What is compulsory third-party motor liability insurance?

Compulsory Third-Party Motor Liability Insurance (CTPL/ZMS), also known as compulsory motor insurance, covers property damage and bodily injury caused to third parties in a road traffic accident and is legally mandatory for all motor vehicle owners in Türkiye.

The policy is based on third-party liability. If your vehicle is involved in an accident, damage to the third party's vehicle and bodily injury sustained by third parties are indemnified under this policy. Damage to your own vehicle and any personal injury you sustain are excluded.

Indemnity limits are set and updated annually by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. In the event of serious losses, these limits may prove insufficient; any amount in excess remains the responsibility of the insured. Complementing the policy with Comprehensive Motor Insurance (Kasko) and Personal Accident Insurance is therefore strongly advisable.

Scope of coverage

Risks covered by the compulsory motor liability policy

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Third-party vehicle damage

The cost of repairing the third party's vehicle damaged by the at-fault insured, up to the indemnity limit.

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Third-party bodily injury

Medical treatment, permanent disability and death benefit payments to third parties injured or killed in the accident.

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Legal liability

The insured's financial liability arising from the third party's legal claims as a result of the accident is secured up to the indemnity limit.

Excluded risks — supplemented by Comprehensive Motor Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance

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Damage to your own vehicle

Damage to your own vehicle is strictly excluded from this policy; this risk is covered by Comprehensive Motor Insurance (Kasko).

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Your own bodily injury

Bodily injury or death sustained by the insured driver is not covered under the compulsory motor liability policy.

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Compensation exceeding the indemnity limit

Any portion of a loss exceeding the specified indemnity limit is borne by the insured.

Indemnity limit risk: In motor accidents, claim payments may exceed the indemnity limit. Without Comprehensive Motor Insurance (Kasko) and Personal Accident Insurance, a serious accident can result in significant out-of-pocket expense.

Excluded circumstances

Note: The following circumstances are excluded from standard policy coverage. Always read the policy special conditions carefully.

  • Property damage to the insured's own vehicle
  • Bodily injury or death of the insured driver
  • Losses arising from driving under the influence of alcohol or without a valid driving licence
  • Use of a vehicle outside its registered licence category
  • Intentional acts of the insured
  • Compensation amounts exceeding the indemnity limit

Who is it for?

  • All motor vehicle owners: Cars, motorcycles, lorries, minibuses — a legal requirement.
  • Commercial vehicle operators: Indemnity limit selection and additional covers are more critical for commercial vehicles.
  • Vehicle owners who do not wish to take out Comprehensive Motor Insurance: Meets the minimum legal requirement at least; however, your own vehicle remains unprotected.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive without compulsory third-party motor liability insurance?
No. Driving without compulsory insurance is a criminal offence; it carries penalties including traffic fines and the vehicle being prohibited from use on public roads. No vehicle may be operated without a valid policy in force.
What should I do at the scene of an accident?
Stop safely and first check for injuries; call 112 (emergency services) if required. Complete a mutual accident report form or call the police. Notify your insurer via the claims line and take photographs of the scene.
What happens if the third party's losses exceed the indemnity limit?
Any amount in excess of the limit becomes the personal liability of the insured. For this reason, insurers offer policies with higher indemnity limits; as an independent broker we can help you determine the most appropriate limit for your situation.
Is compulsory motor liability insurance required alongside Comprehensive Motor Insurance (Kasko)?
Compulsory third-party motor liability insurance is a legal requirement; Comprehensive Motor Insurance (Kasko) is voluntary. However, where a vehicle is purchased on credit, the bank typically requires Kasko cover as a condition of the loan.
What is required when driving in Türkiye with a foreign-registered vehicle?
Foreign-registered vehicles require either a 'Green Card' (international motor insurance certificate) or a valid third-party liability policy issued in Türkiye.