Russian Insurers Warn of Fraud in European Protocol System

In 2025, Russian drivers submitted over 760,000 applications for accident registration via the European Protocol without the participation of the traffic police. According to data from the Russian Union of Auto Insurers (RSA), this instrument was used to register more than 40% of road traffic accidents.

However, the popularity of the tool is growing slowly, and experts disagree on the restraining factor. Some believe that the large number of car owners with comprehensive insurance (Kasko) forces them to wait for inspectors to obtain documents after an accident. Others point to the low level of trust among car owners in the European Protocol in general.

The RSA warns of fraudsters who, using the simplified process without inspectors, organize staged accidents and receive money from insurers.

The European Protocol continues to gain traction among Russian motorists, though at a measured pace. In 2025, the total number of applications submitted for accident registration without traffic police involvement exceeded 760,000.

This method of accident registration is becoming a standard procedure for a significant portion of incidents. Data indicates that more than 40% of all road traffic accidents were officially documented using this simplified system.

Despite these high numbers, the growth rate of adoption remains a subject of analysis within the insurance industry. The tool is designed to streamline the claims process, reducing the administrative burden on both drivers and state authorities.

While the raw numbers show significant usage, industry experts remain divided regarding the factors slowing down the tool's full potential. The Russian Union of Auto Insurers (RSA) has noted that the growth trajectory is not as steep as anticipated.

Two primary theories have emerged regarding this phenomenon:

• Kasko Requirements: A significant portion of vehicle owners possess comprehensive insurance (Kasko). Many of these policies require an official accident report from traffic police inspectors to process claims, forcing drivers to wait for authorities despite the availability of the European Protocol.
• Trust Deficit: There is a noted low level of trust among car owners regarding the European Protocol. Drivers may fear disputes over liability or technical damage assessments without the official oversight of a traffic police officer.

These factors create a complex environment where the convenience of the protocol is weighed against the requirements of insurance policies and personal security concerns.

The simplified nature of the European Protocol, which removes the immediate presence of law enforcement, has unfortunately created opportunities for criminal activity. The RSA has issued specific warnings regarding organized fraud schemes.

Criminals utilize the simplified process to organize staged accidents. These incidents are designed specifically to exploit the insurance system. By manipulating the accident registration process, fraudsters can receive payouts from insurance companies for damages that were either pre-existing or entirely fabricated.

This form of fraud not only impacts the financial stability of insurers but also poses a risk to honest drivers who may fall victim to these staged events. The lack of an immediate police inspection at the scene makes it more difficult to identify these fraudulent claims immediately.

The insurance sector faces a dual challenge: encouraging the use of efficient digital tools while simultaneously combating the exploitation of those tools. The Russian Union of Auto Insurers plays a central role in monitoring these trends and coordinating the industry's response.

To address the slow growth and fraud risks, the industry may need to focus on:

1. Enhancing public trust through educational campaigns about the correct usage of the European Protocol.
2. Working with insurance providers to align Kasko policy requirements with the capabilities of the simplified registration system.
3. Developing better mechanisms to detect and prevent staged accidents.

Ultimately, the balance between convenience and security will determine the future trajectory of accident registration in Russia. While the European Protocol has successfully processed over 760,000 claims, overcoming the current barriers is essential for its long-term success.