A bill introduced in the State Duma would allow holders of compulsory motor liability insurance to file accident reports through the State Services portal. The proposal has appeared in the Duma database, signaling a shift toward digital documentation of road incidents. If adopted, drivers would be able to initiate a report without visiting a police station or a physical office, using a streamlined online form that captures the essential details of the collision, the parties involved, and the vehicles concerned. The move is framed as part of a broader effort to modernize public services and reduce bureaucratic friction in everyday life. Observers note that this could speed up the processing of claims and improve the accuracy of data collected after road accidents. As with many digital modernization efforts, regulators emphasize protecting personal data and ensuring accessibility for users with varying levels of tech literacy or access to reliable internet connections.
The explanatory note attached to the bill explains that when compulsory insurance rules apply, the accident report can be prepared by drivers in electronic document format through the Unified Portal of State and Municipal Services, a federal-state information system. This indicates a move away from paper forms and in-person submissions toward a single digital channel, ensuring that essential information can be transmitted securely to insurers and authorities. The description emphasizes that the process would rely on standardized data fields and validated identifiers to facilitate verification and case assignment. Scholars and practitioners often highlight that such centralized digital workflows can reduce duplication, cut waiting times, and improve the consistency of records across agencies.
Proponents of the initiative argue the change will reduce police calls to the scene of an accident. They point to the efficiency of online reporting and the ability to start the claims process immediately after a crash, even if the officers are not present. The document states that insurance companies are actively supporting the connection of their information systems to the portal, which could enable near real-time data exchange, faster claim initiation, and easier cross-checking of information between the insurer and public authorities. The idea is to create a seamless flow of information that minimizes duplicate paperwork and reduces the burden on police resources, allowing officers to focus on serious incidents and traffic safety. Critics may raise questions about data privacy, system reliability, and the potential for technical failures during emergencies, so the bill includes references to safeguards and contingency plans.
Another element described is the printing of a QR code on the traffic accident notification form to enable remote recording. Scanning the code would direct users to the Government Services portal, where the procedure for registering an accident under the European protocol can be learned. The European protocol sets standards for evidence collection, reporting timelines, and the sequence of steps that drivers should follow after a collision. By linking the physical form to an online guidance hub, the proposal aims to provide immediate, clear instructions to motorists and to harmonize practices with international norms. The QR code would also serve as a quick entry point to verify the form’s authenticity and to prevent counterfeit submissions.
The service would not only allow accident registration but also facilitate applications for compensation for damages without visiting the insurance company in person. This prospective workflow would enable claim submissions through the same portal, with attachments such as photographs, vehicle damage assessments, and other documentation uploaded electronically. The updated Compulsory Motor Insurance Rules that will govern these provisions specify the changes to the form and the digital procedures, establishing a clear timeline that places their entry into force on October 1. Businesses, drivers, and insurers are watching closely how this transition unfolds, as it could influence the speed and transparency of the compensation process and reduce the administrative overhead for all parties involved.
It is reported that for the second year in Russia, the number of traffic accident records created without the involvement of traffic police within the scope of the European protocol has declined. Supporters interpret this as a sign that digital reporting channels are gaining traction and that drivers are more likely to rely on online filings when appropriate. Critics caution that rural areas or communities with limited internet access may still face barriers, so the plan includes potential measures to support accessibility and to ensure that the system remains robust in case of outages or high demand. The overall trend appears to align with broader European and international practices that emphasize faster data capture, better coordination between agencies, and clearer accountability for incident reporting.
Public sentiment around the proposal has included warnings about potential price shifts. Observers have warned that prices for compulsory motor insurance could rise by about 30 percent as insurers adjust to the new data flows, administration costs, and risk assessments associated with digital records. Proponents argue that any short-term price changes could be offset by faster processing of claims, improved accuracy, and a more predictable regulatory environment. The debate touches on the balance between service modernization and affordability for everyday motorists, a tension common to many public service reforms as governments seek to modernize while keeping essential protections accessible.