Traffic accident in Moldova: Legal and practical steps to obtain compensation

A traffic accident – whether minor or serious – can cause not only material damage but also stress, administrative hurdles, and delays in recovering damages. A prompt and correct reaction is essential to protect your own interests and to receive the compensation you are entitled to by law. In the Republic of Moldova, both the legal framework and the rules of RCA and CASCO car insurance set out clear steps that must be followed after a traffic accident.

Find out everything you need to know about MTPL and comprehensive car insurance on our website – two essential policies for your safety on the road.

Knowing these steps, being mentally and practically prepared, and cooperating with the authorities and insurers are key conditions for obtaining fair compensation. From documenting the accident to closing the damage claim file, each step is important and can directly affect the final outcome.

After the accident occurs, the first priority is the safety of everyone involved. The next crucial step is thoroughly documenting the incident – this forms the foundation of any compensation claim.

1. Stop the vehicle immediately and secure the accident area

Stop the car exactly at the point of impact, switch on the hazard lights, and place the warning triangles at the correct distance. Only after you have fully photographed the scene (vehicle positions, damages, road signs, etc.) can you clear the road, if there are no injuries, to avoid blocking traffic. If you have called 112, wait for the Police to arrive.

2. Check for injured persons

If there are any injuries, call 112 immediately and provide first aid only if you are trained to do so. In this situation, Police involvement is mandatory, and an official report will be drawn up.

3. Fill out the amicable accident report (if applicable)

If the accident caused no injuries and the damage is under the legal threshold (currently up to 15,000 MDL), both drivers agree on the circumstances, and the guilty party admits fault, you can use the amicable accident report form. This replaces Police involvement and has legal value. Each driver keeps a copy.

4. Identify witnesses and note their contact details

If there are any witnesses, ask for their information. Their testimony can be decisive if there are disputes about how the accident happened.

5. Call the Police (if required by the situation)

Notifying and calling the Police is necessary if there are injuries, if one of the parties has no RCA insurance, refuses to fill out an amicable report, or if the damage is significant. The officers will prepare an official report and provide the documents needed to notify the insurer about the claim.

After documenting the accident, the next step is administrative: registering the damage claim with the insurance company. Here’s what you should do:

1. Notify the insurance company of the at-fault driver (for RCA claims) or your own insurer (for CASCO claims). Notification should be done as soon as possible, ideally the same day, but no later than 48 hours after the accident.
2. Complete the claim form, which can usually be submitted online or at the insurer’s office. Include details of the accident, the parties involved, and the insurance policy.
3. Attach all relevant documents: photos, the amicable report or Police report, personal and vehicle documents, and an estimate if the repair has already been assessed.
4. Attend the damage assessment arranged by the insurer. An inspection of the vehicle will be carried out, in the presence of both parties involved, within 5 days.
5. Request confirmation of receipt of your claim, to have proof that you met the deadline and followed the correct procedure.

The insurer is obliged to process the claim and issue a decision on payment within 30 days of receiving a complete claim file, or within 90 days if the file is incomplete. If the amount offered is deemed insufficient, you have the right to appeal the decision – either by filing an official complaint to the company, contacting the National Commission for Financial Markets, or through legal action.

Within the Union of Insurers of Moldova (UNAM), there are member companies that provide both MTPL insurance and voluntary Comprehensive Car Insurance. These products are essential for drivers in the Republic of Moldova, since MTPL protects third parties affected in the event of a road accident, while Comprehensive Car Insurance covers damages to the policyholder’s own vehicle in unforeseen situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Through these policies, drivers and companies with car fleets benefit from financial security and compliance with the legal framework, having access to complete protection tailored to their needs.

UNAM member companies offering MTPL and Comprehensive Car Insurance products:

• General Asigurări
• Acord Group
• Intact Asigurări Generale
• Moldasig
• Moldcargo
• Transelit
• Asterra Group

To avoid having your claim denied or facing unjustified delays, follow a few essential rules:

• Strictly respect the terms of your insurance contract and all legal obligations.
• Do not leave the accident scene until you have the necessary documents. Any delay can raise suspicion or complicate your claim file.
• Cooperate fully with your insurer: respond promptly to requests, provide all required documents, and do not delay the process.
• Check that your policy and vehicle documents are valid – any irregularity can lead to claim refusal or recovery action by the insurer.

In addition, keep copies of all documents and communications with the insurer, so you have evidence in case of a dispute.

An accident is an unexpected situation, but the right steps and prompt actions can turn a difficult moment into an efficient recovery process. Stay informed, react quickly, and document everything carefully – this is the only way to ensure your rights are respected and you receive fair compensation.