In 2024, fresh rules on mandatory civilian liability insurance (OC) for drivers will enter into force in Poland. These changes will have major consequences, especially for those who neglect to comply with the work to have a valid OC policy. The punishment for the absence of this insurance will increase 3 times compared to the current sanctions. Therefore, it is worth keeping up with you and taking care of the formalities in advance to avoid harsh penalties.
Why is the OC policy mandatory?
Civil liability insurance (OC) for motor vehicle holders is compulsory in accordance with Polish law. It aims to supply compensation for those who endure from an accident caused by an insured driver. The deficiency of an OC policy poses serious consequences, not only financial but besides legal consequences.
Three-fold increase in penalties for deficiency of OC policy
Under the fresh regulations that will enter into force on January 1, 2024, the punishment for the deficiency of a current OC policy is expected to increase as much as 3 times. Currently, the punishment for car holders is up to PLN 6020, which is twice the minimum gross wage in Poland. In 2024, the punishment will increase to nearly PLN 20 thousand. It is worth noting that this punishment will depend on the number of days during which the vehicle remained uninsured.
Penalties for deficiency of OC in 2024:
- up to 3 days – 40% of the full rate (approx. PLN 8000),
- 4 to 14 days – 70% of the full rate (approximately PLN 14,000),
- over 14 days – 100% of the full rate (about PLN 20,000).
Why is the punishment increasing?
The reason for the increase in penalties is not only the desire to discipline drivers, but besides the expanding costs associated with accidents caused by them insured drivers. According to the Insurance warrant Fund (UFG), the number of specified cases increases. The UFG covers the costs of compensation for harm caused by persons without a valid OC policy, which generates a crucial financial burden. Therefore, the fresh rules aim to increase the discipline among drivers and reduce the number of vehicles without valid insurance.
How to avoid punishment?
To avoid advanced penalties, vehicle owners should regularly check the validity of the OC policy. Insurance can be purchased from any insurance company, and its cost depends on many factors specified as driver's age, residence or insurance history.
UFG regularly monitors the situation utilizing an IT strategy that automatically detects the deficiency of an OC policy. Therefore, the hazard of detecting an uninsured vehicle is very high, even if it has not been stopped by the police.
What if you missed the deadline?
If you announcement that your OC insurance has expired, delight contact your insurer and resume your policy as shortly as possible. Time plays a key function here due to the fact that all hr without insurance exposes to advanced financial penalties. It is besides worth reminding you regularly about the request to renew your policy, for example by setting appropriate notifications on your calendar.
The increase in penalties for the deficiency of a mandatory OC policy in 2024 is an crucial signal for all drivers to be more liable about their duties. The fresh government aims to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on the road, which in the long word is intended to improve safety and reduce accident costs. To avoid severe penalties, it is worth regularly checking the validity of your OC policy and not hazard driving without insurance.
Read more:
New rules for drivers: The punishment for deficiency of current OC policy will triple in 2024
