In recent policy discussions, motorists may not incur extra costs if a vehicle insurance policy is only needed for a limited period. The proposed amendments to the OSAGO law, developed by members of the LDPR faction, aim to introduce a temporary insurance option without forcing a lengthy commitment. This change could be especially relevant for drivers who only need coverage for a short trip or a temporary move to another city. The rationale behind the draft is that a short term OSAGO contract, lasting a fraction of a year, could be arranged and later terminated. In such cases, it may be more economical for a driver to opt for a one-off payment deemed a fine for driving without OSAGO instead of purchasing a full annual policy. Official explanatory notes to the bill state that the typical annual policy can cost well over five thousand rubles, whereas paying a short term penalty or opting for a significantly cheaper monthly plan could be financially preferable for individuals with fleeting insurance needs.
Lawmakers note that a non-negligible portion of the population travels without valid OSAGO or with false insurance documentation. Estimates from parliamentary discussions place the number of such cases in the millions. The introduction of a one month policy could help curb these practices by providing a legal, affordable, and clearly defined option for temporary coverage. This approach aligns with a broader aim to reduce risk on the road by ensuring drivers have at least a minimum level of protection during shorter periods of use, thereby increasing accountability and compliance across the driving public.
When considering the cost dynamics, the expectation is that the expense of entering into and maintaining an OSAGO agreement would not scale linearly with time. The price of a one month policy is not simply a tenth or a twelfth of the annual premium; industry observers have suggested it could reach roughly one sixth of the annual cost, depending on vehicle type and insurer terms. Given an average yearly premium for a common model such as a Lada Vesta, which commonly falls within the four to five thousand rubles range, a month’s OSAGO could be around six hundred fifty to eight hundred fifty rubles. This pricing structure intends to make legitimate coverage accessible to drivers who previously faced a choice between uninsurance penalties and an expensive yearlong policy, potentially lowering the prevalence of uninsured travel on Russia’s roads and improving overall traffic safety metrics.”