After a road accident in Russia, the immediate priorities are personal safety, accurate evidence and avoiding steps that could prejudice an insurance claim. This guide explains the general procedure at the scene, when the European Accident Statement may be used, the documents commonly required for OSAGO compulsory motor insurance and situations where an individual legal assessment may be appropriate.
Immediate steps at the scene
Turn on the hazard lights and place the warning triangle with regard to traffic conditions.
If anyone is injured, contact the emergency services and follow their instructions.
Photograph vehicle positions, registration plates, damage, marks, signs, road markings and the wider scene.
Record details of the drivers, vehicles and OSAGO policies, together with witnesses’ contact details.
Do not sign a diagram, accident statement or explanation if it does not reflect the facts. Any disagreement should be recorded in writing. Preserve original photographs and videos together with their dates and available technical metadata.
European Accident Statement or police attendance
| Situation | Usual route | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| No personal injury, two vehicles involved and both drivers’ liability is insured | The European Accident Statement procedure may be available | Eligibility, any disagreement and the method of photographic recording |
| Personal injury or damage to third-party property or road infrastructure | Contact the emergency services and follow police instructions | Medical records, witnesses and complete evidence of the scene |
| The drivers dispute the circumstances or documents appear unreliable | Obtaining police instructions is generally safer than confirming disputed facts | Written objections, recordings, witnesses and vehicle information |
An electronic accident statement can be prepared through the official government or insurer applications. Eligibility and the applicable insurance limit depend on the recording method and whether the drivers disagree. Check the Bank of Russia’s current guidance before completing the procedure.
Evidence to preserve
- photographs and video taken before the vehicles are moved, where it is safe to do so;
- close views of damage and wide views showing the relative position of the vehicles;
- details of the other driver, vehicle owner and OSAGO policy;
- the accident statement, diagram, police documents and electronic filing reference;
- witness details and information about available dashcam or CCTV recordings;
- medical records where personal injury has occurred;
- correspondence with the insurer, applications, inventories of documents and proof of delivery.
Making an OSAGO claim
Under the direct compensation procedure, an injured party claims against their own insurer where the statutory conditions are met. In other circumstances, the claim may need to be made against the at-fault driver’s insurer or, in specific cases, the Russian Association of Motor Insurers. The proper recipient depends on the vehicles involved, the nature of the damage and the status of the policies.
The Bank of Russia advises against delaying notification and states that an electronic OSAGO claim following an electronically recorded accident should preferably be submitted within five business days. Provide the documents required by the insurance rules and make the vehicle available for inspection. Retain evidence of every submission.
When legal assistance may be useful
The diagram, statements, recordings and administrative case materials need to be compared.
The calculation, reasons and mandatory pre-court procedure should be reviewed.
Medical records, expenses and causation must be documented.
The responsible parties and possible recovery routes must be identified.
A lawyer may review the file, identify the correct recipient of a claim, prepare a written demand or regulatory submission, assess whether an independent technical examination is appropriate and represent the client in court. Neither the outcome nor the amount recovered can be guaranteed in advance; both depend on the evidence and facts established.
Frequently asked questions
May the vehicles be moved from the carriageway?
Before moving them, record their position and all objects connected with the accident. The next step depends on whether anyone is injured and on police instructions.
Is an independent assessment always required immediately?
No. The insurer should first be notified and given the opportunity to carry out the inspection required by law. An independent technical assessment may be useful in a dispute, but its timing should be decided after the documents have been reviewed.
What if I disagree with the insurer’s decision?
Obtain the decision and calculation, submit a reasoned complaint or demand and check whether an application to the Financial Ombudsman is required before court proceedings. The correct sequence depends on the claim and the parties.
Can loss above the OSAGO compensation be recovered?
In some circumstances, a further claim may be made against the person responsible. Its basis and amount are determined after accounting for the insurance compensation, the type of damage and proven losses.
Official sources and related guidance
- Bank of Russia: OSAGO questions and answers;
- Bank of Russia: European Accident Statement guidance;
- Supreme Court Plenum Resolution No. 31 on OSAGO;
- Road accident legal services in Moscow (Russian);
- Recovering accident-related loss (Russian).
Updated on 30 July 2026. This material provides general information and does not replace an assessment of the documents in a particular accident.
Do you need the accident documents reviewed?
At a paid initial consultation, we can review the file, the insurer’s decision and the possible next steps.
Book a paid consultation →