The head of the All-Russian Union of Insurers, Evgeny Ufimtsev, has signaled an ambitious move: the OSAGO policy for Russian drivers could become accessible on Belarusian soil in the near future, with concrete steps anticipated in early 2023. This was conveyed through DEA News and followed by a broader push to expand cross-border insurance cooperation between Moscow and Minsk. The plan envisions a more seamless experience for motorists who operate across the border, reducing friction for those who split time between the two countries and rely on reliable, compliant coverage wherever they drive.
Ufimtsev emphasized that a vigorous implementation phase is underway. A structured expansion project is slated to be launched soon within Belarus, aimed at integrating not only basic OSAGO coverage but also more comprehensive options tied to longer-term policy terms. The objective appears to be to offer drivers an annual policy that can be extended to Belarus, thereby streamlining what is currently a multi-step process for cross-border vehicles and residents who have ties on both sides of the border. The initiative is described as a significant development, with a possible January rollout for the initial stages of product development and deployment.
According to Ufimtsev, the arrangements are being harmonized across both countries. The project envisions an automatic expansion framework that includes a green card system tailored for Belarus on a per-capita basis. This means that residents in the neighboring region could obtain a policy that extends to Belarus, while Belarusian drivers would gain access to Russian policies extending to the Russian Federation. The emphasis is on creating a mutual, reciprocal framework rather than a price-driven competition, highlighting collaboration and regulatory alignment over price wars.
Ufimtsev noted that the tariff structures are not being published at this stage, underscoring that pricing will be determined in due course through cooperative regulation and market readiness. The focus remains on establishing a reliable mechanism for cross-border insurance that satisfies the needs of drivers and lawmakers alike, rather than racing to quote the lowest rate. The broader objective is to remove care-related friction for individuals who legitimately require coverage that spans both jurisdictions, ensuring that claims handling, policy terms, and eligibility criteria align with each country’s regulatory standards and consumer expectations.
In related coverage from the previous day, parliamentary oversight discussed the effectiveness of the compulsory OSAGO system. Deputies from the Just Russia – For Truth faction asked the Prosecutor General’s Office to evaluate how well OSAGO serves drivers across the federation. The discussion underscores that policy effectiveness, consumer protection, and fair access to mandatory coverage remain central issues in the ongoing evolution of auto insurance in the region, a backdrop against which cross-border expansion efforts are being weighed and refined. [ARIA Report]