Road accidents and insurance

Photograph the scene, the cars and the other parties' documents, find witnesses and camera footage, and record the accident properly. If the damage is serious or fault is disputed, calling the traffic police is safer than a European accident report.

Under Federal Law No. 40-FZ of 25 April 2002 on Compulsory Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance, as a general rule a private owner's car is repaired at the insurer's expense, and money is paid only in the cases set out in the law or by agreement. If the insurer switched from repair to a payment without grounds, the losses can be recovered, including the difference up to the cost of repair without depreciation.

20 calendar days, excluding non-working public holidays, to pay or issue a repair referral. A penalty accrues for delay.

Yes. Under OSAGO, harm to health is compensated separately from damage to the car, within its own limit. Anything above that limit, as well as compensation for moral harm, is recovered from the person at fault.

Only with a written note stating who is at fault, the amount and the deadline. Without it, if they refuse to pay, proving fault and damage will be harder, and the deadlines for going to the insurer may pass.