We breathe, we are here to help you
We all know that feeling of panic that washes over you when you realize your handbag is gone. That precious everyday companion that held your entire life: ID, bank card, keys, maybe even cherished items. It's normal to feel overwhelmed in the moment. But rest assured, there are specific steps you can take to minimize the damage and get back to normal life as quickly as possible.
Take a few seconds to breathe. Yes, it's frustrating. Yes, there are steps you'll need to take. But you're not alone in this situation, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
The first reflexes: act quickly to protect yourself
1. Report the loss or theft of your bank cards immediately.
This is THE top priority. Every minute counts to prevent fraudulent transactions on your account.
How to file an objection?
- Call your bank's dispute number (usually available 24/7)
- If you do not know this number, contact the interbank opposition server on 0 892 705 705 (service charge €0.35/min + cost of a local call)
- Make a note of the case number you are given: it is your proof of objection.
Once you have made the objection by telephone, confirm it in writing to your bank (registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt). Keep all supporting documents safe.
2. Report the loss or theft to the police
This step is essential, especially for your identity documents. Without a declaration receipt, it will be impossible to renew your documents.
Where to file your tax return?
You have several options:
- At the nearest police station or gendarmerie
- Online via the official portal : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R46526
To file a preliminary complaint online, visit the Ministry of the Interior's website. You'll save time: you'll then simply need to go to a police station to sign your statement.
What exactly needs to be declared?
List all lost documents: identity card, passport, driver's license, health insurance card, supplementary health insurance card, loyalty cards, etc. The more precise your list, the better it will be for the subsequent steps.
Renewing your identity documents: the complete guide
Your national identity card (CNI)
Documents to be provided:
- The receipt for the declaration of loss or theft
- Two recent passport photos that meet the standards
- Proof of address less than 6 months old (electricity bill, rent receipt, accommodation certificate if you are staying with someone)
- Proof of civil status : birth certificate less than 3 months old (or full copy of birth certificate if you were born abroad)
- Price : 25 euros in case of loss (free in case of theft upon presentation of the receipt)
Where to apply?
Make an appointment at any town hall equipped with a biometric station . The processing time generally varies between 2 and 6 weeks depending on the time of year.
👉 All official information: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1341
Your passport
The procedures are similar to those for an identity card.
Required documents:
- Receipt for declaration of loss or theft
- Two compliant passport photos
- Proof of address
- Proof of civil status
- Price : 86 euros for an adult, 42 euros for a minor aged 15 to 17, 17 euros for a minor under 15
👉 More information: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F14930
Your driver's license
The process is done exclusively online via the website of the National Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS).
What you will need:
- A digital passport photo
- A scanned proof of address
- The receipt for the declaration of loss or theft
- A digitized signature
- Cerfa form no. 14948
Price : Free for duplicates
Your new license will be mailed to your home address in approximately three weeks. In the meantime, you can request a temporary driving permit .
👉 Submit your application: https://permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr/
Your health insurance card
You have two options:
Online (fastest):
- Log in to https://www.ameli.fr with your account
- Section "My procedures" > "Order a new health insurance card"
By mail :
- Download the Cerfa form n°12790*03 from ameli.fr
- Send the completed form back to your health insurance fund.
You will receive your new card in 2 to 3 weeks. In the meantime, remember to request a certificate of entitlement (available on your ameli account or at a self-service kiosk) for your medical appointments.
👉 All the steps: https://www.ameli.fr/assure/droits-demarches/situations-particulieres/carte-vitale-perdue-volee-cassee
Your health insurance card
Contact your health insurance provider directly. Most allow you to order a duplicate online through your personal account or by phone. The new card usually arrives within about ten days.
Other important documents to redo
Your travel passes (Navigo, season tickets, etc.)
For the Navigo card:
- Report the loss/theft at https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr
- Order a new card (8 euros)
- Your subscription will be transferred to the new card
For other transport tickets, please check with your local network.
Your loyalty cards and passes
Contact the relevant retailers. Most can issue you a new card or block your old one to create a new one with your points intact.
Your keys
This is a delicate matter. If your keys were in your bag along with a document stating your address, it's wise to change your locks as a precaution. Contact your home insurance company: some policies cover this type of expense after a theft.
Useful administrative procedures
Contact your insurance company
Your home insurance or your comprehensive insurance (if you have taken out one) may cover some costs related to the loss of your bag: replacement of papers, keys, or even reimbursement for the contents.
To do:
- Report the claim within 2 working days of discovering the loss (5 days for theft)
- Send your declaration by registered mail with return receipt requested.
- Include all supporting documents: police report, bank statement, detailed list of contents
Monitor your accounts and information
In the weeks that follow:
- Check your bank statements regularly to detect any suspicious transactions.
- Change your passwords if you had any codes written down in your bag.
- Be vigilant against identity theft attempts.
- If you notice any fraudulent use of your documents, report it to the police immediately.
You can also report identity theft on the government website: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34826
Some tips to prevent this from happening again
We're not going to lecture you, but a few little tips can save the day:
Photograph your documents
Keep photos of all your documents in a secure cloud storage service (Google Drive, iCloud with two-factor authentication, etc.). In case of loss, you'll have all the necessary information at hand for your tax returns and other administrative procedures.
Note down your important numbers
Create a secure list with:
- Your bank card cancellation numbers
- Your insurance number
- Your health insurance company's contact information
- Your identity card and passport number
Choose a bag with a security system
At Valet de Pique, we believe that a good bag is also one that protects you every day. That's why we design bags with secure closures, zippered interior pockets for your valuables, and designs conceived to keep your belongings safe and secure.
A well-designed bag is your ally in avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
If possible, distribute your essential documents: keep a copy of your identity card at home, leave your health insurance card in a safe place if you don't need it that day...
In summary: your emergency checklist
Within the next hour:
- ✅ Report a lost or stolen bank cards
- ✅ Report the loss/theft to the police (online or at the police station)
Within 48 hours:
- ✅ Notify your insurance company
- ✅ Order a new health insurance card
- ✅ Begin the process for your identity documents
During the week:
- ✅ Make an appointment at the town hall for your national identity card/passport
- ✅ Renew your driving licence on the ANTS website
- ✅ Contact your health insurance provider
- ✅ Report the loss or theft of your other cards (transport, loyalty...)
Important: Keep ALL your supporting documents (receipts, confirmations of objection, letters) in a dedicated folder. You will need them for your insurance and in case of complications.
Our hearts are with you.
Losing your bag is a real hassle. But by following these steps methodically, you'll get back to normal faster than you think. Good luck with all these steps, and don't hesitate to ask your loved ones for help if you feel overwhelmed.
And remember: paperwork can be redone. The important thing is that you're okay.
Useful official links:
- Public Service: https://www.service-public.fr
- ANTS (Driving Licence): https://permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr/
- Ameli (Carte Vitale): https://www.ameli.fr
- To report a lost or stolen bank card: 0 892 705 705
- Online pre-complaint form: https://www.pre-plainte-en-ligne.gouv.fr/
At Valet de Pique, we create bags that accompany you through all your moments, even the most unexpected. Because a good bag is one that protects what truly matters.
