A driver who chooses to file a collision report strictly under the Europrotocol for OSAGO without involving traffic police inspectors risks losing compensation if the other party’s policy turns out to be fake. This warning comes from a Russian automobile lawyer who emphasizes that insurers scrutinize the policy details and the car involved before any payout is considered.
Even when traffic police officers are present at the scene, their common recommendation is to rapidly complete a Europrotocol and move vehicles aside to clear roadways. Yet if the policy data prove invalid, fake, or incorrect, the insurance company may refuse payment. The lesson is clear: a quick formality should not override the accuracy of the policy information on file, because errors or deceit in the policy details can derail claims and lead to disputes that require legal resolution.
Concerns grow when the accident is recorded by the police solely through a Europrotocol without a full assessment of fault and contributing conditions. In such cases, getting a fair compensation through the courts becomes markedly more difficult if the policy information is not verified for authenticity and alignment with the specific vehicle involved in the incident.
There is a practical way to verify the existence and validity of an OSAGO policy at the moment of an accident. The official online service maintained by the Russian Association of Auto Insurers provides a means to check whether a policy exists and whether it covers the correct vehicle. It is also advised to confirm that the policyholder linked to the second vehicle involved in the collision corresponds to the actual car and not another vehicle, and to carefully review all policy details for accuracy and consistency with the incident’s facts.
Experts warn about warning signs of fraudulent car dealerships and the potential risks they pose to drivers involved in accidents. The guidance underscores the importance of due diligence, including verifying policy specifics, cross-checking registration numbers, and ensuring that the policyholder information matches the vehicle involved. By staying vigilant and relying on official verification channels, drivers can reduce the chance of disputes and improve the odds of a legitimate, timely resolution to insurance claims.