Auto Third Party Liability, commonly known as RC Auto, is one of the most important forms of insurance in Italy. Mandatory by law, this insurance represents a form of protection for the driver and for other road users, covering damages involuntarily caused to third parties. Understanding the details of this insurance and choosing the policy that best suits your needs can make a big difference, both in terms of savings and safety.
What is RC Auto insurance and why is it important?
RC Auto insurance, short for Responsabilità Civile Auto, is a mandatory policy for all motor vehicles that travel on Italian roads. It is designed to protect drivers and pedestrians from any damage caused accidentally while driving.
When we talk about “damage to third parties,” we are referring not only to material damage to other vehicles or structures, but also to any physical injuries suffered by the people involved. For example, if you cause an accident in which another driver suffers damage to their car or, worse still, physical injuries, the RC Auto insurance intervenes to cover the costs up to the limits established in the policy. This system ensures the safety and peace of mind of all the people involved.
When choosing a RC Auto policy, it is essential to consider the limits and the deductible, two key elements that can affect both the cost of the insurance and the coverage offered.
The limits represent the maximum amount that the insurance will compensate in the event of an accident; In Italy, the minimum legal limit provides for a maximum of at least 6.07 million euros for personal injury and 1.22 million for property damage. However, it is advisable to evaluate the opportunity of a higher maximum for complete protection in the event of serious accidents.
The deductible, on the other hand, is the sum that remains the responsibility of the insured in the event of an accident. Choosing a policy with a reduced deductible involves a higher premium, while a high deductible lowers the cost of the policy, but increases the financial exposure in the event of an accident. Optimizing the combination of maximum and deductible is therefore essential to obtain adequate and convenient RC Auto coverage.
Which insurance is best to choose?
When choosing car insurance, it is essential to understand the different options available, each with different characteristics and levels of protection. Let's look at the main types together:
- Basic third party liability insurance: It covers only damage to third parties, i.e. material and physical damage caused to other people or vehicles. It is the minimum insurance required by law.
- Third party liability insurance with additional guarantees: It is possible to add additional guarantees to this basic coverage for greater protection. Among the most common are:
- Kasko policy: It also covers damage to your vehicle, regardless of liability in the event of an accident.
- Fire and theft: It protects against the risks of fire and theft of the vehicle, especially useful in areas at risk of these events.
- Roadside assistance: It includes roadside assistance, which can be prove invaluable in the event of breakdowns or emergency situations.
- Driver Injuries: Offers coverage for injuries suffered by the driver, protecting them from the risk of physical injury.
The choice of the most convenient policy depends on several factors, including the age of the vehicle, the area of residence and the use made of the vehicle. For example, if you live in an area with a high risk of theft, it may be appropriate to add theft and fire coverage. For those who use the car frequently or on long journeys, roadside assistance represents an important added value.
A frequently asked question is why driver coverage is not automatically included in the RC Auto.
The answer is that the RC Auto policy only covers damage to third parties and not that suffered by the driver in the event of an accident. To protect yourself against any physical injuries, you can purchase an additional policy for driver accidents, which covers medical expenses, permanent disability and even death.
How much does car insurance cost?
The cost of a car insurance Auto insurance can vary considerably, based on various factors that insurance companies evaluate to establish the insurance premium. The main elements that influence the cost of a policy include:
- Driver's age: Young drivers, often considered riskier, generally pay more than adults.
- Merit class: Determined based on previous accidents. The more accidents you have caused in the past, the higher the merit class and, therefore, the cost.
- Vehicle type and displacement: More powerful or expensive vehicles entail higher insurance premiums.
- Place of residence: Cities with a higher accident rate, such as Naples or Rome, have higher premiums than other locations.
- Maximums and deductibles: Each policy has a maximum limit, i.e. a maximum amount that the company is willing to pay in the event of an accident. The higher the maximums, the higher the premium. Deductibles, on the other hand, represent a portion paid by the insured.
On average, the cost of a third party car insurance policy in Italy can vary from 300 to 1,500 euros per year, based on the parameters listed above and the type of coverage chosen.
Choosing car insurance is not just about price. It is essential to evaluate your needs and preferences to select the policy that offers the best balance between protection and cost. Considering the area of residence, the car model, and the habitual use of the vehicle can help you understand which additional guarantees are best suited to your profile.
Opting for a policy with higher limits, even if it could increase the premium, can be a smart choice to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of serious accidents.
Highway Code art. 193: What happens if you drive without insurance?
In Italy, third party liability for motor vehicles (RC auto) is mandatory for all motor vehicles in circulation, in accordance with current legislation. The obligation is regulated by the Private Insurance Code (Legislative Decree 7 September 2005, no. 209), which requires every vehicle owner to take out a third party liability insurance policy to cover any damage caused to third parties in the event of an accident. The law establishes that every motor vehicle that travels on the road must be covered by third party liability insurance, known as RCA, which is mandatory by law. This type of policy is essential because it guarantees compensation for damage caused to third parties in the event of an accident, thus protecting both the driver and the people involved.
Violation of this obligation entails significant administrative sanctions: those who drive without insurance risk a fine that can vary from approximately 866 to 3,464 euros. In addition to the financial penalty, the vehicle is seized and can only be released after the fine has been paid and a valid insurance policy has been activated. However, there are mitigating circumstances. If the insurance is reactivated within 30 days of expiry and the vehicle has not been used in the meantime, a 50% reduction in the fine is envisaged, making it easier for the owner who finds himself in a situation of temporary difficulty.
If driving without insurance is repeated within a period of 24 months, the legislation becomes even more severe. The fine increases up to double and, in extreme cases, the revocation of the driving licence may also be applied, a deterrent measure to discourage repeat offenders.
The consequences are also serious in the event of an accident. Anyone who drives without insurance is called upon to personally answer for the damage caused, without the coverage of compulsory insurance. In these situations, the Guarantee Fund for Road Victims managed by Consap intervenes, which provides compensation to damaged third parties, but then acts to fully recover the amount from the person responsible for the accident.
The application of sanctions is facilitated by an increasingly advanced control system, devices such as speed cameras, tutors and cameras in limited traffic zones are able to identify uninsured vehicles, allowing the authorities to monitor traffic more effectively and promptly sanction violations. In the event of failure to regularize, the seized vehicle can be confiscated and subsequently demolished, an extreme measure,but necessary to combat a phenomenon that represents a danger to road safety.
These control and sanction measures have been designed to guarantee a high level of safety on Italian roads and to protect all road users.
Car insurance is a fundamental responsibility for anyone who drives in Italy, but it is also a valuable tool for protecting personal safety and finances. Knowing the types of coverage, the factors that influence costs and the possible consequences of driving without insurance is essential for making informed decisions and choosing a policy that reflects your needs.
Having adequate insurance is not only a legal obligation, it is an important step to ensure peace of mind on every trip, knowing that any unforeseen event can be managed without too serious financial consequences.