Electric scooter owners in Latvia are now required to have civil liability insurance, known as OCTA. This new regulation has raised questions about its potential impact on other vehicle owners. Jānis Abāšins, the Chairman of the Latvian Motor Insurers’ Bureau, reassured that the introduction of OCTA for electric scooters is unlikely to immediately affect insurance prices for other vehicles. He emphasized that the insurance for electric scooters is linked to a specific Guarantee Fund, similar to traditional vehicles.
Abāšins highlighted that the enforcement of this law will likely be gradual, with efforts to educate owners about the necessity of OCTA through awareness campaigns. Despite concerns, he mentioned that damage claims involving electric scooters are relatively low compared to other vehicles. Additionally, the law mandates that if compensation is paid from the Guarantee Fund due to uninsured scooters, the responsible parties will be pursued for reimbursement.
Starting from July 1st, electric scooter owners in Latvia must obtain OCTA insurance, with estimated annual costs ranging between 24 to 50 euros, similar to mopeds. Prior to the enforcement date, only around 19.7% of privately owned electric scooters had valid insurance. Out of the 27,400 registered electric scooters in the country, roughly 51.6% were insured with OCTA, with a significant portion belonging to legal entities.
The Latvian Insurers Association reported that by June 30th, a considerable number of individual and corporate-owned scooters had purchased the required insurance, indicating a growing compliance rate. LTAB, the overseeing body for OCTA insurance, was established in 1997 to safeguard the interests of third parties affected by road accidents. Initially under the Ministry of Finance, LTAB has been operating independently since 2004.
The implementation of OCTA for electric scooters reflects the evolving landscape of transportation regulations and insurance practices. As technology advances and alternative modes of transport gain popularity, policymakers and insurers must adapt to ensure adequate coverage and protection for all road users. The gradual uptake of OCTA among electric scooter owners signifies a shifting paradigm in insurance compliance and risk management within the mobility sector.
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