If you own or drive a Turkish-registered vehicle, traffic insurance (trafik sigortası) is not optional. It’s required by law — without it you cannot legally drive, cannot renew your vehicle registration, and face serious consequences if caught.
What is trafik sigortası?
Traffic insurance (trafik sigortası, formally known as Zorunlu Mali Sorumluluk Sigortası — ZMS) is third-party motor liability insurance. It covers damage and injury you cause to others in an accident.
It does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle. For that, you need kasko (casco) insurance.
What does trafik sigortası cover?
Third-party bodily injury: Medical costs, loss of earnings and compensation for people injured in an accident you cause. Minimum limits are set by government regulation and updated annually.
Third-party property damage: Repair costs for other vehicles and property (walls, barriers, infrastructure) damaged in an accident you cause.
What it doesn’t cover:
- Your own vehicle
- Your own injuries
- Passengers in your vehicle (covered separately by Accident Insurance — ZHS)
Is traffic insurance the same as Green Card?
No. Traffic insurance covers Turkey only. A Green Card (International Motor Insurance Certificate) extends that cover across Europe and participating countries. If you drive your Turkish-plate car abroad, you need your insurer to provide a Green Card endorsement.
How much does trafik sigortası cost?
Premiums are partially regulated by the government (minimum limits are fixed) but competitive on commission. Prices vary by:
- Vehicle type (car, van, truck, motorcycle)
- Engine size (cc)
- Vehicle age
- Your location
- Claims history
Typical annual premiums for a standard passenger car range from ₺5,000 to ₺20,000 in 2026.
What happens if I drive without trafik sigortası?
- Heavy fine (updated annually by regulation)
- Vehicle impounded at police checkpoints
- Cannot renew vehicle registration (muayene)
- Personal liability for all damage in accidents
Can I get traffic insurance as a foreign national?
Yes. You don’t need Turkish citizenship or a residence permit to insure a Turkish-plate vehicle. You need the vehicle’s registration document (ruhsat) and your passport.
