in the same direction and in the same lane | | 9 | Was going in the same direction but in a different lane | | 10 | Was changing lanes | | 11 | Was overtaking | | 12 | Was turning to the right | | 13 | Was turning to the left | | 14 | Was reversing | | 15 | Was encroaching on a lane reserved for circulation in the opposite direction | | 16 | Was coming from the right (at a road junction) | | 17 | Had not observed a right of way sign or a red light | **Important:** Mark only the circumstances that describe your own actions. Do not mark boxes for the other driver. Count the ticked boxes and record the total in the space provided - this prevents tampering after the fact. ### Back page - completed later, individually Each driver takes their copy (or a carbon copy / photo) and adds: - A detailed written account of how the accident happened, in their own words - More information about passengers, vehicle ownership, and prior damage - Whether the vehicle is driveable - Additional photos or documentation This page is sent directly to your own insurer and is **not** shared with the other driver. --- ## 3. Frequently asked questions **Is the European Accident Statement only for accidents abroad?** No. The EAS is used for any road accident in any EU country - domestic or cross-border. In France it is the standard *constat amiable* used for every fender-bender. In Spain, the DGT recommends the *parte europeo de accidentes* for all accident reporting. Poland's PBUK recommends having the form ready and filling it in to facilitate claims settlement. You do not need to be abroad to use it. **Do I have to fill out the EAS form?** No EU law mandates use of a specific form. But every insurer and consumer authority strongly recommends it - including the ADAC (Germany), ÖAMTC (Austria), TCS (Switzerland), PBUK (Poland), RACE (Spain), and the BCF (France). Without a completed EAS, your insurer has to reconstruct the accident from scratch, which delays your claim and weakens your position, especially if the other driver later disputes the facts. **What if the other driver refuses to sign?** Fill in your side of the form with as much detail as possible. Note the refusal in the Remarks section. Photograph the other vehicle's registration plate, make, model, and damage. Note any witnesses. Call the police - in most EU countries, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging details is an offence. Your insurer can still process a claim with a one-sided form and supporting evidence. **Does signing the form mean I am admitting fault?** No. The form states explicitly that both signatures confirm the facts recorded - not liability. Citizens Advice UK is explicit: "don't admit liability or apologise." The DGT (Spain) and RACE confirm the same. Insurers determine fault based on the described circumstances, the sketch, and photographic evidence. **What if more than two vehicles are involved?** Complete a separate EAS for each pair of vehicles. If vehicles A, B, and C are involved, you need forms for A–B and A–C (and B–C if relevant). Use [easf.eu](https://easf.eu) for each pair separately. **Does the form from easf.eu have legal value?** The PDF generated by easf.eu contains all fields of the standard European Accident Statement with the same layout and numbering. It is accepted by insurers across the EU in the same way as a completed paper form. Both drivers sign on screen to confirm their agreement with the recorded facts. **Is my data safe on easf.eu?** Yes. The service is GDPR-compliant (Regulation 2016/679). Personal data is processed solely to generate the PDF document and is not stored on the server after the session ends. **Does e-constat auto (France) work for accidents abroad or with foreign drivers?** No. France Assureurs explicitly states that the e-constat auto is "not yet recognised in Europe" for cross-border use. It does not recognise foreign-registered vehicles and is available only in French. It was designed for accidents in France between French-registered vehicles. **Does Crashform (Belgium) work outside Belgium?** No. Crashform, developed by Assuralia, is a Belgian electronic accident-statement app. For cases where the Belgian insurers' convention does not apply, such as accidents involving a foreign vehicle, the insurer follows the ordinary indemnification procedure. It is available in Dutch, French, German, and English. **Do I still need a Green Card?** Within the EU/EEA and Switzerland, your motor insurance automatically provides minimum third-party coverage - the numberplate serves as proof of insurance under the Internal Regulations of the Council of Bureaux (which replaced the earlier Multilateral Guarantee Agreement of 1991, taking effect from 1 July 2003). Green Card border checks between EEC member states were abolished under Directive 72/166/EEC (adopted in 1972, implemented by member states by 1973-74); the MGA extended this abolition to additional signatory countries beyond the EEC. The European Union waived Green Card requirements for UK-registered vehicles travelling in EU countries in August 2021. However, a Green Card is required when driving to countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland that are part of the Green Card system (e.g., Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Albania, Moldova, Ukraine). Since 1 January 2025, all countries in the Green Card circulation area must accept either paper or **digital** Green Cards (PDF on your phone); national bureaux may decide whether to issue Green Cards in PDF format, so check before travelling. Even within the EU, carrying a Green Card is strongly recommended by clubs including ADAC, ÖAMTC, and ANWB, as it contains insurer details needed for Section 7 of the EAS form. **What is the deadline to report an accident to my insurer?** Deadlines vary by country and policy: - **France:** 5 working days (*Code des assurances*, Art. L113-2) - from the date you become aware of the accident (in practice, usually the accident date itself) - **Spain:** 7 days from the date you become aware of the accident (Art. 16, Ley 50/1980, Ley de Contrato de Seguro) - **Germany:** Immediately (*unverzüglich*, §30 VVG) - most policies specify 7 days - **Netherlands:** Check your policy for the exact deadline - **Belgium:** As soon as possible, within the deadline set by your policy (Art. 74, Insurance Act 2014; the law does not fix a specific number of days) - **Italy:** 3 days (Art. 1913, Civil Code - applies to all insurance claims, not only CARD). Per Art. 1915: intentional non-notification forfeits the claim entirely; negligent delay may reduce indemnity, but only if the insurer proves actual prejudice - **Hungary:** 2 working days (casco); 5 working days for the at-fault party (KGFB mandatory liability); 30 working days for the victim (KGFB) - **Poland:** The at-fault party must report *niezwłocznie* (without delay) under Art. 16 of the Compulsory Insurance Act. For victims: 3-year statute of limitations (20 years if a criminal act is involved). AC (casco) deadlines vary by insurer - typically 3-7 days (e.g. PZU: 7 days, Allianz: 24 hours) - **Croatia:** 3 days from learning of the insured event (statutory notification rule for the insured) - **Romania:** Check your policy for the exact deadline Regardless of country: report as early as possible. Late reporting can reduce or void your claim. **→ [Filing a claim](/accident-abroad)** **What is Italy's CARD/CAI system?** Italy has a unique direct indemnification system. The mandatory CARD (*Convenzione tra Assicuratori per il Risarcimento Diretto*) system launched on 1 February 2007 under D.Lgs. 209/2005 and D.P.R. 254/2006, replacing the earlier voluntary CID convention. The system means the injured party claims from their **own** insurer (not the other driver's), and insurers settle between themselves through a clearing house managed by Consap S.p.A. At the scene, both drivers fill in the *Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente* (CAI, informally *modulo blu*) - the Italian version of the EAS. When both drivers sign the CAI, the insurer must respond within **30 days** for property damage (60 days without a signed CAI; 90 days for personal injury). As of 8 April 2026, Italian insurers are required by IVASS Regulation 56/2025 to offer a digital CAI module. The CARD procedure applies only to accidents in Italy - abroad, the standard European procedure applies. **What if the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene?** Every EU member state has a guarantee fund (compensation body) that covers victims of uninsured, unidentified (hit-and-run), or insolvent-insurer accidents. In France: the FGAO (*Fonds de Garantie des Assurances Obligatoires de dommages*). In Spain: the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros. In Italy: the FGVS managed by Consap. In Germany: Verkehrsopferhilfe e.V. In the Netherlands: the Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer. In Belgium: the *Fonds Commun de Garantie Belge* (FCGB/BGWF). Record as much information as possible (numberplate, make, colour, direction of travel) and call the police immediately. **Can I use an old EAS form?** Yes, as long as it follows the standard EAS layout. The layout has not fundamentally changed in decades. Check that your insurer details on the form are still current - if you have changed insurer, the old form's insurer data is no longer valid. --- ## 4. Paper EAS vs. easf.eu: side-by-side comparison | | Paper EAS | easf.eu | |---|-----------|---------| | **Availability** | Must be in the glove compartment with a pen | Any smartphone with a browser | | **Language** | Need the correct pre-printed language version (or a limited bilingual version such as DE/FR) | 33 languages - each driver picks their own, freely combined | | **Filling method** | Handwritten, duplicate carbon copy | Digital, real-time on two devices | | **Photos** | Taken separately, sent separately - no link to the form | Embedded directly in the document | | **Data validation** | None - easy to miss fields | Automatic - flags missing data before submission | | **Delivery to insurer** | Post or hand-deliver (days) | Instant PDF by email | | **Signature** | Pen on paper | Finger on screen | | **Offline use** | Yes (it's paper) | Requires browser access | | **Cost** | Free (from insurer) | Free | | **Cross-border use** | Yes - same layout across Europe | Yes - 33 languages, one interface | | **GDPR** | N/A | Yes - data not stored after session | --- ## 5. What is the European Accident Statement? The European Accident Statement (EAS) - known as the *constat amiable* in France, *Europäischer Unfallbericht* in Germany and Austria, *parte europeo de accidentes* in Spain, *constatazione amichevole di incidente* (CAI, informally *modulo blu*) in Italy, *wspólne oświadczenie o zdarzeniu drogowym* in Poland, *Europees schadeformulier* in the Netherlands, *Európai Baleseti Bejelentő* / *kék-sárga nyomtatvány* (blue-yellow form) in Hungary, *Evropský záznam o dopravní nehodě* in Czech Republic, and *Европротокол* (Yevroprotokol) in Ukraine, and *Europsko izvješće o prometnoj nesreći* in Croatia - is a standardised form distributed by insurers across Europe. Older official form PDFs also carry CEA (*Comité Européen des Assurances*, now Insurance Europe) copyright notices, though the original developer could not be independently verified from official sources. It exists for one purpose: to create a single, agreed record of a road accident that both drivers sign at the scene. The form collects every piece of information an insurer needs to process a claim: - **Who** was involved (drivers, passengers, witnesses) - **What** happened (circumstances, damages, injuries) - **Where** and **when** the accident occurred - **Which** vehicles and insurance policies are involved - **How** the accident happened (sketch and tick-box circumstances) ### Why does the form matter? Three reasons: 1. **Speed.** Insurers across Europe recognise the EAS layout. A completed form gives them everything they need without follow-up calls, letters, or weeks of back-and-forth. In Italy, a signed CAI halves the insurer's response time for property damage: **30 days instead of 60**. 2. **Accuracy.** The form walks you through a structured checklist. Without it, drivers at an accident scene tend to forget critical details - witness names, policy numbers, the exact sequence of events. Digital versions of the EAS (such as Belgium's Crashform) further reduce the risk of incomplete submissions through automatic field validation. 3. **Cross-border compatibility.** Every version of the EAS - regardless of language - uses identical field layout and numbering. A form completed in Greek has exactly the same structure as one completed in Swedish. This means insurers in different countries can process each other's forms without translation. The Spanish DGT, French *Service-public.gouv.fr*, Czech Ministry of Transport, and the Polish PBUK all explicitly recommend it as the standard tool for cross-border accident documentation. ### Is signing the form an admission of fault? **No.** The form explicitly states that signing is a confirmation of facts, not an admission of liability. Citizens Advice UK reinforces this: "Only sign the EAS when you're sure that you understand the situation." Your insurer determines fault based on the described circumstances - your signature simply confirms that the facts recorded are accurate. Do not sign the form if you have not read and understood the other driver's column. If you disagree with something the other driver has written, note your disagreement in the Remarks section before signing. ### Is the form mandatory? No EU law requires the use of a specific accident statement form. However, the EAS is strongly recommended by the ADAC (Germany), GDV (Germany), ÖAMTC (Austria), TCS (Switzerland), PBUK (Poland), BCF (France), *Service-public.gouv.fr* (France), DGT (Spain), RACE (Spain), and virtually every national motor insurers' bureau in Europe. Without a completed EAS, your insurer must reconstruct the accident from scratch - which delays your claim significantly. --- ## 6. Your rights under EU law If you are involved in a car accident in another EU country, the law of the country where the accident occurred applies. However, EU **Directive 2009/103/EC** (the Motor Insurance Directive, codifying the five earlier motor insurance directives into a single text) gives you four specific cross-border protections. A fifth - the Green Card system - operates under a separate international convention: ### Right 1: You can claim from home, in your own language Every motor insurer operating in the EU must appoint a **claims representative** in each other EU/EEA member state. This means you do not need to deal with a foreign insurer in a foreign language. You contact the representative in your home country, who handles the claim in your language. To find the claims representative: - **Germany:** Zentralruf der Autoversicherer - Tel. 0800 250 260 0 or [zentralruf.de](https://www.zentralruf.de/alles-zum-zentralruf/unfall-im-ausland) - **Austria:** Verband der Versicherungsunternehmen Österreichs (VVO) - **France:** AGIRA (*Association pour la Gestion des Informations sur le Risque en Assurance*) or the Bureau Central Français (BCF) - **Spain:** OFESAUTO (*Oficina Española de Aseguradores de Automóviles*) - **Netherlands:** Verbond van Verzekeraars / Nederlands Bureau der Motorrijtuigverzekeraars - **Belgium:** Assuralia / Belgisch Bureau van de Autoverzekeraars (BBAV) - **Italy:** Consap (for cross-border cases involving foreign vehicles) - **Poland:** PBUK (*Polskie Biuro Ubezpieczycieli Komunikacyjnych*) - [pbuk.pl](https://pbuk.pl/postepowanie-w-razie-wypadku/wspolne-zgloszenie-szkody/) - All EU/EEA member states maintain an information centre - typically hosted by the national motor insurers' bureau. The Your Europe portal (EU) provides contact details for every country. **Outside the EU/EEA**, the claims representative obligation under Directive 2009/103/EC does not apply. However, cross-border claims can still be coordinated through the national motor insurers' bureau: - **Switzerland:** Nationales Versicherungsbüro (NVB) / Bureau national d'assurance - operates under Swiss domestic law and bilateral agreements - **Ukraine:** MTSBU (*Моторне (транспортне) страхове бюро України*, Motor (Transport) Insurance Bureau of Ukraine) - [mtsbu.ua](https://mtsbu.ua/greencard) - operates under the Green Card system ### Right 2: The insurer must respond within 3 months Once you submit your claim, the other driver's insurer (or their claims representative) has **3 months** to either: - Make a reasoned offer of compensation, or - Provide a reasoned reply to the points made in the claim (where liability is contested or damages are not yet fully quantified) If they fail to respond within this period, you can escalate to the national **compensation body** in your home country: - **Germany:** Verkehrsopferhilfe e.V. - **Austria:** VVO-Entschädigungsstelle - **France:** FGAO (*Fonds de Garantie des Assurances Obligatoires de dommages*) - **Spain:** Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros - **Italy:** Consap (organismo di indennizzo under Art. 296, Codice delle Assicurazioni Private) - **Netherlands:** Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer - **Belgium:** *Fonds Commun de Garantie Belge* (FCGB/BGWF) Switzerland's equivalent body is the Nationaler Garantiefonds, which operates under Swiss domestic law rather than Directive 2009/103/EC. ### Right 3: You can claim directly from the at-fault driver's insurer Article 18 of the Directive gives you the right to submit your claim directly to the insurer of the person who caused the accident - you are not required to go through your own insurer first. ### Right 4: Protection against uninsured and unidentified drivers Directive 2009/103/EC requires each member state to set up or authorise a body for damage caused by unidentified or uninsured vehicles. Separately, it requires a compensation body for certain cross-border cases where the insurer or claims representative fails to respond or cannot be identified or appointed. ### The Green Card system: coverage beyond the EU The Green Card system - an international convention administered by the Council of Bureaux in Brussels, separate from Directive 2009/103/EC - is described by the Council of Bureaux as comprising 43 Green Card Bureaux representing **47 countries**, though some CoB communications refer to 48 countries. Russia, Belarus, and Iran are currently suspended. Your Green Card (or the digital version permitted by the Council of Bureaux since 1 January 2025) proves you have minimum third-party liability coverage across the system. Ukraine is a member through MTSBU. When a Ukrainian-registered vehicle is involved in an accident in Poland, the claim is handled in Poland through the foreign insurer's correspondent or, if none exists, via PBUK's arrangements. --- ## 7. Digital alternatives: what's available in 2026 Several European countries have launched national digital accident reporting tools: | Solution | Country | Launched | Operator | Limitation | |----------|---------|----------|----------|------------| | **e-constat auto** | France | 2014 | French insurers under the aegis of France Assureurs | France-only; official scope covers vehicles registered and/or insured in France; not recognised for cross-border use; French language only | | **e-Segurnet** | Portugal | 2016 | APS (*Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores*) | Portugal-only | | **Crashform** | Belgium | 2017 | Assuralia | Belgium-only; foreign-vehicle cases fall outside the Belgian insurers' convention and follow the ordinary indemnification procedure; available in Dutch, French, German, English | | **Bouračka** | Czech Republic | 2025 | ČKP (*Česká kancelář pojistitelů*) | Czech Republic-only; integrates with Czech vehicle register | | **mStłuczka** | Poland | 2025 | Ministry of Digital Affairs (mObywatel app) | Poland-only; both parties must use mObywatel, and both vehicles must be registered in Poland | | **Digital CAI** (from insurers' apps) | Italy | Deadline: 8 April 2026 (IVASS Reg. 56/2025, approved March 2025) | Individual insurers, per IVASS Reg. 56/2025 | Italy-only; linked to specific insurer; details to be confirmed per provider | **The gap:** Every national solution works only within its own borders. France Assureurs confirms that e-constat auto "is not yet recognised in Europe" for cross-border use. For Crashform, foreign-vehicle cases fall outside the Belgian insurers' convention and follow the ordinary indemnification procedure. mStłuczka requires both parties to use mObywatel and both vehicles to be registered in Poland. None of them works for the cross-border scenario that the EAS was specifically designed for. **The Netherlands** launched Mobielschademelden.nl in 2011 (by Verbond van Verzekeraars, relaunched in 2016). It is a Dutch insurers' mobile accident-reporting app and should not be conflated with the separate DSA direct-settlement regime. This cross-border gap is exactly the use case the European Accident Statement was designed to address. --- ## 8. History timeline | Year | Event | |------|-------| | **1972** | Directive 72/166/EEC is adopted, establishing compulsory motor insurance in all Member States and requiring the abolition of systematic Green Card border checks (member states implement this by 1973-74), enabling free movement of vehicles; the Green Card system begins formalisation at EU level. Some printed EAS forms carry a "Copyright CEA" mark attributed to the CEA (*Comité Européen des Assurances*, now Insurance Europe), though the specific year on these marks has not been independently verified. | | **1978** | One of the oldest known printed EAS forms - a Danish DFIM form - dates to this year, confirming the form was in wide circulation by the late 1970s. | | **2000** | Directive 2000/26/EC (Fourth Motor Insurance Directive) strengthens cross-border claims rights: each insurer must appoint a claims representative in every EU member state. | | **2001** | Some CEA-copyright EAS versions carry a 2001 revision date. | | **2007** | Italy launches the mandatory *Convenzione tra Assicuratori per il Risarcimento Diretto* (CARD) system on 1 February 2007 - replacing the earlier voluntary CID convention from 1978 - creating a direct indemnification model where injured parties claim from their own insurer. | | **2009** | Directive 2009/103/EC codifies and consolidates all previous EU motor insurance directives into a single text, the Motor Insurance Directive. | | **2014** | France launches **e-constat auto**. | | **2016** | Portugal launches **e-Segurnet** (APS). | | **2017** | Belgium launches **Crashform** (Assuralia). | | **2020** | From 1 July 2020, the Green Card format changes: national bureaux may now issue Green Cards in black and white instead of the traditional green paper. (Green Card border checks between EEC member states were abolished under Directive 72/166/EEC, adopted in 1972 and implemented by 1973-74; the Multilateral Guarantee Agreement of 1991 - later replaced by the Internal Regulations of the Council of Bureaux from 1 July 2003 - extended this to additional countries.) | | **2021** | Netherlands introduces the *Bedrijfsregeling Directe Schadeafhandeling* (DSA), a direct settlement arrangement among Dutch insurers (expanded to cover campers and motorcycles from April 2023). | | **2022** | On 4 March 2022, the Council of the EU activates the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) for displaced persons from Ukraine (Council Implementing Decision 2022/382). | | **2025** | Czech Republic launches **Bouračka** (ČKP). Poland launches **mStłuczka** (mObywatel, Ministry of Digital Affairs). IVASS (Italy) publishes Regulation 56/2025 requiring all Italian insurers to offer a digital CAI module. From 1 January 2025, all countries in the Green Card circulation area must accept paper or PDF electronic Green Cards; national bureaux may decide whether to issue them in PDF format. | | **2026** | Italy's deadline: by **8 April 2026**, all insurers operating in Italy must offer a digital CAI option. Poland's temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees extended into 2026 (Council of the EU, 2025 decision). | --- ## 9. Key statistics - The **Green Card system** is described by the Council of Bureaux as comprising 43 bureaux representing **47 countries**, though some CoB communications refer to 48 countries; Russia, Belarus, and Iran are currently suspended. - In **2024**, **19,940 people** died in road accidents across the EU (source: European Commission, "Road Safety Statistics 2024", October 2025 final figure). - **Spain** recorded **1,785 road fatalities** in 2024; the figure 1,154 refers to interurban road fatalities (source: DGT, Balance de Seguridad Vial 2024). - **Spain** received nearly **94 million international tourists** in 2024 (93.8 million; source: INE), a significant proportion of whom drive in Spain. - Approximately **966,000 Ukrainians** with temporary protection status were registered in Poland at the start of 2026 (source: Eurostat, January 2026). - Italy: a signed CAI halves insurer response time for property damage: **30 days** instead of **60** (source: IVASS, Codice delle Assicurazioni Private). - Over the last 20 years, Council of Bureaux members have helped victims of **more than 7.5 million cross-border road traffic accidents** receive compensation - more than 1,000 victims per day (source: Council of Bureaux). --- ## Sources 1. European Commission – [Road Safety Statistics 2024: Progress continues amid persistent challenges](https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/road-safety-statistics-2024-progress-continues-amid-persistent-challenges-2025-10-17_en), Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, October 2025. 2. Your Europe – [Car insurance cover abroad](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/insurance/accident/index_en.htm), official EU portal. 3. Insurance Europe – [Accidents: information for consumers](https://www.insuranceeurope.eu/accidents-information-for-consumers). 4. Citizens Advice UK – [Road accident abroad](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/insurance/types-of-insurance/vehicle-insurance/you-re-involved-in-a-road-accident-abroad/). 5. European Consumer Centre – [Car accident in Europe](https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/car-accident-in-europe.html). 6. EUR-Lex – [Directive 2009/103/EC](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/103/oj) (Motor Insurance Directive), European Parliament and Council. 7. EUR-Lex – [Directive 2000/26/EC](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2000/26/oj) (Fourth Motor Insurance Directive). 8. EUR-Lex – [Directive 72/166/EEC](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1972/166/oj) (First Motor Insurance Directive). 9. EUR-Lex – [Directive 2001/55/EC](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2001/55/oj) (Temporary Protection Directive). 10. France Assureurs – [e-constat auto](https://www.franceassureurs.fr/lassurance-protege-finance-et-emploie/lassurance-protege/les-demarches-en-cas-de-sinistre/e-constat-auto-application-mobile-constat-amiable-assureurs/). 11. Service Public (France) – [Constat amiable](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2149). 12. Code des assurances (France) – [Article L113-2](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/article_lc/LEGIARTI000006792280), délai de déclaration de sinistre. 13. Bureau Central Français (BCF) – [bcf.asso.fr](https://www.bcf.asso.fr/). 14. FGAO (France) – [Fonds de Garantie des Assurances Obligatoires de dommages](https://www.fondsdegarantie.fr/fgao/missions/). 15. AGIRA (France) – [Association pour la Gestion des Informations sur le Risque en Assurance](https://www.agira.asso.fr/organisme-dinformation/). 16. DGT (Spain) – [Información en caso de accidente](https://www.dgt.es/nuestros-servicios/atencion-a-victimas/informacion-en-caso-de-accidente/). 17. Ley 50/1980 (Spain) – [Ley de Contrato de Seguro](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1980-22501), BOE. 18. OFESAUTO (Spain) – [Oficina Española de Aseguradores de Automóviles](http://www.ofesauto.es/). 19. Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (Spain) – [consorseguros.es](https://www.consorseguros.es/). 20. FIVA / TIREA (Spain) – [Fichero Informativo de Vehículos Asegurados](https://www.tirea.es/glosario/fiva/). 21. RACE (Spain) – [Real Automóvil Club de España](https://www.race.es/parte-amistoso). 22. INE (Spain) – [Instituto Nacional de Estadística](https://www.ine.es/). 23. ADAC (Germany) – [Unfall im Ausland: Was tun?](https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/unfall-schaden-panne/unfall/ausland/). 24. Zentralruf der Autoversicherer (Germany) – [zentralruf.de](https://www.zentralruf.de/alles-zum-zentralruf/unfall-im-ausland). 25. Europäisches Verbraucherzentrum Deutschland – [Autounfall im EU-Ausland](https://www.evz.de/reisen-verkehr/auto/unfall-im-ausland.html). 26. ÖAMTC (Austria) – [Verkehrsunfall im Ausland](https://www.oeamtc.at/thema/panne-unfall/verkehrsunfall-im-ausland-was-tun-17964790). 27. TCS (Touring Club Schweiz) – [Unfallprotokoll Europa](https://www.tcs.ch/de/camping-reisen/reiseinformationen/wissenswertes/reisetipps/unfallprotokoll-europa.php). 28. DFIM (Denmark) – [European Accident Statement (PDF)](https://www.dfim.dk/media/1433/european-accident-statement-en.pdf). 29. PBUK (Poland) – [Wspólne oświadczenie o zdarzeniu drogowym (PDF)](https://pbuk.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/wspolne_oswiadczenie_pl.pdf). 30. Ministerstwo Transportu (Czech Republic) – [Euroformulář záznamu o dopravní nehodě](https://md.gov.cz/Dokumenty/Silnicni-doprava/Formular-zaznamu-o-dopravni-nehode-(1)/Formular-zaznamu-o-dopravni-nehode). 31. IVASS (Italy) – [Cosa fare in caso di sinistro](https://www.ivass.it/consumatori/rc-auto/sinistri/index.html). 32. Regolamento IVASS n. 56/2025 – [Esiti della pubblica consultazione](https://www.ivass.it/normativa/nazionale/secondaria-ivass/esiti-pubb-cons/2025/epc-doc-n-6-2024/Esiti_pubblica_consultazione_doc_6_2024.pdf). 33. ANIA (Italy) – [Associazione Nazionale fra le Imprese Assicuratrici](https://www.ania.it). 34. Consap (Italy) – [Fondo di Garanzia per le Vittime della Strada](https://www.consap.it/fondo-di-garanzia-per-le-vittime-della-strada/). 35. UCI (Italy) – [Ufficio Centrale Italiano, European Green Card](https://ucimi.it/en/european-green-card/). 36. D.Lgs. 7 settembre 2005, n. 209 (Italy) – [Codice delle Assicurazioni Private](https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2005-09-07;209). 37. Verbond van Verzekeraars (Netherlands) – [Bedrijfsregeling Directe Schadeafhandeling](https://www.verzekeraars.nl/verzekeringsthemas/schade/mobiliteit-en-verkeersveiligheid/directe-schadeafhandeling). 38. Consumentenbond (Netherlands) – [Europees schadeformulier voor je auto](https://www.consumentenbond.nl/autoverzekering/europees-schadeformulier). 39. ANWB (Netherlands) – [Alles over de groene kaart](https://www.anwb.nl/verzekeringen/groene-kaart). 40. Nederlands Bureau der Motorrijtuigverzekeraars – [Digitale groene kaart](https://nlbureau.vereende.nl/nl/digitale-groene-kaart). 41. Assuralia (Belgium) – [Checklist: Aanrijding](https://www.assuralia.be/nl/artikel/checklist-aanrijding). 42. Mtsbu.ua (Ukraine) – [Моторне (транспортне) страхове бюро України](https://mtsbu.ua/greencard). 43. PBUK (Poland) – [pbuk.pl](https://pbuk.pl/postepowanie-w-razie-wypadku/wspolne-zgloszenie-szkody/). 44. ČKP (Czech Republic) – [ckp.cz](https://ckp.cz). 45. Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców (Poland) – Office for Foreigners, statistics on Ukrainian temporary protection holders. 46. Council of Bureaux – Green Card system statistics (FIAR 2022 presentation). 47. Baloise Luxembourg – [Car accident abroad: what should you do?](https://www.baloise.lu/en/blog/mobility/2023/car-accident--abroad-what-to-do.html) 48. EASF – [European Accident Statement Form](https://easf.eu/). --- # European Accident Statement PDF - Download URL: https://easf.eu/info/european-accident-statement-pdf ## European Accident Statement PDF
Fill the European Accident Statement online → ⬇ Download European Accident Statement PDF (English)
Source: ABI - Association of British Insurers **→ [European Accident Statement Form: The Complete Guide](/info/european-accident-statement)**

Keep EASF on your phone

Add it to your home screen so it is one tap away if you ever have an accident.

iPhone (Safari): tap ⋯ in the bottom-right corner, then "Share" and "Add to Home Screen".

Android (Chrome): tap the ⋮ menu, then "Add to Home screen" and select "Install".

This is the standard EAS layout - the same type of accident report form PDF distributed by insurers across Europe. **How to use the paper form:** - Keep a blank copy in your glovebox so it is ready if you need it. - At the scene, each driver fills their own column (A or B) using the same sheet. - When finished, each driver keeps a copy (the original or a photo). Send yours to your insurer as soon as possible - deadlines vary by country. **→ [How to Fill Out the European Accident Statement Form: Field-by-Field Guide](/info/how-to-fill-european-accident-statement)** --- ### No printer? Forgot the form? **easf.eu** is a free digital version of the exact same European Accident Statement. You fill it on your phone - no app, no download, no printer needed. Both drivers complete their side simultaneously, **each in their own language.** **How it works:** 1. **Start a session** - you receive a link to share with the other driver. 2. **Fill your side** - each driver enters their details on their own phone, in their own language. 3. **Sign and receive the PDF** - both sides sign on screen and get the completed form by email, instantly. #### Paper PDF vs easf.eu | | Paper PDF | easf.eu | |---|---|---| | **Availability** | Must be printed in advance | Any smartphone with a browser | | **Language barrier** | One language per form | 33 languages, each driver picks theirs | | **Photos** | Taken separately | Embedded in the document | | **Delivery** | Post or scan to insurer | Instant PDF by email | --- ## FAQ ### Is the digital form from easf.eu accepted by insurers? The PDF generated by easf.eu contains every field present on the standard paper form - vehicle details, driver information, circumstances, sketch, and signatures. It follows the standard EAS field structure so both parties record the same facts in the same format. ### What if the other driver only has a paper form? No problem at all. Each driver submits their own copy to their own insurer. You can fill the digital version on easf.eu while the other driver uses the paper form - both documents are valid independently. The important thing is that both parties record the same facts about the accident. --- # How to Fill Out the European Accident Statement Form: Field-by-Field Guide URL: https://easf.eu/info/how-to-fill-european-accident-statement > **You're standing at the side of the road, accident statement form in hand, and you're not sure what to write.** Every field matters. A wrong date, a missing policy number, or an incorrectly ticked circumstance can delay your claim by weeks - or shift liability against you. This guide walks you through every section of the European Accident Statement form, field by field, so you fill it out correctly the first time. **[Fill out the European Accident Statement online now → easf.eu](https://easf.eu)** **→ [European Accident Statement PDF - Download](/info/european-accident-statement-pdf)** **→ [European Accident Statement Form: The Complete Guide](/info/european-accident-statement)** --- ## Before you start: what to have ready Before you pick up a pen or open [easf.eu](https://easf.eu) on your phone, gather these items: - **Your insurance certificate or Green Card** - you need your insurer's name, policy number, and Green Card number (Section 8) - **Your driving licence** - for your full name, date of birth, and licence number (Section 9) - **Your vehicle registration document** - for the make, model, registration number, and country code (Section 7) - **A pen** (if using the paper form) - ballpoint only, so the carbon copy is legible - **Your phone** - for photos and, if using [easf.eu](https://easf.eu), for filling the form digitally If you cannot find your policy number, check your insurer's mobile app or the certificate in your glove compartment. Your Green Card contains all the insurance details you need for Section 8. Fill out the form at the scene, not hours later from memory. Details fade quickly, and the form is designed to be completed while both drivers are present to agree on the facts. --- ## Front page: section by section The front page is completed and signed by both drivers at the scene. The official EAS form has **15 numbered sections**, arranged in two mirror columns - Driver A on the left, Driver B on the right. Each driver fills in their own column only. ### Section 1: Date and time of the accident Write the exact date (DD/MM/YYYY) and time in 24-hour format. A rough estimate like *"around noon"* gives you no record to counter the other driver's account if they later claim a different time. ### Section 2: Place of the accident Street name or road number, city, country, and direction of travel for each vehicle. Be specific: *"N7, 2 km south of junction with D104"* is useful; *"near the highway"* is not. Include the country name - it establishes which country's law applies. A vague location like *"main road"* gives you no record to counter the other driver's account if they later claim a different location. ### Section 3: Injuries Tick yes or no. This covers drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Do not tick *"no"* simply because injuries seem minor at the scene. Whiplash and soft tissue damage often appear hours or days later. If you wrote "no injuries" and later make a medical claim, the insurer will question the inconsistency. When in doubt, write *"possible - to be confirmed."* ### Section 4: Property damage Describe damage to anything other than the two vehicles - barriers, road signs, fences, buildings, posts, parked vehicles. Note what was damaged and who owns it. *"Metal guardrail damaged on north side of road"* is clear; *"some damage to roadside"* is not. If you damaged a guardrail and did not record it, you may face a separate claim later with no documentation to defend yourself. ### Section 5: Witnesses Full names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident - ask before they leave the scene. If the other driver later disputes the facts, a witness is your strongest evidence. Without one, it is your word against theirs. Do not skip this step because it feels awkward. ### Section 6: Policyholder / insured party Surname, first name, address, phone number, and email of the policyholder - the person in whose name the insurance policy is held. If the driver and policyholder are the same person, the same details go in both Section 6 and Section 9. One specific case to watch: if you are driving a company car or a family member's vehicle, the policyholder is not you - enter their details here, not yours. Leave this section blank and the insurer cannot identify the correct policy. ### Section 7: Vehicle details Make, type/model, and registration number with country code (e.g., *PL*, *D*, *F*). The country code matters - the same letter-number combination can exist in multiple countries, and without it the registration number is ambiguous. ### Section 8: Insurance details **What to write:** Insurer's name, policy number, validity period (start and end dates), Green Card number, and agency or branch name. Copy everything directly from your insurance certificate or Green Card. Do not leave the Green Card number blank. Within the EU/EEA it is not legally required - mutual agreements between national insurers' bureaux guarantee coverage for registered vehicles - but it is the fastest way for a foreign insurer to trace your policy through a network of over 40 member bureaux. ### Section 9: Driver details **What to write:** Surname, first name, date of birth, address, driving licence number, licence category, and licence validity date. Copy these from your driving licence. The licence number and category tell the insurer whether you were legally authorised to drive the vehicle - a detail that matters if the other party disputes your coverage. ### Section 10: Point of initial impact Mark the first contact point on the vehicle diagram with an arrow or cross. This lets the insurer cross-reference the damage description (Section 11) and the circumstances (Section 12) to reconstruct how the collision happened. Do not skip it. ### Section 11: Visible damage Be specific: *"dented rear right bumper, cracked right tail light, scratches along right rear panel"* - not *"rear damage."* Vague descriptions make it easier for the other party to attribute pre-existing damage to this accident. ### Section 12: Circumstances **What to write:** Tick every circumstance from the 17 standard options that applies to **your own actions**. Count the ticked boxes and write the total. Read each option carefully - tick only what applies to you, not to the other driver. Recording the total prevents later manipulation. **Mistake to avoid:** Ticking circumstances that describe the other driver's behaviour - you are attributing those actions to yourself. A missing total count means someone could add ticks after signing without detection. This is the single most important section for determining liability. ### Section 13: Sketch Draw a diagram showing road layout, vehicle positions before and after impact, direction of travel, road signs, and lane markings. See the dedicated sketch section below. ### Section 14: Remarks **What to write:** Anything not covered above - disagreements with the other driver, road conditions, weather, visibility, nearby cameras. Note any disagreements here clearly. **Mistake to avoid:** Leaving this section blank. It is your opportunity to add context that could affect liability - rain, sun glare, an obscured road sign, an uncooperative other driver. ### Section 15: Signatures Both drivers sign the completed front page. See the dedicated signing section below. --- ## Section 12 deep-dive: the 17 circumstances explained Section 12 is the most important part of the form. The 17 tick-boxes are numbered identically in every language version. Each driver marks only the circumstances that describe their own actions - not the other driver's. ### 1. Was parked (at the roadside) Your vehicle was parked and stationary. On many continental versions this also covers being stopped in traffic, at a red light, or at a stop sign - check the exact wording on your form. Do not tick this if you were still moving. ### 2. Was leaving a parking place (at the roadside) You were pulling away from a parked position. On many continental versions this also covers opening a vehicle door into traffic. *Example: you pulled out of a roadside spot and were hit by a passing vehicle.* ### 3. Was entering a parking space You were moving into a parking space - parallel parking, reversing into a bay, or pulling into a spot. Do not confuse with circumstance 5 (entering a car park or private premises). *Example: you reversed into a space and hit the vehicle behind you.* ### 4. Was emerging from a car park, private grounds, or a track You were driving out of a parking area, private driveway, or track onto a road - the moment of transition onto the larger road. *Example: you pulled out of a supermarket car park and hit a vehicle already on the road.* ### 5. Was entering a car park, private grounds, or a track You were turning into a car park, driveway, garage, or private property from the road. Do not confuse with circumstance 3 (entering a parking space) or circumstance 4 (leaving). *Example: you turned right into a private driveway and collided with a vehicle behind you.* ### 6. Was entering a roundabout (or similar traffic system) You were entering the roundabout from an approach road. If you were already on the roundabout, tick 7 instead. ### 7. Was circulating in a roundabout You were already circulating inside the roundabout when the collision occurred. Do not tick both 6 and 7 unless there were two separate impacts. ### 8. Was striking the rear of the other vehicle while going in the same direction and in the same lane You drove into the back of a vehicle ahead, both travelling in the same lane and direction. If you were also in the process of changing lanes, also tick 10. ### 9. Was going in the same direction but in a different lane You and the other vehicle were travelling in parallel lanes in the same direction. This describes the configuration - if you were also changing lanes, also tick 10. *Example: you sideswiped a vehicle in the adjacent lane.* ### 10. Was changing lanes You were moving from one lane to another at the moment of impact. Only tick this for your own lane change - if the other driver moved into your lane, they tick it on their side. *Example: you moved from the middle to the right lane and hit a vehicle already there.* ### 11. Was overtaking You were actively overtaking - pulling out, passing, or pulling back in. Simply driving in a faster lane does not count. *Example: you pulled into the oncoming lane to pass a slower vehicle and collided head-on.* ### 12. Was turning right You were making a right turn at a junction - not a bend in the road. *Example: you turned right at a junction and clipped a vehicle on your right.* ### 13. Was turning left You were making a left turn at a junction. Left turns across oncoming traffic are one of the most common accident scenarios on this form. *Example: you turned left and were hit by an oncoming vehicle.* ### 14. Was reversing Your vehicle was moving backwards. If you reversed into a parking space, you may also tick 3. ### 15. Was encroaching in the opposite traffic lane You crossed the centre line into the oncoming lane outside of an overtaking manoeuvre. If you crossed while overtaking, tick 11 instead - or both, if appropriate. This covers drifting and cutting corners on bends. ### 16. Was coming from the right (at road junctions) You were approaching the junction from the right relative to the other vehicle. This describes your position, not who had right of way - it is a geometric fact, not a fault attribution. ### 17. Had not observed a right of way sign You failed to obey a yield or stop sign. On many continental versions this also covers running a red light - check the wording on your form. Only tick this if you are certain you failed to observe the sign or signal. If the light was amber or you believe you had priority, note the details in Remarks (Section 14) instead. **After ticking:** Count the total number of boxes you ticked and write that number in the space provided. This total prevents anyone from adding extra ticks after the form is signed. --- ## The sketch (Section 13): how to draw it correctly The sketch is visual evidence that supports the tick-box circumstances. Include: 1. **Road layout** - road shape, lane markings, centre lines 2. **Vehicle positions before impact** - simple rectangles labelled A and B 3. **Vehicle positions after impact** - where each vehicle ended up 4. **Direction of travel** - arrows on each vehicle 5. **Road signs and traffic signals** - stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights 6. **Street names or road numbers** - label the roads **Common mistakes:** drawing only vehicles without the road; forgetting direction-of-travel arrows; not labelling A and B. Always draw a bird's-eye view. It does not need to be artistic - it needs to be clear. On [easf.eu](https://easf.eu), you draw the sketch on screen and it is embedded in the PDF. --- ## Back page: completed separately, not shared The front page is a joint document signed by both drivers. The back page is your private account, sent only to your own insurer. **What to write:** - **A detailed account** of how the accident happened, in your own words - sequence of events, what you saw, what you heard - **Additional information** about passengers, vehicle ownership, and any pre-existing damage - **Whether the vehicle is driveable** - **Additional photos or documentation** Be factual, not emotional. *"I was driving east on the N7 at approximately 50 km/h. The vehicle ahead braked suddenly"* is more useful than *"He stopped for no reason."* Include details the front page cannot capture - weather, sun glare, road surface, faded markings. You do not need to complete the back page at the scene. Take it home, write it carefully, and send it with the front page within your policy's reporting deadline. **→ [Filing a claim](/accident-abroad)** --- ## Signing: what to check before you sign The signature confirms that both parties agree on the recorded facts. It does not admit fault - the form states this explicitly. **Before you sign, verify:** 1. Your column is complete - every section filled in 2. The other driver's column is complete - ask them to fill in any blanks 3. The circumstances (Section 12) are correct - re-read both sets of ticks 4. The total tick count is written for both columns 5. The sketch matches the circumstances 6. The damage descriptions match the actual visible damage **If you disagree with the other driver's column:** do not refuse to sign. Write your disagreement in the Remarks section - for example: *"I disagree with Driver B's circumstance ticks - Driver B was changing lanes, not me."* Your signature confirms the recorded facts on the entire front page. Use the Remarks section to note any points you disagree with. **If the other driver refuses to sign:** fill in your side completely, note the refusal in Remarks, photograph their registration plate, and collect witness details. Your insurer can process a claim with a one-sided form and supporting evidence. --- ## What happens after: where the form goes Each driver takes a copy - the paper form has a self-copying carbon page; [easf.eu](https://easf.eu) emails both drivers the same signed PDF. Insurers then use the form to identify the parties (Sections 6-9), determine jurisdiction (Sections 1-2), assess liability (Sections 10-13), cross-reference both drivers' accounts for discrepancies, and process the claim. Under EU Directive 2009/103/EC (the Motor Insurance Directive), insurers have 3 months to make a reasoned offer or provide a reasoned reply to any claim. For cross-border accidents, Section 8 is especially important - the Green Card number traces your coverage through a system of over 40 member bureaux. **→ [After a Car Accident Abroad: How to Make an Insurance Claim in Europe](/info/car-accident-insurance-claim-europe)** --- ## Sources 1. Your Europe - [Car insurance cover abroad](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/insurance/accident/index_en.htm), official EU portal. 2. Insurance Europe - [Accidents: information for consumers](https://www.insuranceeurope.eu/accidents-information-for-consumers). 3. Citizens Advice UK - [Road accident abroad](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/insurance/types-of-insurance/vehicle-insurance/you-re-involved-in-a-road-accident-abroad/). 4. European Consumer Centre - [Car accident in Europe](https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/motor-vehicles/car-accident-in-europe.html). 5. EUR-Lex - [Directive 2009/103/EC](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/103/oj) (Motor Insurance Directive), European Parliament and Council. 6. Council of Bureaux - Green Card system statistics (FIAR 2022 presentation). 7. ADAC (Germany) - [Unfall im Ausland: Was tun?](https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/unfall-schaden-panne/unfall/ausland/). 8. Europäisches Verbraucherzentrum Deutschland - [Autounfall im EU-Ausland](https://www.evz.de/reisen-verkehr/auto/unfall-im-ausland.html). 9. DFIM (Denmark) - [European Accident Statement (PDF)](https://www.dfim.dk/media/1433/european-accident-statement-en.pdf). 10. Service Public (France) - [Constat amiable](https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2149). 11. EASF - [European Accident Statement Form](https://easf.eu/).