sõidukindlus

Sõidukindlustus is the Estonian term for vehicle insurance. It is a mandatory type of insurance in Estonia for all registered vehicles. The primary purpose of sõidukindlustus is to protect individuals and their property from financial losses that can arise from traffic accidents.

There are two main types of sõidukindlustus: kohustuslik liikluskindlustus, which translates to compulsory traffic insurance, and vabatahtlik sõidukindlustus, or voluntary vehicle insurance. Compulsory traffic insurance covers damages caused by the insured vehicle to third parties, including bodily injury, death, and property damage. It does not cover damages to the insured vehicle itself.

Voluntary vehicle insurance, often referred to as kasko, provides broader coverage. Kasko policies can include protection against damage to the insured vehicle due to collisions, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events. The specifics of kasko coverage vary significantly between insurance providers and the chosen policy.

In Estonia, a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy is required for a vehicle to be registered and legally driven on public roads. Failure to have this insurance can result in fines and other penalties. Insurance companies assess risk factors such as the driver's age, driving history, the vehicle's type, and its intended use when determining premium rates for both compulsory and voluntary insurance. The Estonian Road Administration (Maanteeamet) oversees aspects of vehicle registration and insurance compliance.