No insurance – no protection: what does the absence of motor liability insurance for military personnel entail and what to do in case of an accident
11 April 2025 18:57
Since the beginning of the year, new car insurance rules have come into effect in Ukraine, including for military personnel. Despite the changes, many military personnel still do not have insurance policies and are not aware of the algorithm of actions in the event of an accident. How to insure a car, avoid legal risks on the road and take advantage of new opportunities? Who is eligible for discounts? What are the new requirements for MTPL policies and what should a military man do in case of an accident ?
On January 1, 2025, updated rules of compulsory car insurance came into force in Ukraine, which apply to all drivers, including the military. Now, combatants are not exempt from the obligation to have an MTPL policy, but they can take it out on preferential terms – with a 50% discount. At the same time, the legislation has clarified the actions to be taken in the event of an accident, including the possibility of taking out a Europrotocol without limiting the amount of insurance coverage.
Car insurance for the military and new rules for registration of road accidents in 2025
Daryna Starovoitova, mediator and attorney at law at Verity Group, explains in an exclusive commentary to Kommersant Ukrainskyi: since the beginning of 2025, a new law on compulsory insurance of civil liability of vehicle owners has come into force in Ukraine. The document introduces new requirements for car insurance.
“According to the law, combatants receive a 50 percent discount on the purchase of a CTP policy. Previously, this category of citizens was exempt from the obligation to purchase a policy,” Daryna Starovoitova
However, such a discount is only available if the car has an engine displacement of up to 2,500 cubic centimeters or an electric motor power of up to 100 kilowatts inclusive. In addition, the vehicle must be owned by the serviceman, used without the purpose of providing paid passenger or cargo transportation services, and driven exclusively by the insured or a person who is also included in the privileged categories.
It is also important to take into account that the discount applies to only one car of the insured, the lawyer notes
Algorithm of actions in case of an accident
In the event of a traffic accident, it is important to strictly follow the established procedure to avoid additional legal problems. Daria Starovoitova provides a clear algorithm of actions:
- First of all, you need to make sure that there are no victims. If someone is injured, you should immediately call an ambulance and the police.
- Next, you need to record the scene of the accident. To do this, turn on the emergency alarm, put up an emergency stop sign, and take photos or videos of the scene, including damage to cars, road signs, and traffic lights.
- If no one was injured in the accident, the parties to the accident can draw up a Euro protocol.
“The Europrotocol is a form of notification to the insurer of a traffic accident, which allows you to register an accident without calling the police. With the help of the Electronic Europrotocol information system, you can issue this notification in electronic form using a regular smartphone, right at the scene of the accident. It can also be done in paper form,” Daryna Starovoitova
Starting from January 1, 2025, the Law of Ukraine “On Compulsory Insurance of Civil Liability of Owners of Land Vehicles” No. 3720-IX cancels the limit of insurance indemnity for an accident reported using the Europrotocol.
If the drivers cannot come to an agreement, there are disputed circumstances or victims, the police should be called.
- The next step is to notify the insurance company. If the driver has an MTPL or hull insurance policy, you should contact the insurer as soon as possible and clarify the list of documents required to receive compensation.
It is important to remember that the absence of an insurance policy is an administrative offense that entails a fine. In addition, if a driver who does not have insurance is responsible for an accident, he or she will have to compensate the victims for all damages.
Why should the military have insurance?
Despite the fact that many military personnel neglect to take out an insurance policy, considering it a secondary issue, having insurance is an important element of financial security, the lawyer explains.
“In the event of an accident, the insurance company covers the costs that would otherwise have to be reimbursed on their own. If the military does not yet have car insurance, it is worth taking care of this in advance to avoid significant financial risks in the future,” Daryna Starovoitova
Themilitary should not only have a policy, but also be prepared for force majeure on the road, also emphasizes Andriy Shabelnikov, managing partner of EvrikaLaw, chairman of the NAAU Committee on Investment and Privatization
“Many military personnel still do not have insurance, believing that it is not necessary. But in reality, the absence of a policy is not only a fine, but also personal liability for all losses in the event of an accident. Insurance is about financial security and protection, which is especially important for those who serve,” emphasizes Andriy Shabelnikov.
In the light of the new rules, the expert recommends that servicemen do not delay in taking out a motor vehicle liability insurance policy and carefully read the procedure for action in the event of an accident. This is the minimum level of protection that can significantly help in a critical situation, summarizes Andriy Shabelnikov.
