The revised motor insurance regulations are designed to ensure that all EU nationals are treated fairly in the event of accidents and while purchasing auto insurance.

Whether an accident happens in the victim’s home country or somewhere else in the EU, they are still protected by the legislation. The revised regulations, which were approved today with 689 votes in favor, 3 votes against, and 4 abstentions, are meant to enhance and fix gaps in the present Motor Insurance Directive (text of the Fourth motor insurance Directive can be found on our Insights page, under Publications sector).

Negotiators from the Parliament and Council ensured that victims of traffic accidents receive compensation even if the insurance provider goes out of business when they reached a tentative agreement on the text on June 22, 2022. Additionally, when a policyholder transfers from one EU member state to another, discrimination won’t occur thanks to an EU-harmonised “Claims History Statement.” New free and independent pricing comparison tools will make it easier for citizens to compare the costs, tariffs, and coverage provided by various providers.

The amended wording harmonizes the mandatory minimum amounts of coverage across the EU, without limiting any additional assurances that the Member States may impose, to maintain the same minimal degree of protection for victims:

• for personal injuries: € 6 450 000 per accident, irrespective of the number of injured parties, or € 1 300 000 per injured party;
• for damage to property, € 1 300 000 per accident, irrespective of the number of injured parties.

The modified regulations exempt electric bicycles, mobility scooters, and garden tractors from insurance requirements in order to minimize overregulation. The directive does not apply to vehicles built solely for motorsports.