Major change in traffic insurance: Driver, not vehicle, will be the basis
A major change is coming to traffic insurance. The no-claims discount will now be tied to the driver rather than the vehicle; accident-free drivers will be insured at the same level even when they purchase a new vehicle.
12punto
A significant transformation is beginning in mandatory traffic insurance with a circular published by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency (SEDDK). The regulation, which will come into effect as of January 1, 2026, completely renews the premium tariff and the no-claims step system.
NO-CLAIMS STATUS WILL NOW BE DETERMINED BY THE DRIVER
In the new system, the no-claims step will be calculated directly based on the driver's accident record, rather than the vehicle's history. A driver who has been at the 8th step for a long time and has not had an accident will continue to be insured at the same step even if they change vehicles. Conversely, drivers who have frequent accidents and are at the 0 or 1st step will not be able to obtain a more advantageous step even if they purchase a new vehicle.
ERA OF HIGH PREMIUMS FOR SECOND VEHICLES ENDS
According to a report by Türkiye newspaper, Turusan Bağcı, President of the Insurance Commission of the Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED), pointed out that under the current practice, accident-free drivers could face higher premiums when purchasing a second vehicle, stating, "This injustice has now come to an end." Bağcı also reminded that the SEDDK increased traffic insurance premiums by 1 percent in December, emphasizing that drivers who will take out insurance should closely follow the current tariffs.
STEP MAY BE LOWERED IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
Halil İbrahim Ece, President of the Insurance Intermediaries and Agents Association (SAAD), pointed to an important detail. He stated that even if the renewal process is completed before the policy start date, the driver's step will be lowered by one level in the event of an accident occurring during that period. Ece also reminded that driving without mandatory traffic insurance can lead to sanctions such as fines and being banned from traffic.