Insurers to pay for independent inspection or assessment under OSAGO instead of drivers
The law on OSAGO requires that the insurer conducts an examination and, if necessary, an independent technical inspection and assessment of vehicle damage. Their costs shall also be paid by the insurer, the regulator's information letter explains.
The Bank of Russia is receiving complaints from consumers, stating that insurers ask them to pay for an independent inspection of the vehicle damaged in a road accident, on condition that these costs will be refunded by the insurer later when the insurance indemnity is paid.
The regulator notes that this behaviour is against the requirements of the laws on OSAGO.
Moreover, a damage assessment is not required to submit a complaint to the ombudsman: if the driver has already paid for it, the cost of the assessment will not be refunded.