Ahmet Yaşar, President of the Turkish Insurance Association (TSB), stated that assessing the insurance sector solely on the basis of policy prices is an incomplete approach, emphasising that the fundamental role of insurance is to protect citizens and businesses against risks.
Recalling that the number of vehicles registered for road use in Turkey has exceeded 34 million, Yaşar stated that approximately 25 million vehicles lack comprehensive insurance cover. Noting that the insurance sector’s aim is not to increase premium revenue but to reduce the protection gap, Yaşar said that claims paid and the cover provided must also be taken into account in assessments.
Yaşar revealed that, as of the end of May 2026, the total amount of compensation paid out for motor and comprehensive insurance had risen by 36 per cent compared to the same period last year, reaching 114.4 billion lira. He noted that, in the first five months of the year, payments had been made for over 505,000 claims under motor insurance and more than 568,000 under comprehensive insurance.
Noting that the average premium amount for motor insurance had risen by 8 per cent to 9,410 lira during the same period, Yaşar stated that this increase remained below the rate of inflation and that there had been a real decline in premiums.
Yaşar stated that the claim circulating in the public sphere regarding “7 million uninsured vehicles” did not fully reflect the reality, explaining that this figure included motorbikes not subject to compulsory motor insurance and vehicles that had not been used for a long time. He noted that when these factors were excluded, the rate of uninsured vehicles under compulsory motor insurance stood at approximately 16 per cent.
Emphasising the importance of reducing the uninsured rate, Yaşar stated that motor insurance is a safeguard system that protects not only vehicle owners but also third parties affected by accidents.
Explaining that insurance premiums are determined based on numerous factors such as the driver’s claims history, age, province of residence, usage pattern and risk profile, Yaşar said that it is technically natural for different premiums to be quoted for the same vehicle.
Noting that receiving different quotes from different companies is a natural result of competition, Yaşar explained that insurance companies operate with different risk assessments and cost structures.
Concluding his statement, Yaşar emphasised that Turkey’s need lies in higher insurance penetration rates, a lower protection gap and a society more resilient to risks, stressing that insurance serves as a vital safeguard mechanism for the sustainability of both the economic and social fabric.
