EUR-Lex Access to European Union law
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Civil liability insurance for motor vehicles
SUMMARY OF:
Directive 2009/103/EC - Civil liability insurance for motor vehicles
SUMMARY
Motor insurance represents a significant proportion of non-life insurance policies entered into within the European Union (EU). This Directive aims to help EU residents involved in a road accident in another EU country.
WHAT DOES THIS DIRECTIVE DO?
Under the Directive, subscribers to compulsory motor insurance policies in all EU countries are covered for motoring throughout the EU.
KEY POINTS
The Directive:
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requires all motor vehicles in the EU to be covered by compulsory third-party liability insurance*
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abolishes border checks on insurance so as to facilitate international travel within the EU
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prescribes minimum third-party liability insurance cover in EU countries
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specifies exempt persons and authorities responsible for compensation
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introduces a mechanism to compensate local victims of accidents caused by vehicles from another EU country
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requires the quick settlement of claims arising from accidents occurring outside the victim's EU country of residence (so-called ‘visiting victims’)
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entitles policy holders to request a statement concerning the claims (or absence of claims) involving their vehicle during the 5 years preceding the contract.
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The Directive does not regulate issues of civil liability including compensation awards, which are decided by EU countries, or ‘comprehensive cover’ for physical injury of the driver or damage to vehicles.
WHEN DOES THIS DIRECTIVE APPLY?
From 27 October 2009.
BACKGROUND
European Commission website on motor insurance
KEY TERMS
*Third party liability insurance: coverage for damage, loss or injury inflicted on another party as a result of the actions of the policy holder.
ACT
Directive 2009/103/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009 relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles, and the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability
REFERENCE
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Act |
Entry into force |
Deadline for transposition in the Member States |
Official Journal |
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Directive 2009/103/EC |
27.10.2009 |
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last update 12.10.2015