In Russia, work is underway to develop an OSAGO policy framework that would also cover Belarus, according to Evgeny Ufimtsev, head of the All-Russian Union of Insurers. This initiative aims to simplify cross-border car insurance for drivers who travel between the two nations and could be expanded to neighboring markets in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) in the future.
Ufimtsev noted that beyond offering the standard OSAGO policy, there could be an option to purchase an annual policy with an extension to Belarus. The product development stage is sizable, and authorities are aiming for a potential rollout in the near term, with the goal of making the cross-border option available to drivers who frequently cross the Russian-Belarusian border. While the exact price tag has not been disclosed, the move signifies a shift toward more integrated coverage for drivers in both countries and could set a precedent for similar arrangements in other EEU members.
The ARIA chief highlighted that the policy is expected to find demand particularly in border regions where residents regularly travel for work, family, or commerce. If Russians obtain OSAGO with an extension to Belarus, Belarusians could similarly secure a policy with an extension to Russia. This cross-border approach is envisioned to facilitate smoother insurance processes for cross-border travel and vehicle use, potentially reducing delays and administrative hurdles at borders. As the plan progresses, pricing and exact terms will be announced by the insurers and regulatory bodies involved.
Officials also envision duplicating the same cross-border structure with other EEU members, including Kazakhstan and Armenia, among others. The goal is to build a broader, harmonized framework for cross-border motor insurance across participating countries, which would enhance mobility and financial protection for motorists moving within the union.
- One can access updates or related discussions via official communications channels of the insurers and regulatory authorities involved.
Source: Rosinformatsiya and industry briefings. The arrangement reflects ongoing efforts to streamline insurance coverage for international travel and vehicle use within the Eurasian space, with ongoing consultations and regulatory reviews to address governance, data sharing, and claims handling in cross-border contexts.
Remark: The cross-border OSAGO initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize insurance products and create more seamless experiences for drivers who span national borders within the EEU.