On October 1, new rules for OSAGO, the compulsory civil liability insurance for vehicle owners, came into effect following amendments by Russia’s Central Bank. These changes modify how ownership transfers and policy information are handled in relation to the mandatory insurance policy.
1. If the vehicle owner does not plan to cancel the OSAGO contract after selling the car, they must notify the insurer in writing. This requirement ensures the insurer is aware of who is covered by the policy after ownership changes. The directive emphasizes written notification and clarifies exceptions tied to early contract termination rights that may be exercised by the insured.
2. When a vehicle is registered with the traffic police, there is no need to visit the insurance company to report the new state number. The owner can enter the information directly into the OSAGO policy, and the insurer will obtain the update from the unified computerized information system for compulsory insurance. This system integration streamlines the process and reduces the administrative steps for vehicle owners and insurers alike.
3. In the event of an administrative violation or when a case is not initiated, the insurer is not obliged to provide a copy of the protocol or resolution to the victim involved in an accident. The change shifts certain documentation responsibilities and accelerates the handling of such matters within the framework of the policy and enforcement procedures.
4. It is no longer required to list the names and addresses of eyewitnesses or mention them within the traffic accident report. This adjustment aims to simplify reporting while maintaining the essential information needed for investigations and claims processing. Experts note that this does not diminish the availability of witness information if it becomes necessary for investigation or settlement processes. These updates reflect a broader move toward digital recordkeeping and a more streamlined approach to mandatory insurance administration in the country, aligning with modern data exchange practices used by insurers and government information systems. (Source: Central Bank of Russia, official amendments to OSAGO rules.)