A new legislative proposal has been filed in the State Duma aimed at extending the restoration window for vehicles insured under compulsory motor liability insurance. The initiative seeks to lengthen the repair period from the current 30 days to 45 days. This information comes from a report by RIA Novosti, which references the official database of the lower chamber of parliament. The authors behind the bill are senators Andrei Kutepov and Valery Vasiliev, who outline the rationale for the change in their submission.
The reason behind the proposal centers on the ongoing pressures created by sanctions. Car repair shops, service centers, and insurance companies are contending with shortages of genuine spare parts and significant disruptions to logistics chains that normally guarantee timely delivery of components and subsequent repairs. In light of these challenges, the bill argues for extending the permitted period to restore a damaged vehicle, so that service providers can complete necessary repairs without violating the law.
Earlier, it was reported that the Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation gave its backing to a bill proposing a 45 day repair window under compulsory motor insurance, an increase from the present 30 days. The proponents say this adjustment would acknowledge the real constraints faced by the automotive repair sector under sanctions, especially when supply lines and workshop capacities are stretched beyond normal levels.
The document explains that the extension would be conditional and temporary, designed to apply only during periods when restoration work cannot be carried out within the existing deadline. It also calls for safeguards to prevent potential misuse by insurance companies that might seek to prolong repair timelines beyond what is warranted by actual technical needs.
In another aspect of the proposed policy, the government reportedly supports raising the maximum payment under compulsory motor insurance from 100 thousand rubles to 200 thousand rubles. Supporters of the measure say that increasing the payout limit would better reflect the evolving costs of vehicle repairs and the wider economic environment, while still maintaining the protection offered to policyholders in cases of total loss or major damage.
One official noted that the proposal aligns with broader efforts to stabilize the automotive sector during periods of international pressure. The aim is to ensure that drivers can access essential repair services and that repair facilities can operate without facing unsustainable time pressures or financial penalties for delays that are not their fault. The government is expected to monitor the situation closely and to adjust the policy as conditions change, preserving a balance between consumer protection and the practical realities faced by service providers.
Observers point out that if the bill becomes law, it would introduce a framework in which adjustments to the repair timeline are considered a temporary measure tied to specific external conditions. The focus remains on maintaining continuity in vehicle operation and on preventing a breakdown in everyday mobility that could follow extended repair times. The dialogue among lawmakers, insurers, and repair networks emphasizes the need for clear criteria governing when an extension is permitted, how long it can last, and what documentation is required to justify the extension.
Additionally, officials stressed that any expansion of the repair window should come with concrete oversight mechanisms. These would ensure that extensions are used only when warranted and that the lengthening of repair deadlines does not become a routine practice that undermines consumer rights or the integrity of the insurance system. The evolving policy landscape reflects ongoing attempts to adapt regulatory frameworks to real-world conditions while preserving accountability and transparency across the automotive insurance ecosystem.
Potential beneficiaries of the proposed changes include vehicle owners who experience delays in obtaining spare parts or who face longer-than-usual repair times due to supply chain disruptions. At the same time, repair shops and insurers would gain a clearer path to managing expectations and timelines without risking penalties for delays caused by factors beyond their control. The proposed measures are framed as practical responses to extraordinary circumstances, rather than as permanent shifts in policy. Stakeholders await further discussion and potential amendments as the legislative process progresses, with the aim of reaching a balanced solution that protects drivers while recognizing the operational realities of today’s market.